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Materials Associate Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Materials Associate information

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How much do materials associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials associate in Tennessee is $19.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $22.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is material management a good job?

Material management is a vital role that involves overseeing inventory, procurement, and logistics to ensure efficient operations. It requires organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with inventory management software. The job can offer stable employment and opportunities for advancement in manufacturing, warehousing, or supply chain environments.

What is a materials associate?

Materials Associates are professionals responsible for handling, organizing, and tracking materials and inventory within a warehouse, manufacturing, or distribution environment. Their duties often include receiving shipments, inspecting materials for quality, maintaining inventory records, and ensuring materials are delivered to the appropriate departments. They play a key role in inventory management and help ensure smooth production or distribution operations. Attention to detail, organization, and familiarity with inventory software are important skills for this role.

How does a materials associate typically collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth operations?

Materials Associates play a key role in liaising between inventory control, procurement, and production teams. They work closely with purchasing to confirm material availability and communicate with production supervisors to prioritize urgent needs or resolve shortages. Effective communication and coordination are essential, as Materials Associates often participate in daily meetings, update inventory systems, and help troubleshoot discrepancies. This collaborative approach ensures materials flow efficiently throughout the supply chain, minimizing delays and supporting overall operational goals.

What is the difference between Materials Associate vs Warehouse Worker?

AspectMaterials AssociateWarehouse Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, forklift certification often preferredHigh school diploma, forklift certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndoor manufacturing or distribution centers, controlled environmentIndoor and outdoor warehouse settings, variable conditions
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, logistics, distribution companiesWarehousing, logistics, retail distribution
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The main difference between a Materials Associate and a Warehouse Worker lies in their specific roles. Materials Associates typically focus on managing inventory, labeling, and organizing materials within a facility, often working closely with production lines. Warehouse Workers have a broader scope, including shipping, receiving, and physically moving goods. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but Materials Associates usually have more specialized responsibilities related to materials management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a materials associate?

To thrive as a Materials Associate, you need a strong understanding of inventory management, supply chain processes, and basic logistics, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS), enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, and barcode scanning tools is typically required. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring accurate inventory control, efficient material flow, and smooth operations within a warehouse or manufacturing environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Materials jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Materials jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Materials Associate jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Materials Associate job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Materials Associate jobs in TN? For Materials Associate jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Materials Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Associate job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,562 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Retail Donor Specialist - Materials Handler Associate

Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee

Lebanon, TN • On-site

$15.50 - $17.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago

Goodwill Industries Of Middle Tennessee rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

407th of 771 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Job Location

Lebanon

Job Summary:

The Retail Donor Specialist - Materials Handler Associate supports Goodwill's donated goods operations by delivering an exceptional donor experience while safely receiving, handling, and moving donated merchandise through backroom operations, including the Donation Express Center (DEC). This role is responsible for donor engagement, material handling, trailer loading, and maintaining efficient workflow to support production and store replenishment.
Under the direction of the store leadership, this role balances donor service, safety, productivity, and accuracy in a fast paced, high-volume environment. The Retail Donor Specialist - Materials Handler Associate operates in alignment with Goodwill's mission of Changing Lives through Education, Training, and Employment and upholds the values of Teamwork, Respect, Uprightness, and Empowerment.

Job Description

Essential Functions

Donor Experience
  • Consistently deliver the GREAT donor experience by Greeting donors promptly, offering donation Receipts accurately, providing Excellent Service, Assisting donors as needed, and Thanking donors sincerely for their support.
  • Greet donors professionally and courteously, creating a welcoming and positive first impression at the donation site.
  • Receive donated goods in accordance with established donation acceptance, safety, and operational guidelines.
  • Provide basic donor information as needed, including donation procedures and Goodwill's mission impact.
  • Assist donors with unloading, directions, or questions to ensure a safe, efficient, and positive donation experience.
  • Manage donor flow to maintain safety, efficiency, and a customerfriendly environment during peak donation periods.
Material Handler & Backroom Operations
  • Support efficient donated goods operations through safe, accurate handling and movement of donated merchandise within backroom operations and donation areas.
  • Maintain consistent material flow to support processing, production, and store replenishment needs in a highvolume environment.
  • Load, unload, and stage donated goods, including trailers and trucks, in accordance with safety and operational standards.
  • Operate material handling equipment, including forklifts and pallet jacks, as trained and authorized.
  • Ensure backroom, staging, equipment, and trailer areas are organized, clean, and operationally ready to support daily workflow.
  • Perform routine housekeeping to maintain a safe, orderly, and efficient work environment, including keeping work areas free of hazards.
  • Follow all safety guidelines, housekeeping standards, lifting practices, and operational procedures to support a safe and productive workplace.
Safety & Operational Standards
  • Perform all duties in accordance with Goodwill's safety policies, procedures, and operational standards.
  • Use proper lifting techniques and safe work practices to prevent injury and protect donors, team members, and donated goods.
  • Maintain awareness of surroundings and report safety hazards, equipment concerns, or operational issues promptly to leadership.
  • Support a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement within backroom operations.
Schedule & Flexibility
  • Maintain a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support donor experience, backroom operations, and overall store performance.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Skills

Education

  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.

Experience

  • Previous experience in retail, donation intake, production, warehouse, or customerfacing roles preferred, but not required.

Knowledge and Skills

  • Ability to balance positive donor interactions with operational and backroom responsibilities throughout the workday.
  • Ability to follow established operational standards, workflows, and safety procedures consistently.
  • Ability to work safely and accurately in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and move donated goods as required.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Education / Experience / Knowledge & Skills / Certifications & License

  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Experience in fast-paced, high-volume, quota/production or warehouse environments with strong service, productivity, accuracy, and quality expectations preferred.
  • Experience supporting donors/customers in a community-facing role while performing donation processing, material handling, or backroom operations preferred.
  • Prior nonprofit or mission-based retail experience is a plus.
  • Bilingual language skills preferred.

What Goodwill Industries Of Middle Tennessee employees say

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