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Warehouse Manager Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Last updated: September 27, 2023

A Warehouse Manager, or a Warehouse Supervisor, oversees operations at a warehouse or storage facility to ensure that all incoming and outgoing inventory is processed according to schedule. Their duties include preparing schedules for Warehouse Associates, training new employees on how to use machinery and monitoring compliance with safety standards.

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Warehouse Manager duties and responsibilities

A Warehouse Manager completes various management, organization and planning tasks to maintain high performance of the warehouse’s storage and shipment processes. Their duties and responsibilities often include: 

  • Audit and report inventory while making recommendations on which items to order and restock
  • Manage warehouse associates, monitoring work and ensuring the safe use of warehouse equipment
  • Establish warehouse practices and protocols to achieve an efficient warehouse
  • Set warehouse and team goals in collaboration with executive management and other team leads
  • Monitor workplace performance and lead training initiatives to improve employees
  • Keep up-to-date on the latest federal and state safety regulations
  • Communicate with other departments to ensure products are shipped in a timely manner
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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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Frequently asked questions about Warehouse Managers

What are the traits of a good Warehouse Manager?

Good Warehouse Managers are an excellent judge of character and skills, allowing them to delegate tasks as efficiently and effectively as possible based on the strengths and weaknesses of their team. Successful Warehouse Managers think and plan ahead, preparing for how delays in transportation, supply shortages and staffing issues can impact the supply chain as a whole. They enjoy multitasking and staying organized, giving them the ability to optimize large scale logistics systems and handle a high volume of inventory and shipments. They are encouraging and motivational leaders who recognize and reward success on their team.

What is the difference between a Warehouse Manager and an Inventory Manager?

Warehouse Managers oversee Warehouse Workers as they do their part in the supply chain, while Inventory Managers exclusively handle the warehouse stock and infrastructure. Inventory Managers work more with keeping track of stock levels, responding to demand and identifying ways to make sure the right items are accessible. Warehouse Managers work with the large-scale logistics of shipping, storage and receiving and may perform some inventory checks in a supporting role. Warehouse Managers also serve a leadership role on their team and may be responsible for training new hires and updating warehouse equipment and processes.

What are the daily duties of a Warehouse Manager?

Warehouse Managers spend most of their time monitoring warehouse management systems and software to supervise the flow of inventory and make adjustments to meet delivery deadlines. After assigning tasks to their team, Warehouse Managers check their work for quality and safety, making changes and recommendations as necessary. They sign off on shipments and communicate with vendors and clients about the status of their orders. In addition to spending time on the warehouse floor with their team, Warehouse Managers track daily expenses and make projections about their team’s budget, managing purchases and expenses for keeping the warehouse running efficiently.

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