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.