Skills Required of Warehouse Managers

May 30, 2011
Kimberly Turtenwald

Warehouse managers must know where everything is located. - SundayMorning / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

All managers require a specific set of skills. However, warehouse managers require additional skills.

A warehouse manager makes sure the warehouse operates smoothly and efficiently. The skills necessary to do this job are similar to other managerial positions, but additional skills are helpful. When working as a warehouse manager, the weight of the company rests solely on her shoulders. She is responsible for making sure that all employees complete their tasks.

Managerial Skills

Good warehouse managers have strong managerial skills. Most warehouse managers must know how to create a schedule for employees and coordinate deliveries and the receipt of goods. The manager must also possess interpersonal skills that allow her to interview job candidates and evaluate their worth to the warehouse. Interpersonal skills also include being able to reprimand and correct employees in an effective manner, as well as train new employees. Leadership is another important managerial skill. A warehouse manager must also be able to work as a team with the other employees. A manager must also possess the ability to make decisions, especially ones that require quick action.

Organization Skills

A warehouse manager requires good organizational skills. The manager must be familiar with basic computer software, such as spreadsheets and word processing software, to keep detailed records of what the warehouse contains and where each item is. Therefore, it is important to have strong data entry skills. She must also be able to create a storage plan organized in a way easy to understand. This ensures that workers and delivery personnel are able to locate items more quickly. Another essential organizational skill is time management and prioritizing tasks by importance.

Knowledge

According to Education Portal, many companies require warehouse managers to have intimate knowledge of the warehouse and shipping businesses. This knowledge usually involves a work history in warehouses, including forklift operation. A strong knowledge of shipping laws on both the state and federal levels is important, as are familiarity with inventory practices and safety measures. Some companies may also require their warehouse managers to hold a college degree in business administration or logistics.

Financial Understanding

Some warehouse managers maintain the financial records of the warehouse and create budgets for the warehouse operations. While overseeing the finances of a warehouse does not necessarily require complicated math skills, a good understanding of how a budget works and how to record financial transactions helps a warehouse manager keep track of the finances for the company. Basic math skills also make the job of creating and sticking to a budget easier.

Sources

Kimberly Turtenwald - by Kimberly Turtenwald