Warehouse manager
Warehouse managers are a vital part of the supply chain process. They oversee the efficient receipt, storage and dispatch of a wide range of goods including food, clothing, healthcare products, manufacturing parts and household items.
To achieve this, they manage people, processes and systems. They ensure productivity targets are met and maintain computerised administration and automated storage and retrieval systems. They ensure workplace health and safety requirements are met and take responsibility for the security of the building and stock.
In a large operation, they manage teams of workers and deal with personnel issues such as the recruitment, training and discipline of staff. Some managers also oversee picking, packing and distribution activity.
Work activities depend on the size of the operation.
Typical work activities include:
Although this area of work is open to all graduates and diplomates, the following subjects may improve your chances:
Foundation degrees in logistics and supply chain management are also available. Visit The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) UK website for details.
Entry without a degree or HND/foundation degree is commonly possible. Industry experience is still an important factor in recruitment, but employers increasingly prefer applicants with a degree.
Although a postgraduate qualification is not needed prior to entry, a Masters in logistics and supply chain management may help give you the edge with some employers, especially if the course provides placement opportunities. Once you have started work in the industry, CILT offers a range of qualifications for those entering the profession through to strategic management level. These qualifications range from a Level 2 Certificate to Level 6 Advanced Diploma and a Masters degree offered in partnership with the University of Glamorgan. See the CILT Training, Development and Qualifications Directory available to download on the website for the full range of courses.
On-the-job experience linked to professional qualifications provides a common entry route for post A-level entrants. Relevant CILT introductory and certificate awards are particularly useful.
Although pre-entry experience is not needed, experience of working in a team and dealing with people in a warehouse setting will improve your chances.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
Knowledge of foreign languages is becoming increasingly useful throughout the industry.
Try to get some vacation work or an industrial placement in a warehouse to test your suitability for this area of work.
Many larger logistics firms operate graduate training schemes. Apply for these early during your final year, as competition for graduate training places is strong. Alternatively, consider a general warehouse position, for example, as a trainee supervisor with a smaller organisation. There tend to be more opportunities in this area, and experience in these jobs can lead to line-management positions.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Training varies from company to company. Some larger companies offer comprehensive graduate training schemes. These usually last up to two years, with periods spent on rotation in various departments and geographical locations, learning on the job and often studying at the same time for relevant professional qualifications.
Warehouse management can be seen as a specialism within the wider context of logistics, transport and supply chain management, so training (especially with a large operator) is likely to include exposure to other areas, such as transport management and administration.
Outside formal graduate training schemes, new entrants learn on the job under the supervision of experienced supervisors and managers.
Larger employers encourage professional qualifications, and often expect their graduate trainees to work towards them. The The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) UK offers nationally accredited awards at Levels 2 to 6 in the government framework. These courses also provide a route to professional qualification for non-graduates. Membership of a professional institute such as CILT demonstrates commitment to the profession and to lifelong learning. See the CILT Training, Development and Qualifications Directory available to download on the website for the full range of courses.
Personal skills and qualities are highly valued in this area of work. Any time spent developing communication skills and negotiating or teamworking ability, through in-house training courses and/or as part of continuing professional development (CPD), will be advantageous for progression. It is largely up to individuals to take responsibility for their own development, although companies often offer support in terms of secondments with partner organisations or by supporting additional relevant learning, qualifications or higher degrees.
It is possible for warehouse managers to advance through the industry by gaining relevant experience in a range of settings (and operations of different sizes) and developing the key personal skills and qualities relevant to this area of work. There are opportunities to move towards either third-party logistics organisations or in-house operations.
Vocational and professional qualifications will certainly help in career development. The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) UK has details of courses available. Download their Training, Development and Qualifications Directory from the website.
Career progression is generally through existing line-management structures. Willingness to relocate usually increases opportunities for progression. Experienced managers can move into other management posts throughout the wider logistics/supply chain management sector. Senior positions involve business development and overseeing the efficient management of an organisation's other resources. Those with relevant qualifications and experience can use their supply chain management skills in related sectors, such as retail or manufacturing.
There are also opportunities for experienced managers in Europe and other emerging global markets. Recent international economic instability may make the need to think outside the UK more significant. Relevant foreign language skills could be an advantage here.
Opportunities exist with a wide range of employers throughout the country, including:
Increasingly, a number of companies across all these sectors, including the NHS, contract out their logistics activities to firms of specialist logistics service providers (LSPs) to manage all or part of their supply chain. These companies provide storage premises, materials, handling equipment and vehicles.
There are also some opportunities for freelance consultancy work. Most consultancy practices are small firms, employing fewer than 50 people. Consultancy offers the opportunity to work with many different organisations, and at various levels, depending on the nature of the project. A typical project could be the design of a distribution centre. Consultants may also specialise in supply-chain modelling, warehouse automation and transport and distribution planning.
Recruitment agencies sometimes handle vacancies and vary as to whether they demand experience.
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