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Warehouse managers oversee all operations at a warehouse. They have a lot of responsibilities, from maintaining a safe working environment to supervising warehouse teams.
If you’re interested in taking on this leadership role at a warehouse, follow these five steps on how to become a warehouse manager.
5 steps to become a warehouse manager
1. Earn a high school diploma or GED.
Typically, warehouse manager education requirements include earning a high school diploma or equivalent.
If you didn’t finish high school, you can enroll in classes to work toward your GED.
2. Gain entry-level warehousing experience.
Working in an entry-level warehouse role will provide you with valuable hands-on experience that can help prepare you for a leadership position in the future.
Your job duties in an entry-level role will teach you the key components of how a warehouse works from the ground up, such as:
- Shipping and receiving procedures.
Inventory management.
- Safety protocols.
At Schneider, for example, entry-level roles include positions like:
3. Improve your leadership skills.
Leading people is a big part of being a warehouse manager. You need to motivate your teams and make effective decisions to ensure all warehouse operations run smoothly.
While leadership responsibilities typically come with more experienced roles, an entry-level associate can practice their skills by taking some extra initiative.
Some ways to improve your leadership skills include:
- Asking to lead a project.
Helping to train new employees.
Offering to assist your supervisor with certain tasks.
Seeking opportunities for professional development, like conferences or online courses.
Eventually, you can work your way up into "junior" leadership roles, such as a warehouse lead, to learn how to manage a team before you oversee an entire facility as a warehouse manager.
4. Understand warehouse processes.
One of the biggest warehouse manager requirements and responsibilities is to ensure the warehouse operates as efficiently and effectively as possible. This requires an understanding of all warehouse processes, such as:
- Safety and security procedures.
General operations and workflows.
Budgeting and forecasting.
Quality and cost control.
Pro tip: Shadow other warehouse managers at your company to learn more about their day-to-day responsibilities and overall warehouse processes. This can also help you decide if it’s the right role for you to pursue.
5. Apply to a warehouse manager position.
Once you've gained the necessary experience, qualifications and skills from working in a warehouse, it's time to apply for a warehouse manager position.
Don’t forget to tailor your resume and cover letter to the role you're applying for to increase your chances of getting the job. During your job interview, be prepared to talk about how you’ve demonstrated leadership skills in previous positions.
