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FREE JOB DESCRIPTION Last updated 28 June 2026

Packing team leader job description

A comprehensive job description template for packing team leader positions in Australian warehouses and distribution centres. Covers supervisory responsibilities, team management and quality oversight aligned with the Storage Services and Wholesale Award.

Packing team leader job description

PDF format • Ready to download

Supervisory and team management duties
Quality control and productivity requirements
Award compliant and ready to use
Customisable for your warehouse

By downloading, you agree to our template disclaimer

This packing team leader job description template is designed to reflect Australian workplace standards and warehousing industry practices at the time of publication. Confirm the applicable modern award for your business and ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws and workplace safety standards. It does not constitute legal, HR, or professional advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice specific to your business, workforce, or circumstances.

Packing team leader supervising warehouse operations

What does a packing team leader do?

A packing team leader coordinates the daily operations of a packing line or warehouse area, supervising a team of packers, maintaining quality standards and driving productivity. The role bridges management expectations and operational execution — ensuring orders are sorted, packed accurately and dispatched on time while enforcing quality control, managing workflow and keeping the team motivated and safe.

In Australia, packing team leaders are typically classified under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084). Classification levels (usually Level 3 or Level 4) depend on team size, supervisory responsibilities and decision-making authority.

This template provides a foundation for creating clear, compliant job descriptions that attract experienced supervisors. Once hired, simplify employee onboarding with HR software and manage your packing team leaders and warehouse staff efficiently with warehouse rostering software.

Key responsibilities

Core duties included in this job description template

Team leadership

Supervising packing team members, allocating tasks, managing workflow and ensuring staff adhere to company policies and procedures.

Quality oversight

Conducting quality checks on packed orders, ensuring compliance with packing standards and investigating quality issues or customer complaints.

Productivity monitoring

Tracking team performance against targets, identifying bottlenecks and implementing improvements to maintain efficiency.

Training delivery

Onboarding new packers, providing skills training, demonstrating best practices and developing team capabilities.

Problem resolution

Addressing operational issues, resolving conflicts, managing escalations and maintaining positive team morale.

Stock coordination

Ensuring adequate packing materials are available, managing stock rotation and coordinating with warehouse and dispatch teams.

Skills and attributes

What to look for in candidates

Leadership and team management

Ability to motivate and direct team members, delegate tasks effectively and build a cohesive team culture.

Clear communication

Strong verbal and written communication skills to provide instructions, give feedback and coordinate with other departments.

Quality control focus

Keen attention to detail, commitment to accuracy and ability to maintain consistent quality standards.

Time management

Effective prioritisation of tasks, ability to meet deadlines and manage team workflow efficiently.

Problem-solving abilities

Quick thinking to resolve operational issues, address team concerns and find solutions to workflow challenges.

Performance orientation

Understanding of KPIs, ability to track metrics and drive continuous improvement in team productivity.

Qualifications and requirements

Packing team leader positions require proven supervisory experience, strong leadership skills and warehouse knowledge. While formal qualifications are beneficial, demonstrated ability to manage teams and maintain quality standards is essential.

  • Working rights (Required)

    Eligibility to work in Australia

  • Supervisory experience (Required)

    2-3 years warehouse or packing experience including team leadership

  • Physical fitness (Required)

    Ability to perform manual tasks and be on feet for extended periods

  • Certificate III in Warehousing Operations

    Formal warehousing qualification preferred

  • Forklift licence

    LF or LO class licence beneficial but not essential

  • WMS experience

    Experience with warehouse management systems advantageous

Team leader overseeing warehouse distribution operations

Working conditions

Set clear expectations for candidates about the warehouse work environment

  • Shift work including days, afternoons, nights and weekends
  • Physical work including standing, walking and manual handling
  • Fast-paced warehouse environment with productivity targets
  • Supervisory responsibility for team performance and safety
  • Working with packing equipment and warehouse machinery
  • Following strict quality control and safety procedures

Award coverage

Understanding award coverage for packing team leaders

Storage services and wholesale award

Most packing team leaders working in warehouses, distribution centres and storage facilities are covered by the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084). This modern award applies to employees in warehousing, storage and distribution operations.

Under this award, packing team leaders are typically classified at Level 3 or Level 4, depending on team size, supervisory responsibilities and decision-making authority. Use award interpretation software to calculate pay accurately.

Penalty rates and shift work

Warehouse operations often require shift work to meet dispatch deadlines and customer service levels. Penalty rates apply for Saturday (150%), Sunday (200%), public holidays (250%), and shift penalties for afternoon and night shifts under the Storage Services Award.

Casual employees receive a 25% loading in lieu of leave entitlements. Permanent employees accrue leave and receive penalty rates on top of their base rate. Ensure your payroll system correctly applies all applicable loadings and penalties.

Who should use this template?

This job description template is designed for Australian warehousing and logistics businesses

Warehouses & distribution centres
Third-party logistics (3PL)
Ecommerce & fulfilment
Manufacturing & production
Retail distribution
Cold storage & wholesale

Whether you operate a warehouse or distribution centre, clear job descriptions help attract experienced packing team leaders.

How to use this template

Tips for customising the job description for your warehouse

1

Add your business details

Include your company name, location, industry sector and a brief description of your warehouse operations.

2

Specify team size

Clarify how many packers the team leader will supervise and whether they manage multiple shifts or teams.

3

Define shift patterns

Be clear about shift requirements including day, afternoon or night shifts, and weekend work expectations.

4

Include KPI expectations

Specify productivity targets, quality standards and other measurable performance indicators for the role.

5

Check award classification

Confirm the Storage Services Award applies to your operation and determine the appropriate classification level.

6

Review regularly

Update the job description when operational requirements change or your warehouse processes evolve.

Ready to hire your next packing team leader?

Once your team is in place, build compliant warehouse rosters in minutes, track time and attendance and apply award penalty rates automatically with RosterElf logistics rostering software.

Start free trial See logistics rostering software

Regulatory sources

This job description is aligned with Australian workplace award requirements.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

  • A packing team leader coordinates the daily operations of a packing line or warehouse area, supervising a team of packers, ensuring quality standards are met and maintaining productivity targets. They bridge management and frontline workers — managing workflow and schedules, running quality and accuracy checks, training staff, resolving problems and ensuring orders are packed accurately and dispatched on time.

  • Most packing team leader positions are covered by the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084). This award applies to employees in warehousing, storage and distribution operations. Always verify which award applies to your specific business operations.

  • Under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award, packing team leaders are typically classified at Level 3 or Level 4 depending on team size, supervisory responsibilities and decision-making authority. See our Storage Services Award pay rates guide for current classification descriptors and rates.

  • While not legally required, including indicative pay rates helps attract experienced candidates. You can reference the applicable award rate or use phrases like “Award rates plus penalties” or “Competitive salary package.” Check the current Storage Services Award rates for guidance.