How to Become a Warehouse Manager

What does a warehouse manager do?

Working at a warehouse can be full of endless hours of work and hard physical labor. But the most important question is, what does a warehouse manager do? Well, it turns out that there are many different opportunities for those who want to manage a warehouse or logistics management. Although the job may seem monotonous, it requires a certain degree of creativity and problem solving skills. Warehouse managers could manage inventory, monitor processes and make sure employees adhere to safety regulations. They must also be able to communicate effectively with their staff as well as customers in order to keep every transaction smooth. It’s not an easy job by any means, but if you’re interested in operations management then this might be the perfect career choice for you!. As a warehouse manager, you can expect to do the following:

Receive and send shipments

You will be responsible for overseeing shipment loading and unloading. You might also handle daily operations for the warehouse and create shipment schedules.

Assess inventory levels

You will use software programs to monitor inventory levels. When inventory levels become too high or low, you might initiate shipments or transportation to other facilities.

Oversee safety and security procedures

In this leadership role, you will enforce employee safety and facility security measures. Most warehouse managers follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.

Inspect goods and equipment

When your facility sends or receives shipments, you typically examine related goods and materials to check quantity and identify defects. You may also inspect tools and equipment to ensure that they are in good condition.

Manage employees and build teams

In this managerial role, you take responsibility for overseeing staff and teams. You might assign staff schedules, oversee employee training or develop teamwork initiatives.

Communicate with clients

Warehouse managers frequently communicate with clients by phone and email. You might write or talk with vendors and suppliers daily to schedule shipments and coordinate equipment needs.

Average salary

Most warehouse managers are full-time employees. Salaries for warehouse managers generally depend on work experience and the company’s industry and location.

• Common salary in the U.S.: $57,645 per year

• Some salaries range from $15,000 to $109,000 per year.

Warehouse manager requirements

Many warehouse manager job listings require these skills and educational experience:

Education

Warehouse managers generally need to have a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED). This provides a foundation in language, math and reasoning.

Training

Most warehouse managers complete essential training through entry-level positions. The following roles can give you that experience:

Material mover

These professionals work in warehouses and take charge of moving goods and freight. In this role, you might use equipment like forklifts and pallet jacks to facilitate movement, and you might accept deliveries from trucks. As a material mover, you might also assist with packing and loading goods as well as maintaining warehouse layouts.

Warehouse clerk

These specialists contribute to supply chain management. They often work in warehouses, where they track products, monitor inventory and help with scheduling deliveries. As a material recording clerk, you might inspect deliveries, handle defective products, develop inventory charts or analyze supply chain data.

Certifications

In many cases, warehouse managers need certifications to operate heavy equipment like forklifts and aerial lifts. You can get these credentials from a variety of vendors, most of whom require a combination of a written exam and a practical test. Many employers administer these certification programs regularly.

Skills

To become an effective warehouse manager, you should strive to master key soft skills like leadership and teamwork. The following abilities are essential for warehouse managers:

Sense of organization

Since warehouse managers handle a wide range of tasks and oversee facilities, organization is essential. You can increase your natural sense of organization by scheduling your day carefully, completing tasks in batches and investing in digital organizers.

Problem-solving abilities

Warehouse managers must know how to resolve the many issues that arise on the job to keep the facility running smoothly. To increase your problem-solving skills, try practicing with logic games and puzzles that encourage you to find patterns and resolutions.

Customer service skills

As a warehouse manager, you will need strong interpersonal skills, as most people in this position communicate with clients regularly. To increase your customer service skills, practice active listening and asking follow-up questions when talking with clients. Try plotting complex conversations before they begin so you can make important points and communicate clearly.

Leadership capabilities

Most warehouse managers oversee teams of laborers, material movers and warehouse clerks. To lead employees successfully, practice taking a positive approach at work, motivating others to do their best and serving as a role model for your team.

Teamwork skills

In addition to leading teams, warehouse managers must also build a sense of teamwork. To encourage team members to work together, start by clarifying responsibilities for each employee. Then strive to build a sense of trust, communicate openly and reward excellent work.

Safety and security awareness

As the manager of a warehouse, you need a complete understanding of material safety and facility security. Most warehouse managers learn these skills on the job since they tend to be specific to the type of goods you oversee and the facility you manage. To enhance your understanding, you can consider taking a standard training course approved by OSHA.

Warehouse manager work environment

Warehouse managers handle a wide variety of goods, from supplies and materials to products for retail. Most warehouse managers work full time and may keep non-standard hours, adjusting their schedules to receive or send shipments as necessary. These managers typically work in offices located in warehouse environments.

How to become a warehouse manager

To become a warehouse manager, consider these four steps:

1. Earn a high school diploma.

Before applying for a warehouse manager role, complete your high school education. Most employers accept either a diploma or a GED. With this credential, you can confirm that you have mastered the fundamentals of math, science, writing and verbal communication. By completing a high school education or equivalent, you can also learn the basics of soft skills like organization and problem-solving.

2. Get work experience.

To become a warehouse manager, you generally need to work in a warehouse setting for two or more years. For example, you can work as a material mover or a material recording clerk for a year before working in a team supervisor role for another year.

3. Cultivate essential skills.

As you gain experience with supply chains and shipping logistics, seek out opportunities to hone the skills you will need as a warehouse manager. For example, you can register for training sessions to improve your teamwork or customer service skills. You may also ask for more responsibilities or request to manage a project to develop your leadership capabilities.

4. Complete management training.

To position yourself as a top candidate for this type of role, complete a management training program or get experience overseeing people and tasks. For example, you can sign up for a training session at work or register for a class at your local university or community center. To get firsthand experience, you can take on a team supervisor role that enables you to lead projects and manage staff.

Warehouse manager job description example

Coastal Shipping is seeking an organized, motivated warehouse manager to oversee our daily operations. The successful candidate will manage shipping and receiving and must maintain accuracy in all tasks. If you are capable of developing talent, motivating teams and providing excellent customer service, we want to hear from you.

Related careers

• Delivery driver: If you prefer making deliveries over coordinating and accepting shipments, a career as a delivery driver could be a smart choice. These professionals operate commercial vehicles as well as load and unload products and freight. Many delivery drivers also go on to be tractor-trailer operators, who transport materials and goods around regions or cross-country.

• Purchasing agent: Many warehouse managers consider purchasing agent roles to be the next step in their careers. These professionals are responsible for evaluating suppliers, interviewing vendors, negotiating contracts and reviewing proposals. Purchasing agents often take on leadership roles, like purchasing managers, later in their careers.