Goods Picker / Warehouse Order Selector

🎯 Role Definition

As a Goods Picker, you are the backbone of our order fulfillment process. Your primary duty is to accurately and efficiently locate and select products from warehouse shelves based on customer orders. You will utilize modern technology like RF scanners and voice-picking systems to ensure precision and speed. This role requires physical stamina, a keen eye for detail, and a commitment to safety and quality. You'll be working in a fast-paced environment, playing a crucial part in ensuring our customers receive the right products on time, every time. This position is ideal for an active, reliable individual who thrives in a team-oriented setting and is committed to operational excellence.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer or Production Worker
Retail Stock Associate
High School or Vocational School Graduate

Advancement To:

Warehouse Team Lead or Shift Supervisor
Inventory Control Specialist
Forklift Operator or Heavy Equipment Operator

Lateral Moves:

Shipping and Receiving Clerk
Quality Control Inspector
Warehouse Packer or Kitter

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Accurately and efficiently pick customer orders for shipment, ensuring that the correct number and type of product is loaded and shipped.
Utilize handheld radio frequency (RF) scanners, voice-directed picking systems, or paper pick lists to process orders and manage inventory.
Operate material handling equipment such as electric pallet jacks, order pickers, and hand trucks to move merchandise throughout the warehouse.
Perform order fulfillment duties by carefully selecting items from designated bins, shelves, or racks and placing them into totes, carts, or onto pallets.
Ensure all picked items are free from damage and meet quality standards before being passed to the packing and shipping departments.
Stage completed orders in designated areas, ensuring they are properly labeled, organized, and ready for the next phase of the fulfillment process.
Maintain a consistent and high level of productivity and accuracy to meet or exceed established key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs).
Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, procedures, and OSHA regulations, including conducting pre-use inspections on equipment.
Work collaboratively with other warehouse team members, including packers, shippers, and supervisors, to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment by cleaning up spills, removing debris, and keeping aisles and workstations clear.
Verify quantities and product details against order specifications to prevent errors and ensure 100% order accuracy.
Prepare and palletize outbound freight, which includes stacking, wrapping, and securing products to pallets according to company standards.
Assist in the loading and unloading of trucks and containers, ensuring proper handling and placement of inbound and outbound stock.
Report any inventory discrepancies, product damage, equipment malfunctions, or safety hazards to the warehouse supervisor immediately.

Secondary Functions

Participate in cycle counts and periodic physical inventory audits to help maintain accurate inventory records within the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
Assist with replenishing stock in primary picking locations from bulk storage to ensure product availability for order fulfillment.
Support the returns (reverse logistics) process by inspecting, sorting, and restocking returned merchandise.
Provide flexible support to other departments within the warehouse, such as packing, shipping, or receiving, as directed by management based on operational needs.
Help train new team members on standard operating procedures for picking, equipment use, and safety protocols.
Consolidate partial pallets and organize backstock to optimize warehouse space and improve operational efficiency.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

RF Scanner & WMS: Proficiency in using handheld RF scanners and familiarity with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) for order processing and inventory tracking.
Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Operation: Experience operating electric pallet jacks, order pickers, and other warehouse equipment. Certification is a major plus.
Basic Mathematics: Ability to perform basic arithmetic for counting, verifying quantities, and checking orders.
Order Processing: Understanding of the complete order fulfillment lifecycle, from picking to staging for shipment.
Safety Protocol Adherence: Knowledge of warehouse safety standards, including proper lifting techniques and equipment operation guidelines.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in picking correct items and quantities to ensure high order accuracy.
Physical Stamina & Dexterity: Ability to stand, walk, lift, and bend for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly.
Reliability & Punctuality: A strong work ethic with a proven record of dependability and consistent attendance.
Time Management: Excellent ability to work efficiently and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines and productivity targets.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a team, communicating clearly and supporting colleagues.
Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying and reporting issues related to orders, inventory, or safety.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate in logistics, warehousing, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

N/A
Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years

Preferred:

6+ months of experience in a warehouse, distribution center, or manufacturing environment.
Prior experience in an order picking, selecting, or fulfillment role is highly desirable.
Demonstrated experience using an RF scanner or voice-picking technology.