Warehouse manager

Warehouse managers are responsible for the day-to-day running of warehouses. They organise the scheduling of deliveries, record goods arriving and leaving, and arrange the effective storage of goods within the warehouse.

Also known as:

• Logistics manager

Work activities

Warehouse managers make sure that goods are moved in and out of warehouses as smoothly as possible. They organise the scheduling of deliveries to and from the warehouse and keep a record of goods that arrive and leave. Their other duties include organising the best way to store goods within the warehouse and the retrieval of goods ordered by customers or other departments.

Particular duties vary according to the type of warehouse and there might be some seasonal variation in workload.

In the stacking and storage of goods, managers have to make sure that any special requirements are met. For example, some goods are fragile, others need to be maintained at certain temperatures, and some must be rotated in date order. In addition, warehouse space and equipment such as shelves, pallets, trolleys and forklift trucks have to be stored as efficiently as possible.

Managers are responsible for the supervision and training of all grades of warehouse staff. They plan the work of staff and take care of disciplinary issues, etc.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you’ll need:

• To be able to give clear instructions and motivate staff.
• A cheerful but firm, authoritative manner.
• To be able to work within agreed budgets and to plan and prioritise work.
• Maths skills to analyse figures.
• To be good at paperwork.
• IT skills.
• To be able to remain calm under pressure.

If a warehouse uses a colour-coded storage system, you will need normal colour vision.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for warehouse managers vary depending on the size and location of the operation. The pay rates given are approximate. Warehouse managers earn start on about £23,000 per year, rising to £34,000 with experience.

Managers usually work a 40-42-hour week. However, depending on the operation, they may be required to work evenings, at weekends or be on-call.

Demand for warehouse managers is steady.

Employment throughout the UK is with major retail companies, warehousing and distribution firms, central and local government departments, the health service and the armed forces. Opportunities for warehouse managers occur in warehouses in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Check out Find an Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.

Entry routes and training

There are several different routes into this career. Many warehouse managers enter employment as trainees with A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Some people specialise in warehouse management after general management training. Professional qualifications and training are available from various organisations, such as the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. Some people enter with higher-level qualifications such as HNDs, foundation degrees or degrees and train on-the-job with their employer. Useful subjects include logistics, and supply chain management. However, you should be able to enter this career via a course in most subjects. An transport and warehouse operations supervisor advanced apprenticeship is a good way into this career.

Training is on-the-job.

Promotion is to senior management positions.

Qualifications

For entry to a relevant degree course, the usual requirement is:

• Two to three A-levels.
• GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
• A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and maths.

Alternatives to A-levels include: BTEC level 3 qualifications, International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, advanced apprenticeship. However, entry requirements for different courses vary, so check university prospectuses for more details.

You can also enter this career with an HND or foundation degree. To enter a relevant course, you will usually need:

• One A-level.
• A GCSE at grades 9-4 in your A-level subject.
• A further 3/4 GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and maths.

Alternatives to A levels include: BTEC level 3 qualifications, advanced apprenticeship, IB.

To begin an advanced apprenticeship, you will need two A-levels. 

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education, or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Experience of general management or logistics/distribution/transport management is an advantage. Working as a warehouse assistant/supervisor can lead to entry into trainee management-level positions.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport offers various courses and qualifications via distance learning. A full list is available on their website.

Related careers

• Distribution manager
• Manager
• Operations manager
• Product manager
• Store manager
• Warehouse operative
• Wholesale manager