The OpportunityLab Alley is powering the mission of problem-solvers and innovators by delivering essential, high-quality chemicals on-budget, on-time, every time. As we continue our rapid growth as one of Inc. 5000's fastest-growing private companies, our Inbound Freight Specialist will play a critical role in our operations machine. This role is essential for ensuring our inventory arrives safely, accurately, and on schedule, directly supporting our commitment to providing the easiest online ordering experience and the fastest delivery possible for our customers. If you thrive in a fast-paced, process-driven warehouse environment and have a strong work ethic, we encourage you to apply!
Essential ResponsibilitiesThe Inbound Freight Specialist will be responsible for managing the flow of goods from our suppliers into our facility, ensuring seamless integration with our inventory and production teams.
- Receiving & Inspection: Safely and accurately receive inbound freight, including LTL, FTL, and parcel shipments.
- Documentation & Verification: Verify all incoming shipments against purchase orders, bills of lading (BOLs), packing slips, and invoices for accuracy in quantity, product type, and condition.
- Quality & Safety: Conduct initial quality checks on packaging integrity and compliance with safety standards before materials are moved into storage or production queues. Immediately flag and document any damaged, incomplete, or non-conforming shipments.
- System Entry: Accurately record all receiving data into the inventory management system (Finale) in a timely manner.
- Coordination: Communicate proactively & effectively with Procurement, Logistics, and Warehouse teams regarding inbound schedules, delays, and discrepancies.
- Put-Away & Staging: Coordinate the efficient staging and put-away of received materials to their designated warehouse locations to support production and fulfillment needs.
- Compliance: Adhere strictly to all company safety protocols, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and handling procedures for materials, especially as they relate to chemical storage guidelines.
- Housekeeping: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe receiving dock and staging area through daily housekeeping tasks.
- Continuous Improvement: Actively seek opportunities to streamline the receiving process and reduce lead times.
- Assists with inbound scheduling and quoting
- Assists with Warehouse Organization
- Other duties as assigned
- Shipment Lifecycle & Scheduling: Request and wait on shipment details, verify accuracy, schedule carrier pickups, issue Bills of Lading (BOLs) to suppliers, and update status in Finale.
- Carrier & FTL Execution: Manage detailed coordination via carrier portals/TMS; handle multi-PO shipments as well as heavy and light loads, ensuring full accuracy for BOLs and hazmat documentation.
- Communication & Tracking: Maintain active communication with carriers and suppliers, providing continuous updates to tracking details, system records, and internal team members.
- Forklift & Equipment Operation: Safely operate forklifts and warehouse equipment for offloading, staging, and moving inbound inventory efficiently.
Qualifications & ExpertiseRequired:- Proven experience (1+ years) in a warehouse, logistics, or materials handling role, specifically involving freight receiving.
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
- Proficiency with basic computer applications (e.g. Google Workspace) and experience using a Finale Inventory Management System or similar inventory software.
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities to manage multiple inbound shipments simultaneously.
- Must be able to lift and move boxes/materials frequently, up to 50 pounds.
- Willingness and ability to comply with all regulatory safety and environmental requirements.
- Must be able to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced warehouse setting.
Nice to Have (but not required):- Experience handling or processing chemicals or hazardous materials.
- Forklift certification or experience operating warehouse equipment.
- Familiarity with logistics terminology (LTL, FTL, BOLs, Freight Class).
Physical Requirements- Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.
- Frequently perform tasks requiring climbing, bending, crouching, and reaching.
- Must wear required PPE, including safety glasses and steel-toed work shoes.
About Us:
Lab Alley is on a mission to make buying essential, natural, and high-purity chemicals effortless. Often called the "Amazon for Chemicals," our digital-first platform lets you order online in minutes with transparent pricing, real-time inventory, and instant compliance access-all backed by 99.5% on-time delivery and 98.9% inventory accuracy. Free from quote delays, salespeople, or fulfillment guesswork, our platform is built around how you want to work-so you can stop chasing suppliers and focus on running your business.
Lab Alley is a founder-led essential chemical e-commerce company based in Austin, Texas.
Our workplace culture:
Our core values are an integral part of our success defining who we are.
We bring our core values to life in everything we do at Lab Alley. Therefore, every hire is aligned with our core values:
CARE:
We care about people and take pride in our work.
COMMITMENT:
We believe success is characterized by our commitment to continuous improvement.
GENUINE:
We believe in being real, authentic, and direct with those around us.
GROWTH:
Lab Alley encourages continual learning and leads with curiosity.