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What does a warehouse lead do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
What does a warehouse lead do

Warehouse leads are responsible for supply chain management in distribution centers. Their duties and responsibilities include supervising employees and evaluating their performance, meeting safety regulations, and monitoring deliveries and shipments. They are the ones who interact with customers and clients to resolve any delivery issues that may arise. They also help with some administrative tasks such as order and invoice processing and maintenance. This role applies to those with excellent communication skills, leadership capabilities, and strong attention to detail.

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Warehouse lead responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real warehouse lead resumes:

  • Help manage an accurate, revolving FIFO inventory and rigorously investigate any discrepancies.
  • Utilize AS400 computer maintaining data.
  • Enter and transfer products' data in ERP systems.
  • Assist with developing a new ERP system concentrating on warehousing functions.
  • Process all RTV transactions and prepare items for return as per vendor.
  • Process paperwork of RMA's and RTV's as directed from purchasing dept.
  • Operate stand up Raymond fork lift to replenish inventory and preform other tasks throughout the warehouse using WMS system.
  • Work with an RF gun to back stock, fill to the floor, split-move, basic management of inventory counts.
  • Pick orders accurately from inventory locations via RF equipment.
  • Coordinate safety meetings and create presentations and procedures base on OSHA requirements.
  • Apply warehouse management expertise in the implementation of a leading WMS technology within a global distribution center
  • Ensure all personnel comprehend safety regulations according to OSHA regulations to include safety classes given weekly.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge and expertise on industry-relate issues in transportation, supply chain management and use of technology in logistics.
  • Maintain and develop positive business relationships with a customer's key personnel involve in or directly relevant to a logistics activity.
  • Plan and organize receipt and issue of records for all classes of supply to include HAZMAT material and petroleum base products.

Warehouse lead skills and personality traits

We calculated that 14% of Warehouse Leads are proficient in Customer Service, Ladders, and Pallets. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Customer-service skills, and Detail oriented.

We break down the percentage of Warehouse Leads that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Customer Service, 14%

    Participate in weekly meetings with sales and customer service departments to understand customer packaging requirements, shipping and delivery deadlines.

  • Ladders, 6%

    Created damage claim reports with vendors, daily inspection of company trucks, forklift, ladders and shop power tools.

  • Pallets, 5%

    Obtained forklift and pallet jack certification which was utilized to assist warehouse personnel meet delivery requirements.

  • RF, 5%

    Monitored daily warehouse inventory by operating a RF Scanner.

  • Sales Floor, 5%

    Assisted customers with products on sales floor and offered additional complimentary products.

  • Logistics, 5%

    Maintain up-to-date knowledge and expertise on industry-related issues in transportation, supply chain management and use of technology in logistics.

"customer service," "ladders," and "pallets" are among the most common skills that warehouse leads use at work. You can find even more warehouse lead responsibilities below, including:

Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a warehouse lead to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what warehouse leads do because "material recording clerks are frequently in contact with suppliers, vendors, or managers and need to convey their company’s needs effectively." Additionally, a warehouse lead resume shows how warehouse leads use communication skills: "sharpened communication skills by resolving customer complaints and creating win-win solutions to their problems. "

Customer-service skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling warehouse lead duties is customer-service skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "material recording clerks may interact with customers in order to respond to problems or complaints." According to a warehouse lead resume, here's how warehouse leads can utilize customer-service skills in their job responsibilities: "monitored and reported accuracy of system and customer generated cycle counts. "

Detail oriented. warehouse leads are also known for detail oriented, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to warehouse lead responsibilities, because "material and product inspecting clerks must pay attention to detail when checking items for defects, some of which are small and difficult to spot." A warehouse lead resume example shows how detail oriented is used in the workplace: "managed detailed cycle counts of inventory and implemented root cause analysis to identify and investigate discrepancies. "

Math skills. For certain warehouse lead responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "math skills." The day-to-day duties of a warehouse lead rely on this skill, as "material recording clerks may need to calculate shipping costs or take measurements." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what warehouse leads do: "incorporated learning mechanisms to teach kids basic colors, math, and reading skills. "

All warehouse lead skills

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Compare different warehouse leads

Warehouse lead vs. Shipping and receiving supervisor

A shipping and receiving supervisor streamlines the shipping process for a more efficient company. The supervisors oversee and maintain the supplies and inventory through product receipt, storage, and delivery. They supervise employees who confirm and record shipment receipt, prepare items for shipping, and load and unload purchases. Supervisors should be equipped with leadership, effective communication, conflict resolution, and time management skills. They are also expected to delegate and have confidence.

If we compare the average warehouse lead annual salary with that of a shipping and receiving supervisor, we find that shipping and receiving supervisors typically earn a $5,070 lower salary than warehouse leads make annually.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both warehouse lead and shipping and receiving supervisor positions are skilled in rf, sales floor, and logistics.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between warehouse leads and shipping and receiving supervisor. For instance, warehouse lead responsibilities require skills such as "customer service," "ladders," "pallets," and "basic math." Whereas a shipping and receiving supervisor is skilled in "pallet jack," "corrective action," "erp," and "shipment data." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Shipping and receiving supervisors really shine in the automotive industry with an average salary of $40,669. Comparatively, warehouse leads tend to make the most money in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $41,833.The education levels that shipping and receiving supervisors earn slightly differ from warehouse leads. In particular, shipping and receiving supervisors are 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a warehouse lead. Additionally, they're 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Warehouse lead vs. Receiving supervisor

A receiving supervisor manages and directs the activities of teams receiving and handling deliveries and items. Receiving supervisors coordinate and support the operations in their department. They decide on the unloading, intake, storage, and distribution of the items. It is part of their job to train their staff in handling, sorting, and maintaining stock and associated problems. They assess reports and provide a response to quality-related issues. Also, they identify work procedures, expedite workflow, and prepare their work schedule.

A career as a receiving supervisor brings a lower average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a warehouse lead. In fact, receiving supervisors salary is $4,111 lower than the salary of warehouse leads per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both warehouse leads and receiving supervisors have skills such as "customer service," "rf," and "sales floor. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that warehouse lead responsibilities requires skills like "ladders," "pallets," "basic math," and "math." But a receiving supervisor might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "excellent interpersonal," "store merchandise," "management system," and "hazardous materials."

Receiving supervisors may earn a lower salary than warehouse leads, but receiving supervisors earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $39,325. On the other hand, warehouse leads receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $41,833.receiving supervisors earn similar levels of education than warehouse leads in general. They're 0.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Warehouse lead vs. Customer service, warehouse

A customer service warehouse is primarily in charge of providing customer support, mainly through calls and correspondence. Their responsibilities typically revolve around answering inquiries, addressing and troubleshooting problems, processing refunds, maintaining records of all transactions, and referring them to other services when necessary. There are also instances when they must perform follow-up calls, offer products and services, discuss product specifications and promotions, develop sales strategies, and generate leads through research and analysis. Moreover, they must maintain an active communication line with staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.

On average scale, customer services, warehouse bring in lower salaries than warehouse leads. In fact, they earn a $10,481 lower salary per year.Using the responsibilities included on warehouse leads and customer services, warehouse resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "rf," "sales floor," and "safety procedures.rdquo;

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, warehouse leads are more likely to have skills like "customer service," "ladders," "pallets," and "logistics." But a customer service, warehouse is more likely to have skills like "quality customer service," "strong customer service," "pallet jack," and "stock merchandise."

Customer services, warehouse earn the highest salary when working in the manufacturing industry, where they receive an average salary of $31,263. Comparatively, warehouse leads have the highest earning potential in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $41,833.customer services, warehouse typically earn similar educational levels compared to warehouse leads. Specifically, they're 0.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Warehouse lead vs. Material handler/warehouse

A warehouse material handler is responsible for assisting warehouse operations, moving merchandise from one place to another, labeling products, performing quality check procedures, packaging goods, and loading and unloading items from distribution vehicles. Warehouse material handlers operate warehouse tools and equipment for production, as well as ensuring the adequacy of stock inventory needed for orders and deliveries. A warehouse material handler also updates product information on the database and do administrative tasks, such as writing reports and responding to customers' inquiries and concerns.

Material handler/warehouses tend to earn a lower pay than warehouse leads by an average of $8,897 per year.While their salaries may vary, warehouse leads and material handler/warehouses both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "customer service," "ladders," and "pallets. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A warehouse lead uses "rf," "sales floor," "logistics," and "working independently." Material handler/warehouses are more likely to have duties that require skills in "warehouse environment," "supply support," "rf scanner," and "delivery vehicle. "In general, material handler/warehouses earn the most working in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $34,722. The highest-paying industry for a warehouse lead is the manufacturing industry.In general, material handler/warehouses hold similar degree levels compared to warehouse leads. Material handler/warehouses are 1.0% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of warehouse lead

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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