Hat Steaming & Product Preparation Clerk

This is a detail-oriented role requiring an organized and customer-focused Hat Steaming & Product Preparation Clerk to coordinate client orders, maintain accurate inventory and production records, and provide high-quality communication and administrative support for our specialized hat preparation operation.

This position serves as an important point of contact for client Customer Service teams, responding to emails, monitoring orders, providing timely status updates, and ensuring client requests and concerns are addressed accurately and professionally.

The Clerk will work closely with warehouse associates, supervisors, and internal stakeholders to coordinate order processing, track production activity, resolve discrepancies, and support the timely completion of client orders.

While the primary focus of this position is administrative and client coordination, the Clerk will also be trained to perform hands-on hat steaming, blocking, shaping, and product preparation when production volumes or operational needs require additional support.

The ideal candidate has strong organizational and communication skills, takes pride in accuracy and client service, and is comfortable working in a fast-paced warehouse environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Communication and Customer Service
• Serve as a primary point of contact for designated client Customer Service teams regarding order status, product preparation, and related operational inquiries.
• Monitor and respond to client emails promptly, professionally, and accurately.
• Provide clear, consistent, and high-quality written communication that reflects Bergen's customer service standards.
• Research client inquiries by checking order status, inventory records, and production activity before providing responses.
• Follow up on outstanding orders, pending requests, and unresolved issues to ensure timely resolution.
• Proactively communicate order delays, discrepancies, quality concerns, and other issues that may affect client expectations.
• Coordinate with warehouse supervisors, associates, and internal Customer Service Managers to obtain accurate information and resolve client concerns.
• Maintain organized records of client communications, requests, follow-up actions, and resolutions.
• Escalate complex client concerns or operational issues to the appropriate supervisor or Customer Service Manager.
• Demonstrate professionalism, responsiveness, accuracy, and accountability in all client interactions.
• Order Management and Administrative Responsibilities
• Receive, review, and process customer orders and product preparation instructions, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Verify item quantities, product codes, SKUs, labels, and special handling instructions before processing merchandise.
• Monitor open orders and track their progress through receiving, steaming, blocking, inspection, and packaging.
• Check on order status regularly and coordinate with warehouse personnel to ensure production priorities and client commitments are met.
• Maintain accurate records of product receipts, preparation status, completed quantities, and inventory movement.
• Utilize Bergen's Warehouse Management System (CloudX) to record transactions, retrieve order information, and maintain inventory accuracy.
• Use Microsoft Excel and other applicable systems to track production activity, orders, quantities, discrepancies, and completion status.
• Identify, investigate, document, and report inventory shortages, quantity discrepancies, damaged merchandise, or incorrect product information.
• Assist in monitoring inventory levels of packaging materials, labels, boxes, and other supplies required for product preparation.
• Ensure all order documentation and system records accurately reflect merchandise handled and processed.
• Prepare routine reports and updates for supervisors, Customer Service Managers, and other internal stakeholders.
• Warehouse Coordination and Quality Control
• Coordinate daily priorities with warehouse supervisors and associates to support timely order completion.
• Communicate client requirements and special instructions clearly to production personnel.
• Monitor order progress and follow up with the appropriate team members when additional information or action is required.
• Verify that completed orders meet client specifications, quality standards, and packaging requirements.
• Conduct or assist with product inspections to identify damage, discoloration, incorrect shaping, labeling errors, or other defects.
• Report quality concerns, production delays, or workflow issues promptly.
• Maintain organized work areas and support accurate movement and tracking of merchandise.
• Hat Steaming, Blocking, and Product Preparation Support
• As production volumes and business needs dictate, the Clerk will assist with hands-on product preparation activities, including:
• Steam hats using approved equipment and methods to remove creases, restore shape, and improve product appearance.
• Block, shape, and adjust hat crowns and brims by hand or with designated forms, following client specifications.
• Apply controlled hand pressure when handling delicate straw materials to avoid crushing or deforming products.
• Allow hats to dry and set properly before further handling or packaging.
• Inspect merchandise for damage, discoloration, uneven shaping, loose stitching, and other visible defects.
• Perform finishing tasks, including removing loose threads, checking tags, and adjusting hat bands or decorative trim.
• Sort, count, label, and package finished products according to client instructions.
• Safely operate handheld steaming equipment and other approved finishing tools.
• Support daily production and quality expectations while maintaining product accuracy and presentation standards.
• Participate in cross-training and perform other warehouse-related responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Required Qualifications
• One to two years of related warehouse, inventory, receiving, clerical, or customer service experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, accurate, and professional client emails.
• Ability to manage multiple client inquiries, monitor outstanding requests, and follow through to resolution.
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to use warehouse management systems to enter, retrieve, and maintain accurate information.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and other computer applications.
• Sufficient English language proficiency to read and understand written instructions, product labels, customer specifications, and product-specific information, and to communicate effectively with clients and internal teams.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations, including counting, verifying quantities, and reconciling discrepancies.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage competing administrative and operational demands.
• Good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills to perform detailed product preparation activities when required.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with warehouse associates, supervisors, and Customer Service Managers.
• Dependability, punctuality, and a commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality service.
• Willingness to learn specialized hat-steaming and blocking techniques and become cross-trained in other warehouse functions.
• Ability to work overtime as business needs dictate.
• Alignment with Bergen's How We Work Together Principles, including People Development, a Safe Environment, Respect, Teamwork, Trust, Passion, Communication, and Accountability.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience communicating directly with clients or customer service representatives in a warehouse, logistics, fulfillment, or distribution environment.
• Experience using Bergen's Warehouse Management System (CloudX).
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Experience tracking orders, investigating inventory discrepancies, and coordinating warehouse production activities.
• Previous experience in apparel finishing, garment steaming, quality inspection, or specialized merchandise preparation.
• Previous hat-steaming or blocking experience is preferred but not required. Training will be provided.
• Physical Requirements and Work Environment

This position primarily involves administrative, computer-based, and warehouse coordination responsibilities, with periodic hands-on product preparation activities based on operational needs.

Administrative and Computer-Based Activities

Sit or stand while performing computer-based tasks, data entry, order processing, and email correspondence.

Perform repetitive keyboarding, mouse use, scanning, and other computer-related activities.

Read and review order information, product labels, inventory records, customer specifications, and electronic communications.

Maintain visual concentration and accuracy when working with detailed product information and computer systems.

Standing and Mobility

Stand and walk throughout the warehouse to check order status, inspect merchandise, and coordinate production activities.

Stand at a designated workstation for extended periods when assisting with product preparation, with scheduled breaks.

Bend, stoop, squat, kneel, and reach to retrieve products, tools, supplies, and packaging materials.

Climb stairs or approved ladders when necessary to access merchandise or supplies.

Hand Dexterity and Upper Body Coordination

Perform precise, controlled movements with fingers, hands, and wrists when shaping or blocking delicate straw hats.

Use both hands simultaneously to hold, rotate, manipulate, and reshape hat crowns and brims.

Apply controlled hand pressure to adjust product shape without damaging merchandise.

Perform repetitive gripping, pinching, smoothing, pressing, and rotating movements during product preparation activities.

Manipulate small items such as labels, tags, fasteners, hat bands, and decorative trim.

Hold and maneuver steaming equipment while maintaining control of the product and tools.

Extend arms forward and reach across work surfaces to position merchandise and operate equipment.

Visual Inspection and Accuracy

Examine merchandise at close range to identify creases, discoloration, uneven shapes, damaged materials, and other product defects.

Distinguish subtle variations in product shape, texture, alignment, appearance, and labeling.

Read product codes, labels, customer specifications, and computer-generated information accurately.

Maintain visual concentration when inspecting merchandise, entering data, and reviewing inventory records.

Lifting and Material Handling

Regularly lift and/or move products, boxes, and supplies weighing approximately 10–30 pounds when performing warehouse activities.

Occasionally move heavier items up to approximately 50 pounds with team assistance or appropriate material-handling equipment.

Lift, carry, position, and move individual hats, small product batches, and cartons of merchandise.

Move packaging materials between workstations, shelves, and storage areas.

Push or pull carts containing merchandise or supplies as required.

Environmental and Equipment Exposure

Work in a warehouse environment where temperatures may fluctuate.

Tolerate occasional elevated noise levels from fans, conveyors, equipment, and other warehouse operations.

Work periodically in proximity to steam, moisture, hot surfaces, and heated equipment.

Follow established safety procedures to minimize the risk of burns, contact injuries, and product damage.

Maintain accuracy and attention to detail while transitioning between administrative and warehouse production activities.

Work Schedule and Attendance

Full-time position with a consistent Monday–Friday daytime schedule.

Overtime may be required based on operational needs.

Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential to meeting daily client service, administrative, and production requirements.

Access to reliable transportation to report to the assigned work location consistently and on time.

Employees may be cross-trained and assigned to other warehouse functions based on business needs.

Reasonable Accommodation

The essential functions of this position may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation. Bergen Logistics will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees in accordance with applicable law.