Storeperson job description

No formal qualifications are required for entry-level storeperson roles. However, employers value manual handling training, basic numeracy and literacy skills, and a good understanding of workplace safety. A forklift licence is highly desirable and opens up opportunities for higher classification levels and increased responsibilities.

For experienced roles, look for previous warehouse or logistics experience, familiarity with inventory management systems, understanding of stock control principles like FIFO and LIFO, RF scanner proficiency, and ability to work in fast-paced environments. Experience in similar industries or with similar product types is valuable.

While not always mandatory for entry-level roles, a forklift licence (LF class High Risk Work Licence) is highly desirable and significantly increases employability. Many employers prefer candidates with current licences, though some will support employees to obtain their licence through accredited training programs.

Storeperson roles involve physical demands including standing for extended periods, walking throughout the warehouse, bending, reaching, lifting items typically up to 20-25kg, and occasionally heavier with assistance. These physical requirements should be clearly stated in the job description to ensure candidates can safely perform the role.

This depends on your operational needs and stock flow patterns. Permanent storepersons provide consistency, reduce training costs and develop deep product knowledge. Casuals offer flexibility for peak periods, seasonal variations or unexpected stock movements. Many businesses use a core permanent team supplemented by casuals. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends for more information.

Under the Storage Services Award, penalty rates apply for: Saturdays (150% of ordinary rate), Sundays (200%), public holidays (250%), plus shift work penalties for afternoon and night shifts. Casual employees receive a 25% casual loading on top of the ordinary hourly rate. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Under the Storage Services Award, the minimum engagement for casual employees is typically 3 hours per shift. This ensures workers receive reasonable compensation for attending work. Part-time employees have guaranteed minimum hours as specified in their contract. Check the specific award provisions for your operation type.

Key elements include: position title and classification level, employment type (permanent/casual), hourly rate and applicable award, main duties and responsibilities, work location, shift patterns and hours, physical requirements, PPE requirements, and any specific certifications needed. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Under the Storage Services Award, rosters should be provided at least 7 days in advance where practicable. Changes to rosters require reasonable notice unless due to unforeseen circumstances. Using rostering software helps support compliance and gives staff visibility of upcoming shifts, which improves work-life balance and reduces absenteeism.

Build flexibility into your workforce structure with a mix of permanent and casual staff. Use historical data to predict busy periods such as seasonal peaks, promotional periods or stock intake days. Rostering software with demand forecasting can help you match staffing levels to expected workload and avoid overstaffing or understaffing.

Under the Storage Services Award, employees working more than 5 hours are entitled to an unpaid meal break of 30-60 minutes. Paid rest breaks also apply based on shift length (typically 10-15 minutes per 4 hours worked). Ensure breaks are scheduled to maintain warehouse productivity while meeting all award requirements.

Yes, many warehouses set reasonable productivity targets such as lines picked per hour, pallets moved per shift, or order completion times. These should be clearly communicated during onboarding, consistently applied across all staff, and regularly reviewed. Targets should account for factors like product types, warehouse layout, equipment available and stock density. Track performance fairly using your warehouse management system.