what is an order picker?

As an order picker, you play an important role in warehouse logistics. You take care of the ordered goods. Your assignments are usually transmitted electronically, less frequently via pick lists. On the so-called MDE device (mobile data collection), you see the barcodes of the items. You pick the ordered products from their storage locations, whether in shelves or on pallets. Depending on the size of the warehouse, you walk or use a forklift. You confirm each pick on your portable data collection device. As an order picker, you avoid unnecessary walking. The faster you complete an order, the sooner it’s on its way to the customer. Despite working quickly, you don’t compromise on quality. You check whether you’ve picked the correct items in perfect condition. In large logistics companies, colleagues load the vehicles. In smaller businesses, you bring the goods to the transporter. Sometimes, as a logistics worker, you also receive and store the goods. Together with your colleagues, you ensure smooth operations in the logistics process. This way, you support sales and make a significant contribution to customer satisfaction. Is this exactly your job? Then keep reading to find out what awaits you as an order picker, where you work, and how much you earn.

order picker jobs
1

working as an order picker.

Order pickers mainly prepare all goods for transport. Your specific tasks depend on the industry and the size of the company. As an essential part of logistics, you ensure that the outgoing goods process runs smoothly. Various tools such as handheld scanners and forklifts assist you in this. Find out more about your responsibilities as an order picker here.

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types of order pickers.

In logistics, especially within large companies, there are various opportunities to specialise. Essentially, you focus on the following areas:

  • Delivery and goods receipt: As a warehouse clerk in goods receipt, you receive the goods, check them, and record them in the inventory management system. Some suppliers already have a barcode on the items, so you simply scan it. If not, you attach a barcode and store the goods using a handheld scanner in the inventory system. You assign a storage location to each item, ensuring proper placement in the warehouse.
  • Warehouse storage and goods transportation: In this area, you feel right at home as an order picker. You move the goods to their storage location and, if needed, re-organise them. When you receive an order on your handheld scanner, you pick the items and prepare them for dispatch. Then, you transport them to their destination, which could be the shipping department or a driver’s box for further transport. Usually, you’ll be using a forklift for this.
  • Transport and goods dispatch: As a logistics professional in goods dispatch, you prepare the merchandise for shipping or transport. You coordinate with service providers or handle the loading of trucks. Packages are labelled accordingly. Items for internal shipping are accompanied by delivery notes. Here, you ensure that the ordered goods arrive on time and via the most efficient route to their destination. Customer returns also come to you.
male working on a maleufacturing site, pulling a trolley.
male working on a maleufacturing site, pulling a trolley.
3

salary as an order picker.

Various factors influence your salary as an order picker. In addition to your training and work experience, the region and the company also play a significant role. Another difference is made by your specific tasks and responsibilities. As a warehouse worker, you will earn a different salary compared to, for example, an order picker with a forklift license. Besides your base salary, you also receive various additional benefits. If you work in shifts or on weekends, you'll notice this on your paycheck. This is especially true when the allowances exceed the statutory regulations. Find out more here about the average salary reported by common job platforms.

4

training and further education as an order picker.

A specialised apprenticeship as an order picker is not offered by anyone. Your advantage is that you can find a job in Switzerland without formal training. However, completing a basic qualification as a logistics specialist EFZ increases your chances and your salary. Large companies also require work experience with electronic devices. A forklift licence is usually a prerequisite. If you, as an order picker, have a completed basic qualification and further training, interesting career opportunities become available. Technical colleges, professional associations, and companies prepare you for your future tasks.

5

positions as an order picker.

As an order picker, you'll find a job almost anywhere. Wherever goods are transported and prepared for shipping, that's where you'll be working. Whether in retail, industry, or logistics companies, there are interesting positions waiting for you. Your daily routine in the food industry looks completely different from that in a manufacturing plant. That's why the requirements vary from sector to sector. Are you looking for an attractive role where you can make a real difference? You’ll find such opportunities for order pickers right here on this page.

male working in a warehouse
male working in a warehouse
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positions for career changers as order pickers.

As an order picker, you don't need any special training. This offers great opportunities for career changers. If you're interested, you'll always find a position in the warehouse, providing a perfect entry into the working world. Having experience in logistics already gives you a solid foundation. Career advancement is possible through further training. Not only will your tasks change, but you'll also increase your salary.

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career opportunities and development potential as an order picker.

With routine as an order picker, the desire for more challenging tasks often grows. Good news for you: logistics offers many interesting jobs and is always looking for staff. Whether you're after an exciting role or a management position, further training can help you achieve a lot. Exciting tasks await you as a Specialist in International Freight Forwarding and Logistics. You ensure that goods reach their destination on time. For this, you need to know the import and export regulations of your neighbouring countries. If you find it exciting to deliver goods directly, you can further your education as a Road Transport Specialist. If you enjoy leading colleagues, you can develop into a Logistics Manager or Operations Manager for Transport and Logistics. In large companies, you can benefit from in-house training programs.

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skills as an order picker.

As an order picker, the following qualities and skills make your work easier:

  • Diligence: You're already tapping your foot and can't wait for the next order. Immediately, you roll up your sleeves and start gathering the goods. You work quickly and independently.
  • Carefulness: As an order picker, you are responsible for outgoing orders. You work diligently to avoid mistakes. It's better to double-check and prevent complaints.
  • Teamwork: In logistics, you always work as part of a team. You are an integral part of the whole. Warehouse staff ensure that you find the goods at the correct storage location. You then quickly bring them to the shipping area, so they are well prepared for the journey to the customer.
  • Endurance: You're on the move all day, sometimes on the forklift and then on foot. You stretch and bend frequently. Occasionally, you lift heavy objects. So, a good level of physical fitness is important to ensure you enjoy the work.
  • Calmness: During peak seasons or successful sales campaigns, things get busy in the warehouse. Your handheld scanner constantly gives you new orders. You’re working under pressure, after all, the goal is to get the goods out the door quickly. But you don’t let yourself get flustered. Systematic, diligent, and quick, you process each order one after the other.
  • Flexibility: As an order picker, you're dependent on incoming orders and the available stock. Sometimes, deliveries are delayed or customers place their orders just before closing time. In such cases, you need to be flexible and help ensure the timely delivery.
male unloading crates from truck
male unloading crates from truck
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benefits of working as an order picker at randstad.

There are many good reasons to work as an order picker at Randstad:

✓ exciting jobs with well-known companies
✓ a reliable contact person whenever you need one, personal advice really matters
✓ attractive employment conditions and good social benefits
✓ continuing education courses and personal development opportunities
✓ clear information in the myRandstad app
✓ do you have a fixed-term contract? Often, there’s a chance to secure a permanent position afterwards. Many popular companies also recruit their staff directly through Randstad.

your training budget as an order picker at randstad.

If you work as an order picker for Randstad, you have access to further training courses. As part of the TempTraining program from swissstaffing, you can attend training sessions. You will get the course fees reimbursed later, provided you pass the course exam. Your Randstad advisor is there to support you if you have any questions. This way, you can acquire additional language skills or job-specific knowledge, all during your working hours as an order picker.

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application tips for order pickers at randstad.

Have you found your dream job as an order picker? It’s not just qualifications and certificates that determine the success of your applications. Careful, error-free, and personalized documents will definitely help you in your job search. Here are a few useful tips to improve your chances:

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frequently asked questions.

Here you will find the answers to frequently asked questions about the job of an order picker.

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