What is a warehouse manager?
The warehouse manager supervises all activities of that facility, which often involves overseeing team performance, expediting the receiving and shipping of goods, and ensuring efficient, organized storage. They are responsible for the vital part of the supply chain process, manage people, processes and systems in order to ensure goods are received and dispatched appropriately, and that productivity targets are met.
How to become a warehouse manager?
To become a warehouse manager, you could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in logistics, supply chain management, and transport management.
For the entry requirements, you’ll usually need:
- At least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
You could also take a college course, which may help you to find an assistant or trainee manager’s job. Relevant subjects include:
- Level 3 Diploma in Warehousing and Storage
- Level 4 or Level 5 Supply Chain Management
You could start as a team leader or assistant manager before moving into this job once you have experience and qualifications in warehouse or transport distribution work.
Warehouse manager duties
Warehouse manager duties are diverse and depend on the employer and specialty, but some responsibilities are common to most:
- Safeguards warehouse operations and contents by establishing and monitoring security procedures and protocols
- Controls inventory levels by conducting physical counts; reconciling with data storage system
- Strategically manage warehouse in compliance with company’s policies and vision
- Liaise with clients, suppliers and transport companies
- Implementing operational policies and procedures
- Maintain documentation and keeping accurate records of warehouse activities
- Motivate, organise and encourage teamwork within the workforce to ensure productivity targets are met or exceeded
- Motivate, organise and encourage teamwork within the workforce to ensure productivity targets are met or exceeded
Warehouse manager skills
To be an effective warehouse manager, you’ll need certain skills and competencies. The following are often cited in job vacancies:
- Strong knowledge of warehousing Key Performance Indicators
- Leadership skills and ability manage staff
- Proficient computer skills
- Strong decision making and problem solving skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong people skills
How to find a warehouse manager job
These jobs are advertised online, in local newspapers and at your local jobcentre. To find all the warehouse manager jobs near you, you need to:
- Search for warehouse manager jobs on popular job websites such as; Indeed, Total Jobs and CV Library
- Use the DWP’s Find A Job Service
- Check local newspapers and local Facebook groups, especially groups dedicated to local jobs
Warehouse Manager Job Titles
When you search for warehouse manager jobs online, be aware that the jobs might be advertised using a different job title. Popular job titles for warehouse manager jobs include;
- Warehouse Officer
- Warehouse Shift Manager
- Logistics and Inventory Manager
What does a warehouse manager do?
The job of a warehouse manager varies depending on the job role and the company you’re working for. Check the duties and responsibilities of warehouse manager job advertisements to find jobs that best suit your skills and experience.
The day-to-day tasks of a warehouse manager include;
- Work closely with clients, suppliers and transport companies
- Plan the delivery and dispatch of goods
- Monitor and set aside storage space
- Track stock levels using computer programs
- Make sure stock is stored correctly and safely, for example chemicals or food
- Plan work rotas for warehouse staff
- Organise recruitment and staff training