Warehouse Associate

Newport News, Virginia, United States | Warehouse | Full-time

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Company Description 

Mercana is one of North America’s leading home furnishings wholesalers, with interior designers and retail partners around the globe. As a “design-first” company, we produce unique pieces for the home each season, including wall art, furniture, lighting, and home decor accessories. 

We are seeking a hardworking and positive individual to join our Warehouse Team. This team plays a crucial role in managing the inventory and movement of our products. The successful candidate will be a well-organized team player who prioritizes safety while pursuing quality work. Above all, they have a positive attitude and contribute to our respectful work environment. 

Position Summary 

Hourly position starting at $18.00 plus Benefits

The Warehouse Associate is central to the execution of Mercana's distribution and warehousing operations, working across outbound (picking, packing, loading), inbound (receiving, put-away), and general functions (returns, inventory, and sample management). 

A dedicated part of the role is sample management — picking, assembling, packing, and tracking samples and stock items for product reviews, photoshoots, and visual merchandising — coordinated closely with the Design and Merchandising teams. 

The focus is timely, efficient, and error-free completion of assigned work that meets and helps exceed individual, department, and warehouse performance metrics. This is a foundational hourly role; Associates grow in responsibility and level (O1 to O2) by mastering all warehouse functions over time. 

Key Responsibilities 

Outbound — Picking & Packing 

  • Gather items from bins and palletized locations and pack orders for shipment in a timely manner. 

  • Conduct quality-control checks to ensure order accuracy and product integrity. 

  • Use RF scanners and the warehouse management system (WMS) to track inventory and manage orders; create shipping documents and labels. 

  • Communicate with internal stakeholders when orders are ready to ship. 

Outbound — Loading 

  • Load palletized orders into delivery vessels for safe transport. 

  • Ensure orders are properly wrapped, supported, labelled, and documented to minimize transit damage. 

Inbound — Receiving & Put-Away 

  • Stock and organize inventory within the distribution center. 

  • Confirm product received against the BOL and inventory systems; inspect for damage and report discrepancies. 

  • Assign warehouse locations for received items and document accurately in the inventory management system. 

Returns Processing 

  • Physically return cancelled and returned items to the correct bins or locations. 

  • Receive returned goods in the inventory system and move them to Quality Control; use RF scanners to bring product back into inventory and assign bins/pallets. 

  • Ensure timely, accurate daily processing of returns on Mercana's eCommerce platform, including put-away and reshipment; implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. 

Inventory Counting & Control 

  • Participate in regular audits and cycle counts; identify and address discrepancies and maintain accurate records. 

  • Communicate inventory movements and ensure prompt system adjustments to reflect accurate levels. 

  • Barcode any items missing barcodes to ensure accurate tracking and identification. 

Sample Management 

  • Pick samples and stock items accurately and on time for product reviews and photoshoots. 

  • Unbox and assemble samples and stock items to provided guidelines and standards, taking care to avoid damage. 

  • Pack and label items for return or storage; ensure physical disposition of all samples — returning to the warehouse or to sales locations. 

  • Move large furniture items safely and coordinate sample inventory movements with the Warehouse lead and Design / Merchandising teams. 

General Warehouse Duties & Safety 

  • Follow safety protocols during heavy lifting and loading/unloading; operate mechanical assists (forklift, pallet jack, raised platforms) and work safely at heights. 

  • Maintain clean workspaces, work collaboratively, and participate in process- and procedure-improvement projects. 

  • During downtime, support other warehouse activities (picking, packing, put-away, container unloading) as directed; additional duties may be assigned

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent; positive, reliable attitude. 

  • Experience in warehouse operations and picking/packing; sample handling and product assembly an asset. 

  • Basic computer acumen; familiarity with RF scanners, WMS, and barcode / inventory management systems. 

  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational and multitasking skills; able to follow assembly guidelines. 

  • Physically fit for repetitive bending, twisting, reaching, and lifting; able to handle furniture up to 300 lbs with support equipment. 

  • Comfortable working at heights up to 30 ft on secure safety equipment. 

  • Fluent in English (oral and written). Reliable transportation an asset. Steel-toed safety shoes required; additional PPE provided.