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Order picker
The order picker is crucial within logistics chains, ensuring the accurate assembly and dispatch of products to customers. This position requires meticulousness, speed, and organization.
Missions: Order picker
The importance of this role in temporary work lies in its ability to adapt to fluctuations in order volumes, thus providing companies with flexible management of their activities and ensuring continuity in customer service.
Receiving and Checking Goods
On delivery, the picker scans barcodes and compares quantities to the delivery note, reporting any damage or shortage immediately to keep stock records accurate.
Picking and Order Assembly
Guided by a handheld device or paper list, they follow the optimal route through the aisles, scan each reference, then group items in a tote or on a pallet. Speed must never compromise accuracy: the goal is zero picking errors.
Packing, Labelling and Shipping
Once an order is complete, the picker selects the right packaging (carton, stretch‑film, strap) to protect the goods, prints and applies the carrier label, then places the parcel in the shipping zone or on the sorter.
Quality and Safety Management
Responsible for their station, the picker follows HSE procedures – PPE, safe lifting, pedestrian‑truck traffic rules – and joins regular cycle counts to keep stock integrity high and prevent supply‑chain breaks.
Researched profile
- Ability to work with precision and attention to detail.
- Familiarity with the use of computerized stock management systems.
- Ability to follow specific procedures and work as a team.
- Availability for flexible hours, including night shifts and weekends.
Skills and training
Entry With No Diploma
No school qualification is required. Agencies and companies recruit for motivation, punctuality and fitness. Induction (a few hours to a few days) covers WMS basics, pick‑list reading and core safety rules.
CACES R489 – The Logistics Passport
Operating an electric pallet truck, stacker or fork‑lift truck legally requires CACES R489 certification (categories 1A/1B for pallet trucks, 3 for counterbalance, 5 for reach). Training lasts three to five days, mixing theory (load stability, first‑level maintenance) with practical sessions. Many agencies fund CACES after a first successful contract because it boosts versatility – and pay.
Additional Certifications
Besides CACES, several badges enhance employability. SST first‑aid training (16 h) teaches life‑saving skills and risk prevention; it is now almost standard in e‑commerce hubs. HACCP certification is essential wherever food products are stored, ensuring cold‑chain and hygiene compliance. A simple in‑house driving permit can replace CACES in small firms but is valid only on that site.
Funding Options
Company training plans, the French CPF training account and temp‑agency schemes (e.g. Fastt) can cover all or part of course costs. Talk to your consultant or site manager to trigger the process.
Pay, Bonuses and Career Growth (2025)
In 2025, starting pay for an order picker in temp work matches the minimum wage for temps – €11.88 gross per hour – and quickly rises to €12.50–13.00 on high‑volume sites or where CACES is required. 24/7 e‑commerce platforms add statutory uplifts: +20 % for night work, +25 % on Sundays. Extras are common: productivity bonuses based on lines picked, cold‑room allowance (4 °C), or meal payments for remote warehouses.
After one year and the higher CACES categories 3 or 5, hourly rates can top €13.50. Seasoned pickers often move into high‑lift fork‑lift or storekeeper‑driver roles combining picking with high‑bay storage.
The profession is a true springboard: some advance to logistics team leader, managing 20–30 operatives and KPIs, while others become flow coordinator or inventory controller after a vocational diploma or a VAE skills‑recognition process. Large groups offer bridges to transport planning or warehouse management posts at regional level.
Advantages and Drawbacks
Strengths of the Job
First, accessibility: no diploma needed, just a motivated interview, making it an easy entry into logistics. The sector hires nationwide with plenty of temp offers, so you start fast. Working in a tech‑driven environment – RF scanners, voice‑picking, WMS – builds digital agility and opens paths to better‑paid roles. Finally, the variety of tasks – picking, packing, quality checks – wards off monotony and hones organisation skills.
Challenges to Expect
Physical demands are high: repeated lifts, constant walking and long periods standing can cause fatigue or musculoskeletal issues without correct technique. Shift work (2×8, 3×8, nights) can disrupt personal life, as can cold or noisy environments. Pay growth is modest until you obtain CACES or supervisory duties. Seasonality (e‑commerce peaks, holidays) may create intense spells followed by idle periods if you rely solely on temp contracts.
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