Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Goods Selector (Order Picker)

🎯 Role Definition

As a Goods Selector, you are the backbone of our distribution center's operations. You are responsible for accurately and efficiently locating and selecting products from warehouse shelves to fulfill customer orders. Using advanced technology like voice-activated headsets and RF scanners, you will assemble orders, build stable pallets, and prepare them for shipment. This physically engaging role requires a high level of accuracy, speed, and commitment to safety to ensure the right products get to the right customers on time, every time.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate
General Laborer
Retail Stocker

Advancement To:

Lead Selector / Team Lead
Warehouse Supervisor
Inventory Control Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Forklift Operator
Receiving Clerk
Shipping/Loading Associate

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Receive detailed order assignments via a voice-collect headset system or a handheld RF (Radio Frequency) scanning device and accurately interpret picking instructions.
Navigate large, multi-temperature warehouse environments, including dry, refrigerated, and freezer sections, to locate specific product storage slots.
Operate powered industrial equipment, primarily an electric ride-on pallet jack, safely and efficiently to travel through aisles and transport products.
Select the correct quantity of products from shelves, verifying item and lot numbers to ensure 100% order accuracy.
Carefully handle products, ranging from small individual items to cases weighing up to 75 pounds, to prevent damage and maintain quality standards.
Strategically build, stack, and organize products onto pallets, ensuring proper weight distribution and stability to prevent shifting or collapse during transport.
Securely wrap completed pallets with shrink wrap, either manually or using an automated wrapper, to prepare them for loading onto delivery trucks.
Attach correct shipping labels and documentation to completed pallets, ensuring they are staged in the proper loading dock area for outbound shipment.
Consistently meet or exceed established key performance indicators (KPIs), including case-selection-per-hour, accuracy rates, and on-time order fulfillment.
Perform quality checks on products as they are selected, identifying and setting aside any damaged, expired, or otherwise unsuitable items and reporting them to a supervisor.
Follow established procedures for product rotation, including First-In, First-Out (FIFO) and First-Expired, First-Out (FEFO) to maintain product freshness.
Manage pace and workflow effectively to complete all assigned orders within the scheduled shift duration.
Work independently for extended periods while staying connected with the broader team to ensure collective operational goals are met.
Adhere to specific customer requirements regarding pallet configuration, product segregation (e.g., chemicals vs. food), and labeling.
Communicate effectively with supervisors and inventory control personnel regarding any stock discrepancies, shortages, or quality issues encountered during the selection process.

Secondary Functions

Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip safety and operational checks on all material handling equipment, reporting any malfunctions or maintenance needs immediately.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment by clearing aisles of empty boxes, plastic wrap, and other debris.
Actively participate in all company safety programs, adhere to OSHA standards, and report any potential hazards or unsafe conditions.
Assist in periodic physical inventory counts and cycle counts to help maintain the accuracy of the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
Collaborate with forklift operators, loaders, and other warehouse staff to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow from receiving to shipping.
Provide support in training new Goods Selectors, demonstrating proper picking techniques, equipment operation, and safety protocols.
Place empty pallets in designated areas and operate a pallet jack to consolidate and organize staging lanes as needed.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Electric Pallet Jack Operation: Proven ability to safely and efficiently operate a ride-on electric pallet jack.
RF Scanner & Voice-Picking Technology: Experience using handheld RF scanners and/or voice-directed picking systems (e.g., Vocollect).
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Basic understanding of and ability to interact with WMS software to track orders and inventory.
Basic Mathematics: Skill in performing simple arithmetic for counting, verifying quantities, and tracking performance metrics.
Pallet Building/Tetris Skills: Demonstrated ability to build stable, secure, and well-organized pallets.
Understanding of Safety Protocols: Knowledge of general warehouse safety, OSHA standards, and proper lifting techniques.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous focus on accuracy to ensure correct products and quantities are picked for every order.
Physical Stamina & Strength: Ability to consistently lift heavy objects, stand, walk, bend, and twist for an entire shift in a physically demanding environment.
Time Management & Urgency: A strong sense of urgency and the ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
Reliability & Punctuality: A dependable work ethic with a commitment to consistent attendance and being on time.
Self-Motivation: The drive to work independently and meet productivity goals with minimal supervision.
Adaptability: Flexibility to work in varying temperature conditions (freezer, cooler, dry) and adapt to changing operational needs.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational/Technical certificate in Logistics or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics
Supply Chain Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2+ years of experience in a fast-paced warehouse, distribution, or manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

6+ months of direct experience as an Order Selector, Order Picker, or a similar role.
Prior experience operating an electric pallet jack and using an RF scanner or voice-pick system is highly desirable.