Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Parts Picker

🎯 Role Definition

A Warehouse Parts Picker is responsible for accurately and efficiently selecting, staging, and preparing parts and components for customer orders, production replenishment, and internal transfers. This role requires strong attention to detail, familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS) and RF barcode scanners, adherence to safety and quality standards, and the ability to work in a fast-paced distribution or manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate consistently meets picking accuracy and productivity targets while supporting inventory control, returns processing, and continuous improvement initiatives.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Seasonal Warehouse Associate / Temp Picker
Stockroom Clerk or Parts Counter Associate
Manufacturing Assembler or Production Associate

Advancement To:

Lead Parts Picker / Lead Material Handler
Inventory Control Specialist or Shipping Lead
Warehouse Supervisor or Shift Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Forklift Operator / Reach Truck Operator (certified)
Shipping & Receiving Clerk
Kitting / Assembly Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Accurately pick and assemble parts and components for customer orders, production kits, and internal transfers using RF barcode scanners, pick lists, and pick-to-light or put-to-light systems while meeting established accuracy and productivity targets.
Scan and verify each item during the pick process to ensure correct SKU, lot number, and quantity, documenting discrepancies immediately in the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
Prepare picked parts for shipment by performing quality inspections, verifying part numbers, checking packing lists, applying correct labels, and staging pallets or cartons in designated shipping lanes.
Operate pallet jacks, hand trucks, and other manual material handling equipment safely to move parts between picking locations, packing stations, and staging areas while following ergonomic lifting best practices.
Replenish picking locations from bulk storage using FIFO/FEFO principles and record replenishment transactions in the inventory system to maintain accurate pick slot quantities.
Perform cycle counts, spot checks, and full physical inventory counts as scheduled and reconcile inventory variances by researching transactions, writing adjustments, and reporting root causes to inventory control.
Receive and unload incoming parts shipments, inspect deliveries for damage or shortages, verify packing slips against purchase orders, and input receipts into the WMS or ERP.
Process returns (RMA) by inspecting returned parts, segregating suspect or damaged items, updating return records, and routing units to quarantine, repair, or restock as per company procedures.
Pack and prepare shipments using company packaging standards, secure fragile components, apply correct labels and documentation, and coordinate outbound handoffs to carriers or internal shipping teams.
Follow and enforce safety procedures, wear required PPE, comply with OSHA and company safety policies, and promptly report accidents, near misses, or unsafe conditions to management.
Use handheld RF scanners, mobile tablets, or WMS terminals to complete picks, counts, and inventory transactions in real time, ensuring data integrity and minimizing manual paperwork.
Assist in kitting and light assembly tasks by combining parts into production kits, attaching labels and documentation, and ensuring kits are complete and accurate before release.
Identify and report damaged, defective, or obsolete inventory to the parts supervisor and participate in disposition processes including returns to vendor or scrap procedures.
Maintain clean, organized, and properly labeled picking zones and storage locations, including pallet racking, shelving, and bins, to support 5S and lean warehouse practices.
Load and unload trucks and containers safely when required, collaborating with dock teams to stage shipments and maintain on-time carrier departures.
Prioritize daily work based on pick waves, customer SLAs, and manager instructions to maximize throughput and minimize order lead times.
Communicate effectively with supervisors, inventory control, shipping, and production teams to resolve shortages, expedite urgent orders, and coordinate cross-dock movements.
Support barcode labeling workflows, print pick tickets and shipping labels from the WMS, and ensure all paperwork is accurate and attached to the correct shipment.
Participate in continuous improvement and Kaizen initiatives by suggesting process improvements that increase picking accuracy, reduce travel time, or improve ergonomics.
Train and mentor new pickers and temporary staff on picking procedures, safety protocols, and WMS transactions to ensure consistent adherence to standards.
Monitor and document parts bin capacities and reorder points, escalating low stock or critical shortages to procurement or purchasing to prevent production delays.
Complete basic preventive maintenance and routine checks on manual handling equipment and report faulty or damaged tools to maintenance teams.
Support special projects such as inventory relocations, re-slotting efforts, and seasonal surge planning by executing physical moves and updating system records.
Maintain confidentiality of customer orders, pricing, and proprietary part information, and adhere to company policies regarding data security and controlled inventory.

Secondary Functions

Assist shipping and receiving teams during peak periods by helping stage outbound loads, verify carrier paperwork, and check manifests to speed dock throughput.
Support ad-hoc inventory research and discrepancy investigations by pulling transaction histories, photographing affected parts, and summarizing findings for inventory control.
Participate in cross-functional daily huddles and continuous improvement meetings to align on priorities, safety items, and process changes.
Contribute to the organization’s loss-prevention strategy by monitoring pick accuracy trends, suggesting spot-check plans, and implementing barcode verification steps.
Help maintain parts documentation, BOMs (Bills of Materials), and location maps by notifying supervisors of missing labels or incorrect slotting and assisting with updates in the WMS.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) such as Oracle WMS, Manhattan, NetSuite, SAP, or similar platforms for picking, receiving, and cycle counting.
Hands-on experience using RF barcode scanners, mobile handhelds, and handheld terminals for real-time inventory transactions.
Strong understanding of order picking methods (piece pick, batch pick, zone pick, wave pick) and ability to execute assigned picking strategy.
Ability to operate material handling equipment safely, including pallet jacks, electric pallet trucks, and basic powered equipment; forklift certification preferred.
Inventory control skills: cycle counting, reconciliation, inventory adjustments, lot/serial tracking, and managing shrinkage.
Basic packing and shipping knowledge including palletizing, shrink-wrapping, label application, carrier documentation, and familiarity with UPS/FedEx/LTL processes.
Familiarity with barcode labeling standards, part numbering conventions, and basic barcode printing software.
Competent with basic math for quantity verification, basic unit conversions, and volume/weight calculations for freight.
Knowledge of OEM parts, sub-assembly handling, hazardous materials labeling (where applicable), and material storage requirements (temperature/humidity).
Ability to follow SOPs, safety regulations (OSHA), and PPE requirements; experience participating in 5S, Lean, or Kaizen initiatives.
Experience with kitting, assembly of service kits, and packaging specification adherence for sensitive or high-value components.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and focus on picking accuracy to reduce returns and shipping errors.
Strong time management and ability to meet productivity targets and shipping cutoffs in a deadline-driven environment.
Clear verbal and written communication for coordinating with supervisors, dock teams, and cross-functional partners.
Team-oriented attitude and ability to work collaboratively across shifts and departments.
Physical stamina and reliability for extended periods of standing, walking, lifting (up to company limits), and repetitive motions.
Problem-solving mindset to troubleshoot inventory discrepancies and propose process improvements.
Adaptability to changing priorities, seasonal surges, and evolving WMS processes.
Accountability and ownership of assigned orders, taking initiative to escalate issues and follow through to resolution.
Good organizational skills with the ability to maintain neat, labeled, and orderly pick locations.
Willingness to learn new systems, tools, and certifications (e.g., forklift) to advance within the warehouse function.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate, technical schooling, or short course in logistics, warehousing, or material handling.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Industrial Technology or Manufacturing Operations
Business or Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0–3 years of warehouse, distribution, or parts-picking experience for entry-level roles; 1–3 years preferred for intermediate positions.

Preferred:

1+ year experience using a WMS and handheld RF scanners.
Prior experience with cycle counting, order picking (batch/zone), and basic packing/shipping operations.
Forklift certification or demonstrated ability to obtain certification within a specified onboarding period (if required).

Keywords: Warehouse Parts Picker, parts picking, order fulfillment, inventory control, RF scanner, WMS, cycle counting, packing, shipping and receiving, material handling, forklift, kitting, picking accuracy, FIFO, OSHA, 5S, Lean, Kaizen.