Senior Warehouse Specialist

Position Scope

The Senior Warehouse Specialist plays a crucial lead role in managing complex warehouse operations, including domestic and international shipments, inventory control, and interdepartmental coordination. This position ensures end-to-end supply chain execution with internal and external stakeholders while promoting accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement. It involves direct communication and coordination with Anika customers and 3PL providers. The Senior Specialist will act as a subject matter expert in SAP inventory management and lead efforts to optimize space, process flow, and service levels following lean and Six Sigma principles.

• Coordinate and execute domestic and international shipments, including documentation, customs clearance, Incoterms, and carrier selection.
• Engages with customers directly and coordinates effectively, demonstrating professionalism and clarity as a representative of Anika’s core values and image.
• Collaborate with Customer Service to align shipping schedules and ensure on-time customer delivery.
• Arrange transportation with freight carriers and 3PLs, monitoring performance and ensuring cost-effectiveness.

• Receive and process customer returns; route items to Quality and Inspection teams.
• Collaborate with Quality, Sales, and Marketing to determine disposition (restock, scrap, or sample).
• Manage logistics and documentation for marketing sample distribution.

• Lead and execute cycle counts/year end and month-end inventory reconciliations to ensure high inventory accuracy.
• Monitor and maintain real-time inventory visibility in SAP, including inter-site transfers, lot control, and stock status.
• Balance inventory levels between on-site and off-site (3PL) warehouses, initiating replenishment as needed.
• Excel data management to log and track daily metrics.

• Support daily material flow for manufacturing and packaging teams, prioritizing internal customer service.
• Coordinate incoming raw material deliveries, labeling, and indirect material requests to end users.
• Ship and receive materials to/from off-site sterilizers ensuring chain of custody and documentation accuracy.

• Optimize warehouse layout and racking capacity using 5S and lean warehousing practices.
• Identify improvement opportunities and implement process enhancements in alignment with Six Sigma methodology.
• Support training of new warehouse staff and contribute to SOP and work instruction development.

• Act as an advanced SAP user, capable of handling complex transactions and resolving inventory discrepancies.
• Ensure all warehouse and distribution activities are performed in compliance with QSR, cGMP, and internal SOPs.

This role involves managing a high degree of operational complexity, including multiple concurrent shipments, return flows, and interdepartmental requests. The Senior Warehouse Specialist must exercise sound judgment, autonomy, and decision-making in a fast‑paced environment. Leadership in continuous improvement, process ownership, and cross‑functional alignment is critical.

While this position has no direct reports, it involves informal leadership of warehouse operations and support in training and mentoring peers.

• High School Diploma or GED required;
  Associate or Bachelor’s degree in logistics or related field preferred.
• 3 years of experience in warehousing, logistics, or inventory control in a manufacturing or life sciences environment.
• Demonstrated expertise with SAP or equivalent ERP system (SAP required).
• Experience with freight coordination, international shipments, and customs documentation.
• Knowledge of warehouse equipment, including forklifts and pallet jacks.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

• Ability to communicate professionally and clearly with customers and key stakeholders.
• Advanced SAP user—deep familiarity with inventory modules, goods movement, and reporting.
• Strong understanding of global shipping logistics,…