Warehouse retail support job description
A comprehensive job description template for warehouse retail support positions in Australian retail stores. Covers receiving deliveries, stock organisation, order picking and safety compliance aligned with the General Retail Industry Award.
Warehouse retail support job description
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About the warehouse retail support role
A warehouse retail support worker is essential for efficient retail operations, handling the behind-the-scenes stock management that keeps stores running smoothly. They receive and process deliveries, organize stockrooms, pick orders for the sales floor and maintain inventory accuracy.
In Australia, warehouse retail support workers are typically classified under the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004) at Level 1-3, depending on their experience and responsibilities. Pay rates include penalty rates for early morning, weekend and public holiday work.
This template provides a foundation for creating clear, compliant job descriptions that attract candidates with the right physical capability and attention to detail. Use rostering software to schedule your warehouse retail team efficiently.
Key responsibilities
Core duties included in this job description template
Receiving deliveries
Accept and process stock deliveries, check orders against delivery documentation, report discrepancies and ensure accurate stock receipts.
Stock organisation
Organize stockroom and warehouse areas systematically, maintain clear access paths and ensure efficient stock rotation using FIFO principles.
Order picking
Pick orders accurately for floor replenishment and click-and-collect, use inventory systems to locate stock and prepare items for transfer.
Equipment operation
Safely operate pallet jacks, trolleys and other warehouse equipment, conduct pre-use checks and report maintenance needs.
Inventory management
Use inventory management systems, conduct stock counts, report stock discrepancies and maintain accurate records.
Safety compliance
Follow workplace health and safety procedures, use correct manual handling techniques and maintain a safe, organized work environment.
Skills and attributes
What to look for in warehouse retail support candidates
Physical capability
Ability to lift, move and handle stock safely. Stamina for standing, walking and physical work throughout shifts.
Organizational skills
Systematic approach to organizing stock, maintaining orderly storage areas and managing multiple tasks efficiently.
Attention to detail
Accuracy in checking deliveries, picking orders and recording stock movements. Focus on quality and correctness.
Efficiency focus
Ability to work at pace during busy periods while maintaining accuracy. Time management and task prioritization.
Team collaboration
Working cooperatively with warehouse colleagues and floor staff to ensure smooth stock flow and operations.
Safety awareness
Commitment to workplace safety, proper equipment use and hazard identification. Following protocols consistently.
Qualifications and requirements
Warehouse retail support positions suit candidates with physical capability, organisational skills and reliability. Attitude and work ethic often matter more than formal qualifications.
- Physical fitness (Required)
Ability to lift, bend, stand and perform physical work
- Reliability (Required)
Punctuality and dependability for rostered shifts
- Availability (Required)
Flexibility for early morning, day shifts and busy periods
- Warehousing experience
Previous warehouse, stockroom or logistics experience
- Certificate in Warehousing
Formal qualification in warehousing operations or retail
Working conditions
Set clear expectations about the warehouse retail environment
- Early morning, day and occasional evening shifts based on delivery schedules
- Physical work including lifting, bending, standing and walking throughout shifts
- Working in stockroom and warehouse environments with varying temperatures
- Operating manual handling equipment like pallet jacks and trolleys
- Fast-paced environment during delivery times and busy periods
- Following strict safety procedures and manual handling guidelines
Award coverage
Understanding the General Retail Industry Award for warehouse retail
General retail industry award 2020
Warehouse retail support positions are covered by the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004). Workers typically fall under Level 1-3 classifications based on experience and responsibilities. View current Retail Award pay rates.
Ensure you classify roles correctly and use award interpretation software to calculate penalty rates for early morning, weekend and public holiday work accurately.
Career progression
Warehouse retail support workers can progress to senior warehouse positions, inventory management, logistics coordination or store management roles. Building strong organisational skills, developing inventory expertise and demonstrating leadership capability opens advancement opportunities.
Many retailers offer training programs and promote from within, making warehouse retail support roles excellent entry points to retail operations careers.
Who should use this template?
This job description template is designed for Australian retail businesses with warehouse operations
Clear job descriptions attract candidates with the right physical capability and organisational skills for warehouse retail work.
How to use this template
Tips for customising the warehouse retail support job description
Define physical requirements
Specify lifting limits, mobility requirements and physical demands clearly to ensure candidates understand the role's physical nature.
Clarify shift patterns
Outline typical shift times including early morning starts for deliveries and any weekend requirements based on your delivery schedule.
Specify equipment used
List specific equipment workers will use (pallet jacks, trolleys, scanners) and any licences or training required.
Include systems training
Mention inventory management systems and technology used, noting that full training will be provided to successful candidates.
Verify award classification
Confirm the appropriate Level 1-3 classification based on experience requirements and responsibilities under the General Retail Industry Award.
Emphasize safety culture
Highlight your commitment to workplace safety and the importance of following procedures to attract safety-conscious candidates.
Legal disclaimer
This template is designed to reflect Australian workplace standards and retail industry practices at the time of publication. It is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice.
You should review and tailor this template to suit your business, operations and specific requirements. Confirm the applicable modern award classification and support compliance with all relevant employment laws. For complex situations, seek independent legal or HR advice.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about warehouse retail support job descriptions, qualifications and employment. Built for Australian small businesses.
- A warehouse retail support worker receives, processes and organizes stock deliveries, picks orders for floor replenishment or click-and-collect, maintains organized stockroom and warehouse areas, and operates equipment like pallet jacks and trolleys. They support retail operations through efficient stock flow under the General Retail Industry Award.
- Warehouse retail support workers typically fall under Level 1-3 of the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004). Level 1 covers new employees, Level 2 covers those with basic stock management skills, and Level 3 covers those with specialist skills or additional responsibilities. See our Retail Award pay rates guide.
- Warehouse retail support workers focus primarily on back-of-house duties including receiving deliveries, organizing stockrooms and picking orders. Stock replenishers spend more time on the sales floor restocking shelves. Some retailers combine these roles depending on store size and structure.
- Most retail stores don't require forklift licences as they use pallet jacks and trolleys rather than forklifts. Larger distribution centers or big-box retailers may require forklift licences. Training on safe equipment operation is typically provided on the job.
Related resources
More templates and resources for retail businesses
Stock replenisher template
Job description for retail stock replenishment positions on the sales floor.
View templateRetail solutions
See how RosterElf helps retail businesses manage staff scheduling, payroll and compliance.
Learn moreRetail award pay rates
Current pay rates, penalty rates and allowances under the General Retail Industry Award 2020.
View ratesRegulatory sources
This job description is aligned with Australian workplace award requirements.
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Disclaimer
This document is a general job description template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.