Warehouse Manager
What is the work like?
Warehouse managers plan and coordinate warehouse operations at distribution depots, retail superstores and manufacturing plants.
As a manager, your typical tasks would include:
- working closely with clients, suppliers and transport companies
- planning the delivery and dispatch of goods
- monitoring and setting aside storage space
- tracking stock levels, using computer packages
- making sure stock is stored correctly and safely, for example chemicals or food
- planning work rotas for warehouse operatives and supervisors
- organising recruitment and staff training
- dealing with disciplinary issues.
You would also be responsible for security arrangements at the warehouse, scheduling maintenance, repair and replacement of equipment, and working with other departments, such as quality control or production.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You can move into this type of job if you have supervisory experience and qualifications in warehouse and distribution operations. You can also use supervisory experience from other areas like retail. A forklift licence may also be helpful.
If you have a foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND or a degree, you may be taken on as a management trainee. Relevant college and university courses include:
- logistics
- supply chain management
- transport management.
To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Please check with them for their exact entry requirements.
The Skills for Logistics website has more details about careers in this sector, and qualifications and courses relevant to the industry at all levels.
What further training and development can I do?
You could take one of several on-the-job training awards, which cover warehouse management duties, including:
- NVQ in Distribution, Warehousing and Storage Operations Level 3
- NVQ in Logistics Operations Management Level 3
- NVQ in Integrated Logistics Support Management Level 4
- BTEC Professional Diploma in Logistics at Level 4
- postgraduate degrees – for example, transport planning, supply chain management and logistics.
You could also take qualifications through the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK), which offers courses at certificate, diploma and advanced diploma level. CILT also offers a Professional Development Scheme and a distance learning postgraduate MSc in Logistics, in partnership with Aston University. See the CILT website for more details.
Where can I go for more information?
Logistics and Transport CentreEarlstrees Court
Earlstrees Road
Corby
Northants
NN17 4AX
Tel: 01536 740100
Warren Farm Office Village
Stratford Road
Milton Keynes
MK12 5NW
Tel: 0870 242 7314
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are around £14,000 to £16,000 a year.
- Experienced warehouse managers can earn between £22,000 and £28,000 a year.
- Higher levels of management can earn more than £40,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work 37 to 40 hours a week, although shiftwork is common, including evenings and weekends.
Your work would be mainly office based but with some time spent visiting the factory floor or warehouse.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good numeracy and IT skills, particularly spreadsheets and databases
- the ability to plan and organise work schedules
- a calm, level-headed approach
- the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- good decision-making skills
- leadership, motivational and teamworking skills
- good spoken and written communication skills.
What opportunities are there?
There are about 70,000 management positions in storage and warehousing and you can find opportunities in all areas of the UK. The biggest concentrations of jobs are in the south-east, north-west and the Midlands.
Jobs are advertised in the local press, on company websites and with recruitment agencies, as well as through the links below.
With training and experience, you may have the chance for promotion to more senior positions, such as regional or national operations manager or director.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
Careers in Logistics
Jobs in Transport
Jobcentre Plus
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