Distribution Allocation Clerk

Lifetime Brands, Inc.; Hagerstown (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Lifetime Brands, Inc. is seeking a Distribution Order Allocation Clerk to match available warehouse inventory with open customer orders, ensuring accurate, timely distribution.

You will leverage WMS and ERP systems to allocate stock, prioritize urgent shipments, and release optimized picking waves on the warehouse floor. The role requires strong Excel skills, experience with WMS/ERP, and attention to detail to manage SKUs, lot numbers, expiration dates, and routing guidelines, while

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree is a plus.
• 1–2 years in warehouse, distribution, or logistics, dealing with order processing or inventory control.
• Experience with WMS/ERP systems and Excel is required.

Responsibilities

• Allocate inventory to open orders based on priority and delivery dates.
• Plan and release fulfillment waves to maximize picker productivity.
• Identify and resolve inventory shortfalls and discrepancies.
• Monitor high-priority accounts, expedited shipments, and backorders.
• Coordinate with Customer Service and Warehouse Supervisors on delays and constraints.
• Maintain data integrity in WMS/ERP order statuses and locations.

Skills

WMS experience

Excel proficiency

Manhattan WMS

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Associate's degree (Supply Chain/Logistics)

Tools

WMS

ERP software

Job description

Job Summary

The Distribution Order Allocation Clerk is responsible for matching available warehouse inventory against open customer orders to ensure accurate, timely, and efficient product distribution. This role acts as a critical link between customer service, inventory control, and the physical warehouse floor. By utilizing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, you will strategically assign (allocate) inventory, prioritize urgent shipments, resolve stock discrepancies, and release optimized picking waves to the warehouse processing team.

Core Responsibilities

• Order Allocation: Analyze open sales orders and systematically allocate available inventory based on customer priority, delivery dates, shipping methods, and product availability.

• Wave Planning & Release: Group allocated orders into efficient fulfillment waves or batches, releasing them to the warehouse floor to maximize picker productivity.

• Inventory Problem Solving: Identify and resolve inventory shortfalls, allocation errors, or trapped inventory by collaborating closely with the Inventory Control team.

• Order Monitoring & Prioritization: Track high-priority accounts, expedited shipments and backorders to ensure strict adherence to customer Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

• Cross-Functional Communication: Coordinate daily with Customer Service regarding order delays, Shortages, or substitutions, and with Warehouse Supervisors regarding daily volume and picking constraints.

• System Maintenance: Maintain data integrity within the WMS/ERP systems, ensuring order statuses, inventory locations, and allocation rules are accurate.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Technical Proficiency: Hands‑on experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) alongside strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

• Experience with Manhattan Scale WMS is a plus.

• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze large sets of data, identify inventory discrepancies, and make logical sequencing decisions under tight deadlines.

• Attention to Detail: Extreme precision when managing SKU numbers, lot numbers, expiration dates, and complex customer routing guidelines.

• Problem Solving: A proven track record of troubleshooting systematic errors and finding creative ways to fulfill orders despite stock limitations.

• Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills to effectively bridge the gap between office staff and floor personnel.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an Associate’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or Business is a plus.

• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a warehouse, distribution, or logistics environment, specifically dealing with order processing or inventory control.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Primarily an office or workstation‑based role located within a fast‑paced, high‑volume distribution center environment.

• Must be comfortable sitting or standing at a computer terminal for extended periods.

• Occasional walking onto the warehouse floor may be required.