Job Spotlight: Lead Order Filler
“I love this job for the challenges it presents.”
Christine, Preparation Coordinator at Logisseo
The order fulfillment specialist manages a specific section of the logistics warehouse. In this role, they act as an order picker and are responsible for gathering the products and items ordered by individual customers or retail stores. The job requires a good understanding of different types of products and strong organizational skills, as well as adherence to the specifications of various clients.
In addition, he is responsible for communicating with the operations manager to ensure that each operation runs smoothly. He therefore acts as a liaison and must be able to respond to unforeseen situations.
The daily responsibilities of the lead order picker
In addition to the daily tasks of an order picker, the role of the operations coordinator includes a coordination component. Specifically, the coordinator is responsible for optimizing operations based on the daily order volume in their area, in part through scheduling. This process allows orders to be prioritized.
Based on the number of orders per customer, the supervisors, with support from the order fulfillment manager, divide up the workload by assigning each order picker one or more customers for the day. This ensures optimal productivity and a balanced distribution of tasks. Their role is to ensure that orders are processed on time and that procedures are followed correctly.
The coordinator also minimizes the risk of malfunctions and errors as much as possible. This requires effective communication with other coordinators throughout the day, as well as with the supervisor and the technicians.
In addition, he is in constant contact with the preparation manager, acting as a liaison and alerting him as needed. In the event of an unforeseen situation, the preparer notifies the manager, who is responsible for quickly finding appropriate solutions.
The coordinator therefore plays an important role in ensuring that the day goes smoothly. Once operations are complete, they verify that all tasks have been completed on time and update the shipments accordingly.
The skills required to be a top-notch order picker
In addition to technical skills such as the use of specialized software, the lead order picker must also possess other technical skills, such as:
- Knowledge of proper handling techniques and postures
- Packaging techniques
- Compliance with established procedures
- Compliance with safety rules and guidelines
The supervisor must also possess what are known as “interpersonal skills,” which are necessary for the smooth running of daily activities:
- Concentration
- Team spirit
- Organization
- Perseverance
- Clarification
- Rigor
- Anticipation
- Exemplary
They are essential for ensuring effective communication and collaboration within the team, as well as efficient task management and the highest quality of orders.
What training and qualifications are required to become a lead order picker?
To become a logistics coordinator, it is recommended that you complete specialized training in management or logistics. In-depth training in these fields provides the skills needed to master the fundamentals of team management and logistics operations. Courses focused on planning, organization, coordination, and solving logistics problems will be particularly beneficial.
But it’s not required! You can also start as a order picker, receive on-the-job training, and move up to a supervisory role after working at the company for a while—even without prior experience. That’s right, some logistics jobs are easily accessible without a degree.
The CSR Aspect of the Role of Lead Order Fulfiller
To bring a company’s CSR initiative to life, all stakeholders are called upon to contribute. Like his or her colleagues, the preparation coordinator must keep this objective in mind in everything he or she does.
He ensures that his team implements CSR-related recommendations. If necessary, he can offer advice on how to improve procedures and make adjustments. In this context, he works closely with the CSR manager, who can provide guidance and advice.
The lead technician must also ensure that both he or she and his or her colleagues follow safety guidelines, such as proper movements and postures, to minimize the risk of accidents or musculoskeletal disorders.
Also, during order preparation, they must optimize their use of tape and packing materials and select the most suitable boxes for packing their parcels.
Career prospects for a training coordinator
In terms of career prospects, a preparation specialist can look forward to advancing to the role of preparation manager, which offers a natural transition to broader responsibilities within the logistics field.
Depending on the company, he or she may also be eligible for internal transfers and work in other departments, such as reception or inventory management.
The example of Christine, Renan, and Johanna, lead order pickers at Logisseo
Christine:
Christine works at Logisseo as a fulfillment supervisor. She joined the company in September 2019 to work on packaging projects and later transitioned to a fulfillment associate role. Her enthusiasm, optimism, and team spirit eventually led to her promotion to supervisor.
According to her, the qualities needed to do her job well are organization, speed, and interpersonal skills: for Christine, good relationships with those around her are the key to success!
What does she like most about her job as a preparation coordinator? Working with clients who have a high volume of business. But what Christine loves most of all is the chance to challenge herself.
Renan:
Before joining Logisseo in 2020, Renan was already working in logistics.
What are the most important qualities for doing this job? According to Renan, logic, memory, and adaptability are the key qualities for a preparation coordinator!
What he loves about his job is the variety of tasks he has to do and the fact that he’s always on the go!
Johanna:
Johanna has been working at Logisseo since 2018. When she first joined the company, she worked as an order picker. After about a year, she became the order picking supervisor.
Johanna enjoys managing her team: in her view, a lead order picker must be organized and meticulous to ensure that orders are processed smoothly and deadlines are met.
Now you know everything there is to know about being a lead order picker! To learn more about day-to-day life at a logistics company, follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram.
