What does a Warehouse Manager do?
Warehouse Managers lead their team by setting productivity goals, placing inventory orders, setting up logical organization systems and creating communication systems within the warehouse. They direct shipments and resolve logistical challenges by communicating with clients, transportation providers, manufacturers and suppliers. Warehouse Managers determine standards for quality control and inspect inventory and packaging before sending orders to the next location. They strategize about inventory volumes and warehouse capacity to maximize productivity, rearranging containers for improved efficiency while allowing Warehouse Workers to easily navigate between aisles. Warehouse Managers track the supply chain to dispatch employees according to the company timeline.
Warehouse Manager skills and qualifications
A Warehouse Manager uses a variety of soft skills and industry knowledge to promote efficiency in the warehouse, including:
- Excellent leadership skills, including the abilities to set goals, motivate and manage conflict
- Effective communication skills, including writing, speaking and active listening
- Great interpersonal skills
- Good project management skills, including strong decision-making, problem-solving and strategic planning abilities
- Exceptional time management and organization skills
- In-depth understanding of industry and company best practices for the warehouse
- Familarity with bookkeeping, inventory control practices and logistics
- Comfortable using inventory management software and other organizational computer applications
- Physical strength, stamina and the ability to walk or stand for long periods of time
Warehouse Manager salary expectations
A Warehouse Manager earns an average of $56,434 per year. Salary may depend on level of education, experience and geographical location.
Warehouse Manager education and training requirements
Many Warehouse Manager candidates have at least a high school diploma or GED. These candidates may also have completed on-the-job warehouse organization and management training in another role. Other candidates may have an associate degree in business operations, supply chain management, procurement or another related field. These programs provide candidates the industry knowledge of best practices, regulations and processes. Few candidates may also have a bachelor’s degree in one of those fields.
Warehouse Manager experience requirements
As a managerial role, candidates are likely to have previous experience working in a warehouse, typically in the same industry in which they’re applying. Warehouse Managers often begin as a Warehouse Worker or Warehouse Associate and then work their way up to a management position, training underneath a more experienced Warehouse Associate or Warehouse Manager. Some Warehouse Managers may come to the position with previous experience in management in another, related industry.
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