Ecommerce warehouse assistant job description

No formal qualifications are required for entry-level positions. However, employers value computer literacy for ecommerce platforms, attention to detail, customer service mindset and basic numeracy. Experience with ecommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce or similar systems is highly beneficial.

Experience with ecommerce platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon Seller Central), warehouse management systems, order management systems and shipping platforms like Shippit or Sendle is highly desirable. Most employers provide training on their specific systems, but familiarity with ecommerce workflows helps candidates succeed faster.

Look for previous online retail, fulfilment or warehouse experience, understanding of ecommerce workflows, returns processing knowledge, attention to detail for quality control, customer service mindset and ability to work efficiently during peak sales periods like EOFY, Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

Yes, strong computer skills are essential. Ecommerce warehouse assistants use order management systems, update inventory across multiple channels, process returns in ecommerce platforms, print shipping labels and communicate with customers or customer service teams. Basic digital literacy significantly improves job performance.

A mix of both works well for ecommerce operations. Permanent staff provide consistency with your systems and processes, while casuals offer flexibility for peak trading periods like sales events, EOFY, Black Friday and Christmas. Many ecommerce businesses maintain a core permanent team supplemented by casuals. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends.

Working hours vary based on order volumes and dispatch deadlines. Many ecommerce warehouses operate extended hours to meet same-day or next-day delivery commitments. Peak periods like sales events may require weekend work, extended hours or additional shifts. Clearly communicate these expectations during recruitment.

Key elements include: position title and award classification, employment type and expected hours, hourly rate, applicable award (Storage Services and Wholesale Award), main duties including systems used, peak period availability requirements, physical requirements and performance expectations. Use digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award, penalty rates apply for work performed outside standard hours including Saturdays (150%), Sundays (200%), public holidays (250%) and shift work penalties. Casual employees receive a 25% loading. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Align rosters with order volumes, dispatch deadlines and carrier pickup times. Use historical data to predict busy periods and schedule accordingly. Consider early starts for same-day dispatch or late shifts for international time zones. Using rostering software with demand forecasting helps match staffing levels to order volumes.

Under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award, the minimum engagement for casual employees is typically 3 hours per shift. Rosters should be provided at least 7 days in advance where practicable. Changes require reasonable notice unless due to unforeseen circumstances. Full-time employees work 38 ordinary hours per week.

Plan well in advance by communicating peak period dates during recruitment and onboarding. Build your casual workforce ahead of peak periods through targeted recruitment campaigns. Use staff availability management tools to coordinate schedules and consider offering incentives for peak period availability.

Yes, many ecommerce warehouses set orders per hour or units per hour targets. These should be reasonable, clearly communicated and account for order complexity, product types and systems used. Monitor performance fairly through your order management system and provide regular feedback to support improvement.