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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Order Builder

💰 $ - $

OperationsWarehouseLogisticsFulfillment

🎯 Role Definition

The Order Builder is responsible for accurately and efficiently assembling customer orders in a warehouse or fulfillment center environment. This role focuses on order picking, packing, staging, quality validation, and preparing shipments while maintaining inventory accuracy, meeting productivity SLAs, and adhering to safety and quality standards. The Order Builder works cross-functionally with inventory control, shipping, receiving, and customer service to ensure on-time, error-free deliveries and excellent customer satisfaction.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / Picker-Packer
  • Inventory Clerk / Stock Associate
  • Seasonal Fulfillment Associate

Advancement To:

  • Lead Order Builder / Lead Picker
  • Shipping & Receiving Supervisor
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Fulfillment Team Lead

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Returns & Reverse Logistics Specialist
  • Shipping Coordinator
  • Materials Handler

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Accurately pick, assemble, and stage customer orders using paper pick lists, RF scanners, or warehouse management systems (WMS), consistently achieving daily accuracy rates above company targets (e.g., 99% order accuracy).
  • Pack items to company packing standards using appropriate materials and methods to protect product integrity and minimize shipping damage and weight-based costs.
  • Verify product SKUs, quantities, lot numbers, serial numbers, and expiration dates when applicable, performing visual and barcode checks to prevent picking errors and returns.
  • Operate RF barcode scanners, handheld devices, and pick-to-light systems to complete picks, update inventory in real time, and support cycle counts and replenishment triggers.
  • Stage and palletize outbound orders, prepare shipping labels and documentation, and coordinate with shipping carriers to meet cutoffs and daily shipment schedules.
  • Execute pick-path optimization and batch picking strategies to maximize productivity while maintaining error-free fulfillment and meeting productivity KPIs (e.g., picks per hour).
  • Conduct quality assurance checks on randomly selected orders, document non-conformances, and escalate recurring issues to supervisors for root-cause analysis.
  • Complete accurate cartonization and dimensional weight calculations to ensure correct freight class, minimize shipping disputes, and support freight cost optimization.
  • Replenish pick faces and forward stock locations from reserve inventory to maintain pick availability and reduce order delays, following FIFO/LIFO rules as required.
  • Participate in cycle counts, physical inventories, and reconciliation activities, reporting discrepancies and supporting investigations to maintain inventory integrity.
  • Adhere to safety procedures and PPE policies, follow ergonomic best practices, and report hazards or incidents immediately to supervisors to maintain a safe work environment.
  • Maintain a clean, organized work area, ensuring aisles, staging, and packing stations are free of obstructions to support efficient operations and compliance with housekeeping standards.
  • Identify and report damaged, expired, or suspect product, coordinate with quality or inventory control to isolate and disposition merchandise, and document findings in the WMS.
  • Communicate proactively with shipping, returns, and customer service teams to resolve order exceptions, expedite rush orders, and respond to customer inquiries related to order status.
  • Support seasonal surges and peak fulfillment periods by flexing schedule, participating in cross-training, and following temporary routing or picking changes to meet demand.
  • Use basic math and measurement skills to apply proper packing configurations, cushion materials, and pallet patterns to reduce transit damage and handling costs.
  • Follow company standard operating procedures (SOPs) for hazardous materials, temperature-controlled items, or regulated products, ensuring compliant handling and documentation.
  • Assist in training new Order Builders and temporary associates on picking techniques, packing standards, scanner usage, and safety protocols to accelerate onboarding and maintain quality.
  • Track and document productivity and quality metrics, contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, and suggest process improvements to increase throughput or reduce errors.
  • Support returns processing by inspecting returned items, restocking salable merchandise, and recording dispositions in WMS or returns management systems.
  • Collaborate with inventory planning to provide feedback on slow-moving or overstock items identified during picking, aiding demand planning and replenishment decisions.
  • Troubleshoot minor equipment issues (scales, label printers, scanners) and escalate unresolved problems to maintenance teams to avoid extended downtime.
  • Meet or exceed daily and weekly KPIs, including picks per hour, packing speed, order accuracy, on-time shipments, and error-free audits, while maintaining high attention to detail.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.
  • Assist shipping and logistics partners during load-in and outbound truck loading to ensure correct carrier allocation and manifesting.
  • Participate in cross-functional continuous improvement events such as Kaizen, 5S, and root cause analyses to improve workflow and reduce waste.
  • Document packing techniques and order exceptions to expand the knowledge base and reduce recurrence of common fulfillment errors.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Warehouse Management System (WMS) proficiency (e.g., Manhattan, Blue Yonder, Oracle WMS, SAP EWM) — ability to execute picks, confirms, and cycle counts in-system.
  • RF scanner and handheld device operation and troubleshooting experience.
  • Barcode scanning, SKU verification, and label application skills with familiarity in GS1 and barcode standards.
  • Knowledge of packing methods, cushioning materials, cartonization logic, and DIM weight concepts to optimize freight costs.
  • Basic computer literacy: email, spreadsheets (Excel), and order management portals for exception handling and reporting.
  • Experience with pick methodologies: batch picking, zone picking, wave picking, and pick-to-light systems.
  • Inventory control fundamentals: cycle counting, physical inventory procedures, reconciliation, and disposition processes.
  • Familiarity with shipping carriers and documentation (UPS, FedEx, USPS, common carriers) and ability to prepare manifests and bills of lading.
  • Forklift or pallet jack operation and safe material handling (if applicable/required by site).
  • Quality control inspection techniques and documentation for returns, damaged goods, and lot/expiration governed products.
  • Basic arithmetic and dimensional calculations for packing and palletizing.
  • Exposure to ERP systems for order allocation and fulfillment coordination (preferred).

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to achieving high order accuracy and quality standards.
  • Time management and organizational skills to prioritize orders and meet time-sensitive shipping deadlines.
  • Effective communication and teamwork to coordinate with shipping, receiving, inventory control, and customer service.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to escalate exceptions and propose process improvements.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to work varied shifts, seasonal peaks, and changing operational priorities.
  • Accountability and ownership for meeting KPIs and following SOPs consistently.
  • Physical stamina and reliability to perform repetitive tasks and meet productivity expectations in a warehouse setting.
  • Customer-focused attitude with a bias for error reduction and on-time delivery.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or relevant technical certificate in logistics, supply chain, or operations management.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics and Distribution
  • Business Operations
  • Industrial Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0–3 years for entry-level Order Builder roles; 1–5 years preferred for sites with complex SKUs or regulated products.

Preferred:

  • 1–2 years of hands-on experience in a high-volume warehouse or fulfillment center with demonstrated competency in picking/packing and WMS usage.
  • Prior experience meeting productivity KPIs, participating in cycle counts, and operating warehouse equipment where applicable.
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