Warehouse Clerk

Also known as:

Clerk, Warehouse
Store/Warehouse Clerk

Introduction

Warehouse clerks do administrative work in warehouses. This involves keeping all the records, for example, of stock and orders. Other paperwork includes delivery orders. Clerks deal with a variety of people on the telephone and in person.

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Work Activities

Warehouse clerks handle the clerical work in warehouses. They could be based in an office or spend much of their time in a warehouse.

Their tasks vary depending on the sort of company they work for. Usually, warehouse clerks are responsible for dealing with any paperwork relating to the warehouse stock. They deal with goods notes when stock is delivered, keeping a record of the stock held at the warehouse (and where it is stored), and preparing invoices. They are sometimes involved in stock control, keeping track of the number and type of different items in the warehouse.

They may be responsible for ordering goods and choosing an area in the warehouse to store them, although a warehouse assistant may do this work. Warehouse clerks use computers to order goods, keep track of stock and to store customers' addresses.

Warehouse clerks deal with customers and with suppliers to chase orders, organise delivery times or sort out problems. They also liaise with members of staff from other departments, transferring relevant information, for example, passing invoices to the accounts department.

The warehouse clerk may do filing, make and receive phone calls and order stationery and warehouse equipment.

Not all companies that have warehouses employ clerks specifically for this work. In some organisations, general clerical workers do some of the tasks of a warehouse clerk. In a small company, warehouse assistants who load and unload goods from lorries may also deal with some of the paperwork.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a warehouse clerk, you should be well organised and able to use your initiative. Common sense is important, and you must be able to follow health and safety procedures.

There is a lot of figure work, so you should have good number skills. Neat written work is essential. IT skills are also needed for using spreadsheets and inputting data.

You will need good communication skills to deal with a variety of people, both from within the organisation and outside. You should also have a good phone manner. You need to be a good team worker.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Warehouse clerks earn in the range of £13,000 - £15,000 a year, rising to £18,000. Higher earners can make around £22,500 a year.

Warehouse clerks usually work a 37-40 hour week Monday to Friday, and some Saturday working may be required. Overtime may also be available.

Employment throughout the UK is with major retail companies, warehousing and distribution firms, central and local government departments, the health service and the armed forces.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some employers prefer applicants with relevant skills in, for example, information technology and/or office administration.

Colleges will usually consider applications from candidates who do not meet their usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges.

A large number of centres offer relevant distance learning courses in ICT skills such as word processing, spreadsheets and databases.

• 8% have flexible hours.
• 3% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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