Overview of the Picker and Packer Role
A Picker and Packer uses their observational skills and attention to detail to locate and collect items to be packed into secure packaging ready to be delivered to a customer.
You will need good physical fitness and stamina for this role, as it will require walking around a warehouse while finding items, some of which may be heavy and will need to be carried back to the packing station.
A Picker and Packer must correctly scan the items out of the warehouse inventory using an inventory management system to keep stock numbers accurate.
With enough experience, the Picker and Packer can also progress into other warehouse roles.
Dress Code
A Picker and Packer will generally wear comfortable, functional clothing such as well-fitting jeans or work pants, clean t-shirts, and closed-toed shoes. Focus on safety and practicality while moving around a warehouse environment.
Picker and Packer Duties
A Picker and Packer is responsible for picking items from a warehouses inventory based on customer orders and then packing those items in preparation for them being delivered to the customer.
Picker and Packer Tips
Minimise walking time by optimising picking routes, learn where the stock is located, and use that knowledge and your problem-solving skills to find the items within the shortest amount of time.
Maintain attention to detail to make sure the items being sent are not faulty and are correct to the description given for the necessary item, as selecting the wrong item will cause issues for the customer.
Essential Skills for a Picker Packer
A Picker and Packer must have good attention to detail for finding the correct items, they will also need good stamina for walking around the warehouse while collecting items, and they need to be familiar with inventory systems.
Attention to Detail & Efficiency
It is important for a Picker and Packer to be able to find items efficiently using their observational skills to find the correct items. Once found, the items should be checked for any quality issues before being packed.
Paying close attention to detail is important for finding items quickly to meet production targets. Use your observational skills to gain a good understanding of where things are within the warehouse to work quickly and efficiently.
Physical Fitness & Stamina
A Picker and Packer will spend most of their time moving around the warehouse, sometimes collecting heavy items to send to customers. It is important to have good stamina for long shifts where you will be expected to walk a lot.
It is also important to have some physical strength and good lifting form to pick up heavy items without causing yourself any injuries.
Quick execution of your duties will be expected to keep productivity high, but it is also crucial to be observant and not collect the wrong item.
Familiarity with Inventory Systems
On-the-job training is usually given to familiarise new staff with any inventory systems, as items will need to be scanned out of inventory and into the shipping container or bag before being sent out for delivery.
Inventory systems must be used correctly, as incorrect stock numbers can cause problems for customers who order items that are no longer in stock. Be attentive when scanning items for shipping or dealing with faulty items that need to be returned or taken out of the inventory system.
Picker and Packer Job Responsibilities
A Picker and Packer is responsible for fulfilling customer orders by picking the correct items and securely packaging them for shipment. While performing these duties, it is important to keep accurate inventory records using the company’s inventory system.
Fulfilling Orders Through Picking Stock
When the warehouse receives an order from a customer, it is the Picker and Packer’s job to find the items within the warehouse. It is important to know where all the stock is located, which will get easier after prolonged exposure to the warehouse layout.
Be fast and accurate when collecting the items and perform any quality checks. Always scan the items out of the inventory management system to keep things accurate; this should always be done before packing any items.
Securely Packaging Items for Shipping
Once the items have been picked, they should be packaged safely and according to the company’s specifications. Use your training knowledge and initiative to pack the items into the correct container, whether that is a bag or box, and check whether extra insulation is needed, such as bubble wrap for fragile items.
When packaging items, work quickly and efficiently, always make sure there are no missing items, and if there are, be sure to report it to the proper management.
Keeping Accurate Inventory Records
A Picker and Packer must use the appropriate inventory management system to accurately record stock levels, as any missing stock can cause issues for other staff members and customers.
Be attentive when picking and packing items to avoid mistakes such as scanning the wrong item, not scanning the item out of the stock inventory, or not scanning the item into the package before shipping. You must be accurate when recording all inventory to keep productivity high and hit production targets.
Picker and Packer Career Progression and Advancement
With enough skills and experience a Picker and Packer can advance to warehouse supervisor roles or move into logistics or inventory management.
Advancing to Warehouse Supervisor Roles
A Picker and Packer can use their experience and knowledge of the warehouse to progress their role. To become a supervisor, you will need to gain some communication skills to communicate effectively with other members of the warehouse team.
It is also important to gain experience in stock management and learn more about warehouse health and safety to ensure all areas of the warehouse are kept clean, tidy, and organised.
Opportunities in Logistics or Inventory Management
Improve your organisational and attention to detail skills as a Picker and Packer and gain good communication skills to advance into inventory management roles. Consider gaining additional skills in data analysis and problem-solving for purchasing stock and dealing with inventory tracking.
Moving into logistics requires many of the same skills as inventory management, but it is worth considering further certification in a relevant field for this advanced role.
FAQs on Becoming a Picker Packer
How Much Training Do I Need to Become a Picker and Packer?
Most companies will provide on-the-job training, often lasting a few days so that you can get used to any inventory management systems and get comfortable with the role.
What Are the Busiest Times to Be a Picker and Packer?
A Picker and Packer’s busiest times will be around major holiday seasons like Christmas and Black Friday, as well as during peak shopping periods like back-to-school season.
How Much Does a Picker and Packer Earn?
A Picker and Packer can expect to earn an average salary of around £22,000 per year depending on hours worked, experience level, company and location.
What Does a Picker and Packer Do?
A Picker and Packer works in a warehouse. They are responsible for selecting the correct item from the warehouse inventory based on a customer order and then packaging those items to be ready for shipping.
