Learn a little about supply chain management and different types of warehouse management positions including inventory manager, distribution center manager, and operations manager.
Supply Chain Management
Officially called supply chain management or transportation and logistics, this industry solves the problems related to how all of the goods we buy online or in person are stored, retrieved, and delivered. And it is a booming business. An article in Material Handling & Logistics reports the industry has grown more than 90% since 2000. In 2020 alone, the industry added over 100,000 jobs while other sectors struggled.
Jobs are plentiful at all levels in a warehouse, and the pay is above average for some of those jobs, but for the best opportunities and best pay, you’ll want to start at the top with managerial jobs in a warehouse. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2023, warehouse managers earned an average of $111,870 per year, with the top 10 percent making $175,530. The BLS also predicts that warehouse management positions are expected to increase 18 percent by 2032.
What Does a Warehouse Manager Do?
As a warehouse manager, you’ll guide daily operations of the distribution center. Delegation will be important as you measure and account for performance metrics throughout the warehouse. You’ll stay on top of shipping and receiving, and track inventory to avoid over/under buying.
It’s also your responsibility to hire, train, and protect your fellow employees, uphold safety policies and keep a clean work environment for them. It’s your job to be a fair and honest team motivator, a leader by example, and sometimes, a conflict mediator.
Other day-to-day tasks may include:
- Meeting regularly with supervisors to discuss plans and numbers
- Contacting brokers and negotiating shipping rates to move freight
- Organizing placement of goods in the warehouse’s layout
- Working with accounting on budgets
- Strategizing ways to move your distribution center forward
Different Managerial Jobs in a Warehouse
- Warehouse Inventory Manager - Warehouse Inventory Managers oversee how inventory is stored and shipped in a warehouse. Using warehouse management software, they control how and when inventory is shipped and when inventory is received. They oversee a team of inventory specialists and warehouse workers. Inventory managers are also responsible for keeping inventory levels consistent by purchasing goods and maintaining good relationships with suppliers.
- Distribution Center Manager - Distribution Center Managers are responsible for maintaining supply chains. They control flow in and out of warehouses, teams within the warehouse, and are responsible for safety and standards compliance.
- Operations Manager - Operations managers oversee production of goods or deployment of services. They manage the day-to-day operations and ensure everything is running smoothly. This position also entails leading staff, labor union, government, or other meetings. Operations managers keep up to date with any new government regulations and also could make hiring and firing decisions, along with other staff support.
If you’re ready to start working your way up the career ladder at a warehouse near you, or if you’re already at the top and looking for a new place to shine, WarehouseGig can match you up with a warehouse job near you. If you’re new to the scene and want to know more about working in a warehouse, we’ve got you covered. From descriptions of working in a modern warehouse, to a list of the many benefits of working in a warehouse, WarehouseGig is the home for relevant, up-to-date news and information on this job of the future, today.
Reference: