Warehouse managers plan and coordinate warehouse operations at distribution depots, retail superstores and manufacturing plants.

Typical tasks include:

• liaising with clients, suppliers and transport companies
• planning deliveries and dispatch of goods
• monitoring and allocating storage space
• tracking stock levels, using computer packages
• making sure stock is stored correctly and in line with any relevant regulations, for example chemicals and food.

Warehouse managers also plan work schedules for warehouse operatives and supervisors, organise recruitment and training, are responsible for health and safety, and deal with disciplinary issues.

They make sure that security arrangements for the warehouse are adequate and procedures are followed correctly. Other duties include scheduling maintenance, repair and replacement of equipment, and liaising with other departments, such as quality control, production and marketing.

Hours and Environment

Warehouse managers usually work 37 to 40 hours a week. Shiftwork is common, including evenings and weekends.

Managers work in an office and in the warehouse. They may wear protective clothing at times.

Skills and Interests

To be a warehouse manager, you should:

• have good numeracy and IT skills, particularly spreadsheets and databases
• be able to plan and organise work schedules
• be calm, level-headed, and be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• be able to make decisions and react quickly to problems
• have leadership, motivational and teamworking skills
• have good spoken and written communication skills.

Entry

You can move into this role if you have supervisory experience and qualifications in warehouse and distribution operations. Supervisory experience from other sectors like retail is also useful. 

Many companies recruit management trainees with a foundation degree, Edexcel (BTEC)/SQA HNC/HND or a degree. Relevant courses include:

• logistics
• supply chain management
• transport management.

Colleges and universities throughout the country offer these courses. Please check with them for exact entry requirements.

For more information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward. To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Some roles require a forklift licence. See the profile for Forklift Truck Operator.

Skills for Logisitics and Careers in Logistics websites have details about careers in this sector, and qualifications and courses relevant to the industry at all levels. See Further Information.

Training

Once in the job, you can work towards one of several awards, which incorporate warehouse management. These include:

• NVQs/SVQs - in Distribution, Warehousing and Storage Operations Level 3, and Integrated Logistics Support Management Level 4
• Edexcel (BTEC) Professional Diploma in Logistics at Level 4
• postgraduate degrees  - transport planning, supply chain management and logistics.

The Careers in Logistics website has comprehensive details about qualifications and training providers throughout the UK. Please see the Further Information section.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK) offers modular courses at certificate, diploma and advanced diploma level, covering warehouse management. CILT also offers a Professional Development Scheme and a distance learning MSc in Logistics in conjunction with Aston University. See the CILT website in Further Information.

Opportunities

There are opportunities for employment in all areas of the UK, with approximately 70,000 management positions in storage and warehousing. The south-east, north-west and the Midlands have the biggest concentrations of employment.

With training and experience, opportunities exist for promotion to more senior positions, such as regional or national operations manager and director.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries are usually 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.

Further information

Logistics and Transport Centre
Earlstrees Court
Earlstrees Road
Corby
Northants
NN17 4AX
Tel: 01536 740100 14 Warren Yard
Warren Farm Office Village
Stratford Road
Milton Keynes
MK12 5NW
Tel: 0870 242 7314