Stockroom Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

We are seeking a Stockroom Associate to support a fast-paced manufacturing operation in Richmond, CA. This position plays a critical role in keeping materials flowing to assembly cells so operators can remain focused on production rather than stopping to locate parts.

Known on many production floors as a “water spider”—from the lean manufacturing term for a role that continuously services the production line—the Stockroom Associate manages point-of-use inventory, replenishes bins and kits ahead of need, and continuously moves material between the stockroom and production floor.

This is a fast-moving, high-visibility position for someone who is proactive, physically active, detail-oriented, and able to anticipate what the production line needs before a shortage becomes a problem.

The Stockroom Associate reports to the Warehouse/Logistics Coordinator and works closely with Assembly Technicians, the Buyer/Expediter, and Process Engineering to keep assembly cells continuously supplied.

Key Responsibilities

Line Replenishment

• Continuously monitor point-of-use inventory, including bins, kits, reels, and sub-assemblies, at each assembly station and replenish materials before stock runs out.
• Run a defined replenishment route, or “water spider” circuit, between the stockroom and assembly cells on a regular cadence throughout the shift.
• Respond immediately to line calls for material, kitting needs, or shortages, treating line stoppages as the highest priority.
• Pull and deliver kitted components for upcoming Work Orders so operators have the materials they need staged and ready.

Kitting & Stockroom Support

• Kit components and sub-assemblies according to Bills of Materials (BOMs) ahead of scheduled production runs.
• Pull materials from the stockroom in coordination with the Warehouse/Logistics Coordinator and confirm the accuracy of quantities and part numbers before delivering materials to the production line.
• Return unused or excess materials to the stockroom promptly and accurately at the end of a production run.
• Systematically transfer materials from the stockroom to designated backflush locations on the production floor, ensuring quantities and part numbers align with what the system expects to relieve from inventory upon Work Order completion.
• Maintain organized and clearly labeled point-of-use storage locations, including bins, racks, and kanban cards, at each station.

Inventory Accuracy & Visual Management

• Monitor kanban signals, min/max levels, and other visual cues at each station and trigger replenishment or reorder signals to the Buyer/Expediter or Warehouse/Logistics Coordinator as needed.
• Immediately flag material shortages, damaged components, or discrepancies so they can be resolved before they stop the production line.
• Participate in cycle counts for line-side and stockroom inventory.
• Keep point-of-use inventory records and labeling current and accurate.

Housekeeping & Safety

• Maintain clean, organized, and safe pathways and storage areas throughout the stockroom and production floor in accordance with 5S principles .
• Safely operate carts, hand trucks, and other material-handling equipment used for replenishment.
• Follow all facility safety protocols, including requirements specific to material handling and automated production areas.

Required Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or stockroom support role.
• Ability to work at a fast pace and prioritize responsibilities on the fly while responding to production-line needs in real time.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to verify part numbers and quantities quickly and accurately.
• Ability to remain on your feet and moving throughout the shift.
• Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 35 lbs.
• Basic comfort working with inventory systems or willingness to learn systems such as Odoo or similar platforms .
• Reliable, proactive, and a strong communicator who is comfortable flagging issues before they become production-line stoppages.
• Comfortable working in a startup/greenfield manufacturing environment where processes are being built rather than inherited.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a lean or cell-based manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with kanban or visual management systems .
• Experience in electronics, lighting, or similar light-industrial manufacturing.
• Experience operating a pallet jack, hand truck, or similar material-handling equipment.
• Familiarity with kitting and BOM-based material pulls.
• Familiarity with backflush inventory processes , where component consumption is relieved automatically upon Work Order completion.

What Success Looks Like – First 90 Days

Success in this position means:

• Assembly cells do not stop due to lack of material because replenishment consistently occurs before stock runs out.
• The replenishment circuit operates on a predictable and reliable cadence throughout the shift.
• Kits for upcoming Work Orders are staged accurately and on time.
• Material shortages, discrepancies, and damaged components are flagged immediately rather than discovered after the fact.
• Point-of-use storage locations remain clean, organized, and clearly labeled.
• The Warehouse/Logistics Coordinator has confidence that the production line is covered without having to continually check in.