Position Overview
The Shipper/Packer Lead is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day packaging and shipping workflows at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy (CMOP) in Ladson, SC. This leadership role coordinates team activities, trains new staff, monitors performance, and ensures that all prescription medications are accurately packaged and shipped to veteran patients in compliance with all applicable regulations and facility standards. The Shipper/Packer Lead serves as the primary operational resource for the packaging and shipping team and works closely with facility management to maintain throughput, quality, and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Coordination
- Oversee the daily operational activities of the packaging and shipping team within the assigned shift
- Coordinate team assignments, workstation coverage, and workflow priorities to ensure efficient and accurate production throughput
- Orient, train, and mentor new Shipper/Packer staff on CMOP packaging protocols, equipment operation, and compliance requirements
- Monitor team performance against production standards and provide real-time coaching and feedback
- Assist management with performance monitoring, evaluation input, and documentation of employee performance concerns
- Serve as the primary point of escalation for operational issues within the packaging and shipping team
Packaging & Shipping Operations
- Select appropriate shipping containers and packing materials based on prescription contents, quantity, and handling requirements
- Accurately pack, seal, and label prescription medication packages for distribution to veteran patients
- Insert required documentation, patient information inserts, and auxiliary materials into outgoing packages
- Verify package accuracy and completeness prior to sealing and labeling
- Apply shipping labels and ensure correct address and routing information on all outgoing packages
- Troubleshoot automated packaging equipment and conveyor system issues, escalating maintenance needs as appropriate
- Operate scanning devices and barcode readers to track and verify prescription packages
- Sort and stage completed packages for carrier pickup and distribution
Inventory Management
- Monitor packaging supply levels including boxes, packing materials, tape, inserts, and labels
- Coordinate restocking of packaging supplies at workstations to maintain uninterrupted production flow
- Assist with receiving, organizing, and storing incoming supply shipments
- Maintain accurate inventory records and communicate supply needs to management in a timely manner
Compliance & Safety
- Handle hazardous materials in compliance with applicable OSHA regulations and facility safety protocols
- Enforce adherence to all CMOP Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for packaging and shipping activities across the team
- Maintain strict HIPAA compliance and protect veteran patient information throughout all packaging and distribution activities
- Ensure the work area is maintained in a clean, organized, and safe condition at all times
- Support facility audits, inspections, and compliance reviews as required
Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Prior managerial or team-lead experience in a packaging, warehouse, production, or related operational environment
- Experience with administrative duties and records management relevant to shipping and packaging operations
- Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
- Ability to follow and enforce detailed written and verbal instructions accurately
Preferred
- Prior experience in a mail order pharmacy, pharmaceutical distribution, or federal facility environment
- Familiarity with automated packaging or conveyor systems and basic troubleshooting
- Experience working in a VA, DoD, or government-contracted facility
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
- Ability to push and pull carts or equipment weighing up to 150 pounds
- Ability to stand and remain on feet for 8 to 10 hours per shift
- Ability to perform repetitive hand, arm, and body motions associated with packaging and shipping tasks
- Ability to work flexible shifts as required by operational needs