When you’re in the market for a new job, typically, you’re looking for a place that fits your needs, one that lets you use all your best skills. If your talents include methodical thinking, a drive to raise the bar, and genuine excitement about helping employees make it, you may make a good warehouse manager.
Warehouse managers oversee facilities that store goods between their production and distribution.
What Does A Warehouse Manager Do?
As a 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.
More often than not, you’re focusing on these in your charge as much as you are your own tasks. 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
What Does It Take To Be Qualified?
Most companies will ask for you to have a high school diploma or its equivalent, a GED. Past that, experience is your best asset in getting hired. If you already have some from a similar role, you may be able to slide into this position immediately.
If this is a role that you’d like but you’re still working on management experience, start with another position at a company you’d like to work for. Many places hire up from within: You could become a manager in 2-5 years’ time.
You’re going to want to feel comfortable with math, talking on the phone, using computers, and of course, leading people—you know, typical business responsibilities. You can build this experience on the job, or complete one of the many certifications and courses surrounding these topics, including:
- Supply chain management: Popular ones include the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) as well as the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) from The Association for Operations Management (APICS).
- OSHA certification for safety policies: An online Warehouse Safety Certification course is available for less than $25.
One thing to remember, when going after any job: The right personality will take you far. Many hiring managers have no problem bringing on someone with an attitude to learn and grow, even if they are lacking some experience. It’s easier to train an eager individual on new responsibilities than try to reshape a work ethic.
Soft skills good for warehouse managers to develop include:
- Trustworthiness
- Quick and accurate thinking
- Organization
- Effective communication
- Time management
Become A Warehouse Manager
Managing a warehouse or a distribution center can be a stable source of income from a fast-paced, rarely boring environment. If you’re interested in helping yourself, helping others, and seeing the company you work for profit from your skills, this may be a great role for you!