A warehouse manager is a professional in charge of the day to day operations of the warehouse. He oversees the receiving, storing and dispatching of items in the warehouse, be it food, clothing, equipment, to name a few.
If you are a dedicated workhouse worker in search of further career advancement – or if you believe that you have what it takes to manage and supervise the warehouse operation – then a stint as a warehouse manager can fit you well. Be at the top of the chain by learning about what it takes to be a warehouse manager:
The Responsibilities of a Warehouse Manager
Before you apply for this position, you first need to familiarize yourself with the tasks of a warehouse manager, which include the following:
- Coordinates with suppliers and clients.
- Plans the delivery and handling of products.
- Monitors stock availability.
- Monitors availability of storage space.
- Assures correct stocking of merchandise, such as medications and food.
- Maintains cleanliness and orderliness of the warehouse.
- Plans staff work rotation.
- Trains old staff.
- Ensures that the staff complies with safety rules and regulations.
- Recruits new employees.
Educational Requirements
As with any other supervisory job, the basic educational requirement for aspiring warehouse managers is a four-year degree. Finishing courses in logistics, transport management and supply chain management will help you greatly if you want to score a job as a warehouse manager.
If you are not able to make it through college, you can still become a warehouse manager by pursuing certificate courses from vocational schools and institutions. Some can even be acquired online. Such programs include:
- Warehouse Management Training Certificate
- Inventory Control and Warehouse Management Certificate
- Purchasing, Logistics and Supply Chain Management Certificate
Work Experience Needed
Before you can supervise warehouse operations, you need to gain work experience in distribution and warehouse work. After graduating from school, you need to find a great warehouse environment, engage in basic warehouse work, and learn everything you can from the warehouse manager.
As with any other supervisory stint, experience in the trade is important. Dabbling in relevant areas such as retail operations will come in handy if you wish to become a warehouse manager.
Apart from learning the ins and outs of the warehouse trade, it would be best if you are proficient with operating essential equipment and programs. It is recommended that you get a pallet or forklift license, but it is better if you are well-versed with all the computer programs and software used in daily warehouse operations. Warehouse management systems are the norm today, so it is best if you are familiar with widely-used programs and the technologies that come with them.
Vital Skills and Qualities
As a budding warehouse manager, it is not enough that you have the proper education and work experience. You need to possess the following skills and qualities as well in order to succeed in the workplace:
- Good mathematical skills
- Effective planning and organizational skills
- Sound decision making skills
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Capacity to work under pressure
- Strong leadership skills
- Good motivational skills
- Good communication skills
- Proficiency in IT, especially in databases and spreadsheets
How to Get Work as a Warehouse Manager
Now that you have what it takes to be a warehouse manager, you can go ahead and try your luck by applying for open positions. The easiest way to is to ask for the help of your friends within the warehousing circle.
Another method to search for warehouse managing work is through online job hunting websites, such as warehousejobs.net. All you just need to do is look for vacant positions. In case anything does not tickle your fancy, you can post your resume and wait as potential employers seek you out.