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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Order Filler

💰 $13 - $20 / hour

WarehouseOperationsLogistics

🎯 Role Definition

An Order Filler (also known as a picker/packer or warehouse associate) is responsible for accurately selecting, packing, and preparing customer and internal orders for shipment. This role requires strong attention to detail, safe handling of inventory, efficient use of warehouse tools (RF scanners, pallet jacks, conveyors), and close coordination with shipping, receiving and inventory teams to meet productivity and quality targets.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / Picker
  • Retail Stock Clerk / Backroom Associate
  • Material Handler / Package Handler

Advancement To:

  • Lead Order Filler / Team Lead
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Shipping & Receiving Supervisor
  • Warehouse Supervisor / Operations Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

  • Forklift Operator / Certified Lift Truck Operator
  • Quality Control / Inspection Technician
  • Logistics Coordinator / Scheduling Clerk

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Accurately pick products from assigned locations using pick lists, RF scanners or mobile devices, ensuring each order matches SKU, quantity and special handling instructions to maintain a 99%+ accuracy target.
  • Pack and label outbound orders following company packing standards and carrier requirements (UPS, FedEx, LTL), ensuring protection of items and compliance with shipping guidelines.
  • Stage and prepare shipments for carrier pickup, organizing pallets and cartons by route and carrier, and verifying bills of lading and manifest documentation for accuracy.
  • Operate warehouse equipment such as pallet jacks, hand trucks and, when certified, forklifts to move product safely between storage, staging and shipping areas.
  • Cycle count and perform routine inventory audits to identify discrepancies, enter adjustments into inventory systems, and collaborate with inventory control to resolve variances.
  • Inspect received goods and returned merchandise for accuracy and damage, document discrepancies, and notify receiving or quality control for disposition.
  • Pack fragile, hazardous or temperature-sensitive items according to specific SOPs, ensuring packaging meets company and regulatory standards for protection and labeling.
  • Maintain clean, organized picking and packing work areas to support safety programs and efficient workflows, including regular trash removal and pallet stacking.
  • Prioritize and sequence multiple simultaneous orders to meet service-level agreements (SLAs), expedited shipments and same-day fulfillment requests.
  • Record and report damaged or missing items, create non-conformance reports, and follow disposition instructions for returns, rework or disposal.
  • Follow standard operating procedures and quality checklists to verify item counts, UPC/barcode matches, and address accuracy before sealing and dispatching orders.
  • Use warehouse management systems (WMS) and handheld devices to receive pick assignments, update order status, and log completed tasks in real time.
  • Participate in daily huddles and shift handovers to communicate order status, inventory issues, and customer priority shipments to the next shift.
  • Load and unload packages from trucks and trailers when required, ensuring correct stacking and load balance to prevent damage during transit.
  • Apply correct lot, batch, or expiration date picking methods for perishable or date-sensitive products to prevent stockouts and spoilage.
  • Support returns processing by inspecting, sorting and restocking Eligible returns quickly and accurately to minimize inventory loss and maintain stock accuracy.
  • Adhere to workplace safety policies and PPE requirements, report hazards, and contribute to incident investigations and corrective action follow-through.
  • Maintain productivity metrics including lines picked per hour, orders packed per shift, and error rate, and take corrective actions to meet or exceed goals.
  • Train new hires and temporary staff on picking and packing procedures, equipment use, and company quality standards to accelerate onboarding and preserve accuracy.
  • Coordinate with customer service and sales teams to resolve order discrepancies, expedite rush orders, and implement special packing instructions for high-value customers.
  • Execute cycle counts, end-of-day reconciliations and assist with month-end inventory procedures to support accurate financial reporting.
  • Support seasonal surges and peak fulfillment periods by adjusting to extended shifts, overtime, and rapid cross-training across fulfillment functions.

Secondary Functions

  • Recommend and implement small process improvements to reduce picking errors, minimize travel time, and speed packing throughput.
  • Assist with bin location optimization and slotting projects by providing operational feedback on SKU velocity and picking ergonomics.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Kaizen, Lean) to reduce waste and improve workspace organization and efficiency.
  • Document and escalate equipment maintenance issues for warehouse tools and packaging machines, coordinating with maintenance teams to reduce downtime.
  • Support ad-hoc cycle counts, special inventory projects and physical inventories during off-peak hours or scheduled shutdowns.
  • Help develop and update picking/packing SOPs and safety checklists to reflect best practices and compliance changes.
  • Provide cross-training to peers in related roles (receiving, inventory control, shipping) to ensure operational flexibility.
  • Assist Quality Assurance by performing sample checks and documenting non-conforming items during high-volume periods.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient use of RF scanners, handheld devices, and basic WMS (Warehouse Management System) navigation and data entry.
  • Strong barcode scanning and UPC verification skills; accurate label application and reading of shipping documents.
  • Safe operation of pallet jacks and manual material handling equipment; forklift certification is a plus.
  • Knowledge of shipping carrier rules and packing standards for parcel and palletized freight (UPS, FedEx, LTL).
  • Experience with order packing methods, box selection, void-fill, and packaging materials to prevent product damage.
  • Basic inventory control: cycle counting, reconciliation, lot/batch tracking and expiration date rotation (FEFO/FIFO).
  • Ability to read and interpret pick tickets, packing lists, invoices, and bills of lading.
  • General computer literacy: email, spreadsheets (basic Excel), and order management interfaces.
  • Familiarity with safety standards (OSHA/basic warehouse safety) and use of PPE.
  • Experience handling returns processing, RMA documentation and restocking procedures.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy to reduce mis-ships and returns.
  • Effective time management and ability to prioritize under high-volume conditions.
  • Clear verbal communication for shift handovers and cross-functional coordination.
  • Dependability, punctuality and a strong work ethic in shift-based environments.
  • Physical stamina and endurance for standing, lifting (up to company limits), bending and repetitive motions.
  • Problem-solving mindset for identifying discrepancies and collaborating on solutions.
  • Team player attitude; able to work cooperatively with supervisors and peers.
  • Adaptability to changing priorities, seasonal peaks and varying shift schedules.
  • Quality-focused orientation and accountability for meeting KPIs and SLA targets.
  • Customer-service mindset to understand the downstream impact of accurate order fulfillment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED (or equivalent work experience in a warehouse environment).

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational certificate or coursework in logistics, supply chain, industrial technology, or related fields.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics & Distribution
  • Industrial Technology
  • Business Operations
  • Warehouse Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0 to 3 years in warehouse, fulfillment, or distribution center roles.

Preferred:

  • 1–2 years of direct order picking/packing experience, familiarity with WMS and RF scanning, and demonstrated achievement of productivity and accuracy metrics.
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