Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Order Filler

🎯 Role Definition

The Warehouse Order Filler (also known as Order Picker, Picker/Packer or Fulfillment Associate) is responsible for accurately selecting, packing, and staging customer orders for shipment while maintaining warehouse safety, inventory accuracy, and throughput targets. This hands-on operational role uses RF scanners/WMS, manual or powered material handling equipment, and established quality processes to ensure shipments are complete, labeled correctly, and dispatched on schedule. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, physically capable, and comfortable working in fast-paced warehouse and distribution environments.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate / General Laborer
Retail Stocker / Backroom Associate
Material Handler / Shipping & Receiving Clerk

Advancement To:

Lead Order Filler / Senior Picker
Inventory Control Specialist
Shipping & Receiving Supervisor
Warehouse Supervisor / Operations Lead

Lateral Moves:

Forklift Operator / Powered Equipment Operator
Quality Control Inspector
Returns & Reverse Logistics Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Accurately pick customer orders using RF scanners or paper pick lists, following batch, zone, or wave picking methods to meet daily productivity and accuracy targets while minimizing errors and returns.
Pack and label items according to company packing standards and carrier requirements, ensuring fragile items are protected, correct packing materials are used, and weight/dimensional accuracy is maintained for freight calculation.
Verify picked items against order manifests and scan barcodes to update the warehouse management system (WMS) in real time, ensuring inventory records remain synchronized with physical stock.
Stage completed orders by route, carrier, or priority; prepare pallets and cartons for efficient loading and handoff to shipping partners, maintaining clear staging areas and accurate paperwork (BOLs, packing slips).
Meet established KPIs such as picks per hour, order accuracy (targeting 98–99%+), on-time fulfillment, and shrinkage control, and proactively communicate any barriers to meeting targets.
Execute cycle counts and regular inventory audits; identify and reconcile inventory discrepancies, complete variance reports, and support root-cause investigations to improve inventory accuracy.
Operate hand trucks, pallet jacks, and, when certified, sit-down or stand-up forklifts safely and in accordance with OSHA and company safety procedures to move product within the warehouse.
Inspect inbound shipments for damage, verify quantities received, and assist with putaway to appropriate storage locations while updating WMS records and notifying supervisors of discrepancies.
Implement proper FIFO (first-in, first-out) or FEFO (first-expired, first-out) inventory rotation methods for perishable or serialized goods to reduce waste and spoilage.
Prepare small parcel shipments, complete carrier documentation, and ensure compliance with carrier weight limits, hazardous materials rules (if applicable), and international export requirements when required.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of picking aisles, packing stations, and storage areas; enforce 5S and lean warehouse principles to improve flow and reduce waste.
Adhere to all company safety policies, PPE requirements, emergency procedures, and report incidents, near-misses, or unsafe conditions to supervisors immediately to support a safe workplace.
Assist with returns processing and quality inspections of returned items; determine disposition (restock, repair, scrap) and update the reverse-logistics records accordingly.
Cross-train on related warehouse functions such as shipping, receiving, kitting, and returns to provide operational flexibility during peaks and absences.
Apply basic troubleshooting to picking and packing equipment (scales, tape guns, RF devices) and escalate technical issues to support teams to minimize downtime.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by proposing process improvements, participating in kaizen events, and supporting implementation of new workflows or technology (e.g., voice picking, conveyor systems).
Collaborate with inventory control, customer service, and transportation teams to prioritize rush orders, resolve customer order issues, and communicate ETA changes or shortages.
Complete required documentation for quality assurance, pallet manifests, load sheets, and hazardous material declarations, ensuring compliance with internal auditors and external carrier audits.
Support seasonal surges and special projects, including promotional packing, kitting, and overflow shifts while following all quality and safety standards.
Provide guidance and on-the-job training to new hires and temporary staff on picking protocols, packing quality, and WMS scanning procedures to accelerate productivity ramp-up.
Monitor storage conditions (temperature, humidity) where applicable, and follow handling protocols for regulated products, pharmaceuticals, or high-value inventory to maintain product integrity and compliance.
Accurately handle cashless payments or pick-up orders when required by the operation, ensuring customer identification procedures are followed for in-person pickups.

Secondary Functions

Assist warehouse supervisors with daily operational reporting, including downtime, productivity metrics, and exception logs to support continuous improvement and staffing decisions.
Support ad hoc inventory reconciliations and data exports from the WMS for audit requests, finance inquiries, and external vendors.
Help maintain and update bin locations, labels, and signage in the WMS and on the floor to reflect inventory moves and location optimizations.
Participate in safety committees and contribute to incident investigations by documenting observations and corrective actions taken.
Coordinate with maintenance to schedule preventative care for powered equipment and notify management of defective equipment that impacts throughput.
Collaborate with procurement and receiving to expedite replenishment of critical SKUs and manage backorder priorities when inventory levels are low.
Assist with layout changes, seasonal resets, and slotting projects that improve picking distances and overall warehouse efficiency.
Support sustainability initiatives by following recycling protocols for packaging materials and minimizing cardboard waste during packing operations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient use of RF scanners and handheld devices to pick, scan, and update orders in real time.
Practical experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) such as Manhattan, Oracle WMS, SAP EWM, Blue Yonder/JDA, or NetSuite.
Familiarity with picking methodologies: batch picking, zone picking, wave picking, and single-order picking.
Safe operation of material handling equipment including pallet jacks, hand trucks, and powered pallet movers; forklift certification preferred or required for some roles.
Strong barcode/label reading skills and experience preparing accurate shipping documentation (BOLs, packing slips, manifests).
Knowledge of packing standards, tape/strapping usage, void fill, and packaging best practices to protect items in transit.
Basic inventory control practices including cycle counting, FIFO/FEFO rotation, and discrepancy investigation.
Ability to use basic digital tools: email, mobile apps, and MS Excel for simple reporting and data entry.
Understanding of carrier requirements for small parcel and LTL shipments, including weight/dimension capture and carrier labeling.
Experience with quality inspection procedures and returns processing workflows.
Familiarity with safety standards (OSHA, company PPE policies) and warehouse ergonomics.

Soft Skills

High attention to detail and a strong focus on order accuracy and product quality.
Reliable time management and ability to meet productivity quotas in fast-paced environments.
Clear verbal communication and ability to escalate issues to supervisors or cross-functional teams.
Strong teamwork and collaborative mindset; willing to support peers and help maintain continuity during peaks.
Problem-solving orientation with the capacity to identify root causes of inventory issues and suggest improvements.
Physical stamina, endurance, and the ability to lift and move moderate to heavy items repeatedly throughout a shift.
Adaptability to changing priorities, seasonal demand, and evolving process or technology updates.
Positive, service-oriented attitude with a customer-first mindset for internal and external stakeholders.
Dependable attendance, punctuality, and professional work ethic.
Openness to feedback and continuous learning; coachable and supportive of training new team members.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED preferred; equivalent work experience in a warehouse or fulfillment environment accepted.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or certificate in logistics, supply chain, or operations management is a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Industrial Technology / Operations Management
Business Administration
Safety or Occupational Health

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–3 years of warehouse or fulfillment experience for entry-level roles; 1–5 years preferred for specialized or high-volume operations.

Preferred:

1+ years of experience as an order picker, packer, or warehouse associate in a high-volume distribution environment.
Hands-on experience with a modern WMS, RF scanning, and small parcel/carrier preparation.
Forklift certification and proven safe operating record when role includes powered equipment.
Demonstrated track record of meeting productivity and accuracy KPIs and contributing to process improvements.