Warehouse managers accomplish a lot of tasks like documenting and keeping records at the warehouse. They supervise an essential part of the supply chain and are accountable for receiving, storing and dispatching merchandise. They also supervise the health and safety standards of the place of work and the stocks.
The Warehouse manager's job involves coordination with the staff and drivers. They have to multitask in the fast-paced industry. If you are up for managing people and goods simultaneously, you can consider becoming a warehouse manager. If you are hankering to update your resume or want to create a new one, we have got a distinguished guide for you.
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Job duties of warehouse managers
Warehouse managers are responsible for planning and supervising the workflow. They have to handle the stocks in the warehouse. As a warehouse manager, you are accountable for administering and training new personnel. Being a manager, you will be looked up to, and you should be able to think critically when trying to solve problems swiftly. A warehouse manager ought to have an eye for detail, primarily when related to the orders, shipping and dispatch.
The typical duties of a warehouse manager consist of:
Handling and executing the shipping orders.
Ordering and receiving materials in the warehouse.
Replenishing materials with regards to the schedules of production.
Planning and implementing accuracy in inventory control measures.
Maintaining and devising rotas for the staff.
Keeping financial and statistical records.
Ensuring all the deadlines are met.
Having a clear understanding of company policies.
Hiring and providing training to the new employees.
Coordinating the use of automated and computerized systems.
Briefing the team leaders daily.
Warehouse manager median salaries
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median average salary of warehouse managers is $103,320 as of May 2019. Compensation may vary depending on skills and experience.
Top skills for warehouse managers
Warehouse managers serve as leaders, supervisors and problem solvers to administer their teammates and their designated stocks. A combination of technical and soft skills composes a responsible and dependable warehouse manager.
Here is the list of skills needed to be a successful warehouse manager:
- Pro at database documentation: Having extensive hands-on experience with warehouse management software (WMS) and warehouse execution systems (WES) and your company’s choice of the database is pivotal for fulfilling the role as a warehouse manager. Monitoring the receipt, order, assembly and dispatch of goods. You should know the best ways to keep track of the inflow and outflow of stocks while updating its control systems, ensuring that inventories are consistently accurate and the warehouse’s organization and maintenance of digital infrastructure run well.
- Strategic organization: Knowing how to make the most of your workspace will take some familiarization with your area and analysis of the size and shape of your shipments. You must know what your shipments contain to arrange them in the best, most accessible and clutter-free way possible to save time and protect your group from poorly stacking inventory which can lead to costly incidents. Strategize the managing of your pieces by placing your top-selling items closer to your shipping and distribution area. This skill could quicken workflow and complete projects cost-effectively, such as equipping your staff with handheld barcode scanners.
- Verbal and written communication skills: Warehouse managers plan and coordinate warehouse operations at distribution depots, retail superstores and manufacturing plants. They communicate with vendors, suppliers and customers, in some cases in the form of automated and personified emails or phone calls. Warehouse managers must know how to answer queries raised by clients and represent their company positively through written and verbal communications.
- Knowledge of KPI and customer service: Aside from reporting to higher-ups, warehouse managers are responsible for receiving feedback and monitoring the quality of services provided. Knowledge of Warehouse Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is necessary to regulate performance and discover areas needing improvement, such as minimizing the total quantifiable cost per shipment.
- Safety-mindedness: Aside from the record-keeping, warehouse managers must oversee the maintenance of health and safety standards from the items brought into the warehouse and its staff members. Storing stock correctly and double-checking injury prevention measures will protect staff, improve their work satisfaction by feeling safe and cared for and ultimately sustain productivity levels. Warehouse managers should know about OSHA safety standards to ensure that the warehouse is well-ventilated if shipments contain hazardous materials, powerful chemicals or perishable items.
- Leadership and mentoring skills: A managing position signifies having a proven record of competency in complying with rules and regulations and giving an excellent example to all co-workers. Warehouse managers may also oversee hiring, training and mentoring new employees, decide employee shifts and encourage daily meetings and deadline goals.
Educational requirements for warehouse manager
A degree:
Degrees for this position typically involve lessons on supply chain management, delivery of goods, economy, business processes, marketing, finance, quality control, statistical analysis, ethics and forecasting techniques.
However, the percentage of warehouse managers in the US that have earned this position with a degree, a high school diploma or GED splits almost evenly. Those who have completed a college degree and have earned this position are admitted into logistics management, supply chain management, operation management systems, among other related fields.
What makes warehouse managers most qualified for their positions is their level of experience dealing with warehouses, retail, working in shipment or distribution industries, or having received similar training within transportation or construction companies.
Opportunities to pursue one of these degrees can be found at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan), Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper) Business School, Stanford University and Georgia Military College has a logistic management program. Ivy Tech Community College provides a supply chain management program that trains their students in moving and storing raw materials, analyzing and handling inventories and understanding information systems.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan), Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper) Business School, and Stanford University offer quality courses.Associates:
An associate degree program in logistics or supply chain management typically teaches software and computer systems used to move and store materials, basic business principles and problem-solving methods, lessons on traffic management, customer relations and international transportation. Earning an associate degree equips you with the skills needed to handle distribution of goods, inventory control and the management of materials, allowing you to work in entry-level job positions such as warehouse management, inventory control or distribution if you have no former experience in the warehouse manager work field.
Recommendations for an associate degree in logistics and supply chain management include Colorado Christian University, which focuses on purchasing, inbound logistics, transportation management and operations. Clark State College teaches how to analyze quantitative data, discuss legal topics, social responsibility and global business trends, and ethical issues.
Northcentral Technical College also has a Supply Chain Management Associate Degree program, while Southwest Wisconsin Technical College provides the same 100% online, full or part-time, with eligibility for financial aid.Certifications:
Many warehouse managers learn how to carry out this position through in-job experiences or by an apprenticeship. Taking short courses to learn more about logistics, supply chain management (SCM), online marketplace, and transport management can help you achieve a position as a warehouse manager. While some employers provide these courses for their employees to advance, the U.S. Department of Labor offers hundreds of apprenticeship opportunities every year to benefit workers who cannot afford to go to college.
Options for certificates include Alison, which has hundreds of free online operations certificates and diplomas, Coursera with Supply Chain Logistics courses and Udemy, with courses in logistics management, inventory control, procurement, trade and commerce. EdX has many courses that center around agriculture and manufacturing, while Georgia Tech has a Logistics Fundamentals Certificate, a Supply Chain Fundamentals Certificate and some courses to grow in leadership.
Other helpful online certifications about safety can be found at the OSHAcademy, including a Basic Hazard Communication course, Emergency Action and Fire Prevention Plans, Workplace Hygiene and Illness Prevention, among others. These serve as refresher courses for those who are already managers — more can be found at the Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, with a focus on linking operational and financial performances.
Consider looking into industry organizations like the Council of Supply Chain Management Professional, which provides certification for interested organizations with courses on supply management, manufacturing, warehousing, and inventory management. You may also apply to Emory Continuing Education which offers a six to 12-month Essentials Management Certification program.
Warehouse worker resume-writing tips
A resume is the first step to making your first impression on your future employer; it will help you get the desired attention. Your resume should be easily readable and give a clear picture of your experience, skills and accomplishments. An employer will only take a few moments to read your resume, so it should be crisp and clear.
Here are a few tips to make your resume stand out from other applicants and compel the employer to consider you as a candidate.
- Be precise and clear. Your resume should be precise so that it gives a clear insight into your capabilities. You should write your resume so that it highlights your best skills and accomplishments. You can use bullet points to showcase key points and to avoid writing wordy or lengthy sentences.
- Proper insight of the experiences. The job of a warehouse manager requires experience, so it is crucial to properly write down all your experiences as they. It is important to include all the training and certifications you have acquired throughout your career as well.
- Highlight individual accomplishments. The job of a warehouse manager requires special qualities. Individual accomplishments are one of the key skills in your resume. Better than showcasing skills, presenting and writing about accomplishments showcases ways in which you have handled hardships in your job.
FAQ
What are the career prospects of a warehouse manager?
Warehouse managers can progress in their field by gaining relevant experience. Gaining professional and vocational training, like Excellence in Warehouse Management or SAP WM Warehouse Management, will help move toward a great career. You can move to senior levels after getting enough experience and acquiring desired skills. Your experience will help you to grow and move forward and possibly reach the role of director.
Do you need to be in good shape to work as a warehouse manager?
A warehouse manager should have good stamina as you might need to work for long hours. You may be required to lend a hand in loading and unloading cargo and be on the floor of the warehouse with other employees to check discrepancies and assure safety policies.