A picker and packer selects items from warehouse locations against an order and packs them for dispatch. It is the operational heart of any distribution or fulfilment operation, and it is measured relentlessly on two numbers: how many lines you pick an hour and how many of them are correct.
This guide sets out picker and packer duties and responsibilities and how the role changes by operation. It sits in the General worker, warehouse and logistics duties cluster, part of the wider job duties guide.
What Does a Picker and Packer Do?
A picker and packer works from a pick list or handheld scanner, walks or drives a route through the warehouse collecting the items on the order, checks them, packs them securely and labels them for dispatch.
Accuracy is the whole job. A picking error costs the business twice, once in the wrong delivery and again in the return, and in e-commerce it costs a customer. Scanning systems exist precisely because visual picking against a printed list produces errors under time pressure, and overriding a scan warning to save a few seconds is the most common cause of a mispick.
It is physical work. A picker typically walks between eight and fifteen kilometres a shift, lifts repeatedly and works to a target that does not slow down when the warehouse is busy.
Key Picker and Packer Duties and Responsibilities
- Picking items accurately against pick lists, scanners or voice systems.
- Checking picked items against the order before packing.
- Packing orders securely using the correct packaging and protection.
- Labelling parcels correctly and attaching the required documentation.
- Staging completed orders in the correct dispatch lane.
- Reporting stock shortages, damaged items and location errors.
- Replenishing pick faces from bulk stock where required.
- Processing returns and putting returned stock back into location.
- Assisting with cycle counts and stock takes.
- Operating pallet jacks, trolleys or order pickers if authorised.
- Keeping aisles and the packing bench clean, clear and safe.
- Meeting picking and packing productivity and accuracy targets.
Daily Tasks of a Picker and Packer
- Start of shift: collect and log into the scanner, check the packing station and PPE.
- Morning: work through assigned pick waves, scanning each location and item.
- Midday: pack and label completed orders and stage them for dispatch.
- Afternoon: replenish pick faces, process returns and handle late orders.
- End of shift: clear the bench, report shortages and hand in equipment.
Picker and Packer Skills and Competencies
- Accuracy under pace: hitting the target without letting the error rate climb.
- Attention to detail: reading the variant, size and quantity, not just the product.
- Physical stamina: walking, lifting and reaching for a full shift.
- Scanner competence: using the device correctly and not overriding warnings.
- Packing sense: protecting goods so they arrive intact without over-packing.
- Reliability: attendance, because pick capacity is planned per head.
Picker and Packer Duties by Workplace or Industry
E-Commerce Fulfilment
Single and small-item orders, courier labelling, gift and returns handling, and cut-off times that drive the pace of the whole shift.
Retail Distribution Centres
Bulk picking to store orders on pallets or roll cages, with productivity measured in lines or cases per hour against a dispatch schedule.
Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply
Batch and expiry verification, cold chain handling and controlled substance procedures add checking steps to every pick.
Spares and Industrial Supply
Part numbers are long and similar, so duties emphasise verification against the code rather than the description, with heavier and awkward items to handle.
Picker and Packer Duties for a CV
Give lines per hour, accuracy rate and the system you picked on. Use the duties for a CV guide for the method.
- Picked an average of 140 lines per hour against a target of 120.
- Maintained a picking accuracy rate of 99.6% over 18 months.
- Packed and labelled courier orders to same-day dispatch cut-offs.
- Processed returns and replenished pick faces during quieter periods.
Related Job Roles and Responsibilities
These guides cover the roles and next steps most closely related to this one.
- Packer duties and responsibilities
- Warehouse Assistant duties and responsibilities
- Warehouse duties and responsibilities
- Stock Controller duties and responsibilities
- General worker, warehouse and logistics duties
Frequently Asked Questions About Picker and Packer Duties
What are the duties of a picker and packer?
Picking items accurately against pick lists or scanners, checking picks against the order, packing securely, labelling and attaching documentation, staging orders for dispatch, reporting shortages and damages, replenishing pick faces, processing returns, assisting with stock counts and meeting productivity and accuracy targets.
Do you need experience to be a picker and packer?
Usually not. It is a common entry-level warehouse role and most employers train on the system. Matric or Grade 10 to 12, basic numeracy, physical fitness and a clear criminal record are the typical requirements.
Is picking and packing hard work?
Physically, yes. Expect long distances walked, repetitive lifting and a measured target throughout the shift. Employers must still comply with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act on hours and breaks, and with manual handling requirements.
What can a picker and packer be promoted to?
Common next steps are receiving or dispatch clerk, forklift operator, stock controller or team leader. Accuracy records and a forklift licence are what usually make the difference.
Duties vary by operation and by whether picking and packing are split into separate roles. Check your job description for the scope and the targets that apply.
Last reviewed: 2 September 2026