A Day in the Life of a McKesson Material Handler
A typical day for a Material Handler involves working in a distribution center where healthcare products are received, stored, picked, packed, and shipped. Shifts are structured around daily timelines, with tasks like scanning inventory, preparing orders, and safely operating equipment in a fast-paced, team-based environment focused on accuracy and safety.
While the work takes place behind the scenes, its impact reaches far beyond the distribution center. Every shipment helps support patients, providers, pharmacies, and healthcare systems that rely on timely access to critical healthcare products.
"McKesson is a company providing medicine in a timely manner to save people's lives. Our motto is ‘It's Not Just A Package, Its A Patient.’ It's a great company to work for."
Glassdoor Review
What Does a Material Handler Do?
Material Handlers help keep the healthcare supply chain moving by supporting the flow of products through McKesson's distribution network. Their work contributes to inventory accuracy, order fulfillment, and operational efficiency, helping ensure healthcare providers and patients have access to the products they need.
Many Material Handler positions are entry-level and include on-the-job training, offering opportunities to develop valuable warehouse, logistics, and distribution skills. Career paths may lead to specialized equipment roles, team leadership positions, or other opportunities across distribution center operations.
Material Handler jobs may also be similar to Warehouse Associate, Distribution Center Associate, Picker Packer, Order Selector, or Forklift Operator positions. Candidates with experience in inventory management, shipping and receiving, order fulfillment, warehouse operations, or logistics may find their skills translate well to this role.
What to Expect as a McKesson Material Handler
Daily Responsibilities
Material Handlers pick, pack, and prepare orders for shipment while receiving, storing, and scanning inventory using warehouse systems. You'll move products throughout the distribution center and work in a fast-paced environment that helps support the healthcare supply chain.
Training & Development
Training is typically provided for warehouse systems, safety processes, and equipment such as forklifts or pallet jacks. Material Handlers also learn inventory management processes and warehouse technology.
Shifts, Pay & Benefits
Pay varies by location and assignment. Depending on the facility, day, evening, and overnight shifts may be available, along with full-time or part-time opportunities. Eligible employees may have access to health, wellness, and financial benefits.
Career Growth
Many Material Handlers begin in entry-level roles and gain experience with warehouse systems, equipment operation, inventory management, and order fulfillment. Career growth opportunities may include Lead Material Handler, Trainer, Team Lead, Operations Supervisor, or other distribution center leadership roles.
"Very supportive and interactive team. Great community & culture."
Indeed Review
FAQs
What does a typical shift look like for a material handler?
A typical day for a McKesson Material Handler involves helping healthcare products reach providers, hospitals, pharmacies, and patients. Material Handlers receive inventory, pick and pack orders, prepare shipments, and use warehouse technology to support safe, accurate operations.
Is this a warehouse or distribution center role?
This role is based in a distribution center that receives, stores, and ships healthcare products. Material Handlers support daily warehouse operations and help ensure products reach customers on time.
Will I get trained on equipment?
Yes. Training is typically provided for warehouse systems, safety procedures, and equipment such as forklifts or pallet jacks, depending on the role and location.
Do I need previous experience?
Not always. Many Material Handler, Warehouse Associate, and Distribution Center Associate roles are entry-level positions with training provided for new hires.
Are there night or weekend shifts?
Yes. Distribution centers often operate day, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts depending on location.
Are there opportunities for career growth?
Many Material Handlers begin in entry-level warehouse roles and build skills in inventory management, equipment operation, and distribution center operations. Career paths may include Lead Material Handler, Trainer, Team Lead, Operations Supervisor, or other distribution center leadership opportunities.
Why work in a healthcare distribution center?
Healthcare distribution centers help ensure critical healthcare products reach pharmacies, providers, hospitals, and patients. Material Handlers play an important role in supporting the healthcare supply chain and helping communities access the products they need.
What other jobs are similar to a Material Handler?
Material Handler positions share many responsibilities with Warehouse Associate, Picker Packer, Order Selector, Forklift Operator, and Distribution Center Associate roles.