Cody Elder
Lewisburg
Summary
Detail‑oriented Quality Assurance Associate with progressive experience across order filling, receiving, and quality operations at Walmart’s grocery distribution center. Skilled in auditing, inventory control, food safety compliance, and root cause analysis, with a proven track record of improving accuracy and operational efficiency. Recognized for leadership contributions including training new associates, developing reporting tools, and serving as acting QA lead. Adept at communicating across departments, documenting errors, and supporting management with data‑driven insights. Currently pursuing advancement into a Training Manager role to leverage expertise in teaching, process improvement, and team development.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Assurance Associate
Walmart
02.2025 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive audits of order fillers to verify product accuracy, quantity, condition, and compliance with Walmart food safety protocols, including species barrier placement to prevent cross‑contamination.
- Audit lift driver operations for put away and replenishment accuracy by confirming correct product placement in reserve and pick slots; investigate discrepancies, correct errors, and document findings in formal error reports.
- Perform pick slot audits to ensure inventory accuracy and location integrity; launch root‑cause investigations for variances and implement corrective actions.
- Generate and analyze inventory exception reports to identify null locations, quantity discrepancies, and misplaced stock; physically verify inventory and resolve issues through adjustments, donations, or corrective moves.
- Conduct Overage, Short, Damage, and Rejection (OSDR) audits to validate receiving accuracy and adherence to process standards.
- Utilize the ATLAS warehouse management system to monitor, maintain, and correct systematic inventory records; troubleshoot and resolve system errors such as “Slot Not Found” and “Item Number Not Assigned.”
- Investigate and resolve “lost pallet” incidents by tracing inventory through system data, physical searches, and cross‑department coordination.
- Prepare and submit detailed error reports to department managers, providing clear explanations and evidence to support accountability and process improvement.
Unloader/Processor
Walmart
09.2020 - 01.2025
- Unloaded inbound trailers of perishable freight, verifying trailer assignments and documentation to ensure correct load processing.
- Performed multiple temperature checks per trailer in compliance with FDA, USDA, and Walmart food safety standards; escalated temperature failures to management for resolution.
- Inspected pallets for damage, mixed freight, and quality issues; separated and re‑palletized freight as needed to meet slotting and Ti‑Hi requirements.
- Used handheld ATLAS system devices to scan freight, verify UPC and item numbers, confirm quantities, and record Sell‑By Dates before printing and applying receiving labels.
- Organized labeled pallets on dock for efficient putaway by lift drivers, maintaining clear dock flow and safety standards.
- Identified and documented Overage, Short, Damage, and Rejection (OSDR) discrepancies through both physical and systematic reports; coordinated with managers on exceptions and problem freight requiring corporate review.
- Assisted receiving managers with time‑intensive freight rejections, ensuring compliance with contractual and LOS requirements.
Order Filler
Walmart
03.2018 - 09.2020
- Operated a voice‑directed picking system to receive and confirm case‑picking instructions, verifying locations via check digits before selecting product.
- Strategically planned pallet builds based on trip details to ensure safe stacking, load stability, and efficient trailer loading.
- Utilized proper tools and ergonomic lifting techniques to safely retrieve cases from various heights and depths, preventing injury and maintaining product integrity.
- Applied brick‑layering and layer‑picking methods to maximize pallet stability and minimize damage risk during transport.
- Monitored pick slot inventory for discrepancies or quality issues, reporting concerns to shipping managers for resolution.
- Printed and applied shipping labels to completed pallets, delivering them to designated drop‑off zones for wrapping and outbound staging.
- Consistently achieved 100–115% of daily production goals while maintaining strict adherence to safety and accuracy standards.
Education
Associate of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Columbia State Community College
Columbia, TN12-2018
High School Diploma -
Marshall County High School
Lewisburg, TN05-2015
Skills
- Team Training
- Process Improvement & Workflow Design
- Cross‑Department Collaboration
- Communication & Reporting (verbal, written, email)
- Microsoft Excel (including Macros & Reporting)
- Inventory Auditing & Error Reporting
- Overage/Short/Damage/Rejection (OSDR) Processing
- Food Safety & FDA Compliance
- Root Cause Analysis & Problem Resolution
Accomplishments
- Served as acting QA team lead during manager PTO, overseeing daily audits and team workflow.
- Developed Excel macros and reporting tools that streamlined QA operations and improved efficiency.
- Created and presented quality performance reports used by managers in manager meetings.
- Consulted by management during the introduction of merged Unloader/Receiver duties, providing feedback on accuracy, productivity, and dock flow.
- Trained new associates in both unloading and receiving functions, enabling flexible staffing coverage and operational resilience.
Timeline
Quality Assurance Associate
Walmart
02.2025 - Current
Unloader/Processor
Walmart
09.2020 - 01.2025
Order Filler
Walmart
03.2018 - 09.2020
Associate of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Columbia State Community College
High School Diploma -
Marshall County High School