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What does a Warehouse Operations Manager do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted Expert
Eric Olsen
What does a Warehouse Operations Manager do

Warehouse Operations Managers oversee the whole operations of a company's warehouse. They are in charge of setting up processes to ensure the efficiency of warehouse operations. They oversee the processes involved in product handling, storage solutions, the shipment of goods, schedule of operations, and delivery of items. Warehouse Operations Managers also handle the layout of the warehouse so that space is properly used. They create forecasts on product volume to ensure that the warehouse is capable of housing the high volume of goods. They continuously review and evaluate warehouse policies, procedures, and systems to ensure that everything is updated and working efficiently.

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Warehouse operations manager responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real warehouse operations manager resumes:

  • Manage all over the road deliveries through TMS.
  • Manage all aspects of local and national shipping, including internal fleet, small parcel and LTL.
  • Manage key performance indicators, reviewing them quarterly with each customer and developing KPIs to drive business results.
  • Design and oversee the routes for products delivery while managing the key performance indicators (KPIs) for different evaluation points.
  • Complete initial Kaizen training for lean manufacturing and managing for daily improvements.
  • Manage payroll and oversee center/facility expenses and accounts payable practicing cost containment strategies.
  • Administer drug testing to CDL drivers on a random basis.
  • Develop training procedures for DOD technical manuals, material inspections and ISSOP logistics.
  • Interface and negotiate contracts and rates with international, domestic air freight forwarders, LTL carriers, express couriers.
  • Develop and deliver training courses for employees and upper management on new inventory control process and procedures via ERP systems.
  • Lead role in developing company TMS system and integration of dispatch programs with company computer system and other affect software.
  • Compile worksheets or tickets from customer specifications.
  • Used wireless RF scanning equipment to maintain inventory accuracy.
  • Exercise excellent reading and math comprehension skills in day-to-day operations.
  • Oversee the general maintenance and cleanliness of internal and external warehouse environment.

Warehouse operations manager skills and personality traits

We calculated that 16% of Warehouse Operations Managers are proficient in Customer Orders, Pallets, and Logistics. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Leadership skills, and Management skills.

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

  • Customer Orders, 16%

    Coordinate with internal sales staff to effectively complete customer orders and provide customers with service support and technical assistance directly.

  • Pallets, 12%

    Picked and built pallets for customers' orders following Warehouse Management System* Responsible for identifying damaged product and shortages to inventory.

  • Logistics, 7%

    Set delivery routes, communication with drivers regarding logistics of deliveries/pick ups to ensure quality service is provided to our customers.

  • Customer Service, 6%

    Provide excellent customer service through effective personnel training and personal service to customers ranging from site employees to contracted executives.

  • Warehouse Operations, 5%

    Progressed through various companies within the organization, ultimately leading to the position of Warehouse Operations Manager at World Delivery Enterprises.

  • Excellent Interpersonal, 4%

    Utilized excellent interpersonal, communicative, and management abilities to promote a cohesive working environment.

Most warehouse operations managers use their skills in "customer orders," "pallets," and "logistics" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential warehouse operations manager responsibilities here:

Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a warehouse operations manager to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "top executives must be able to convey information clearly and persuasively." Warehouse operations managers often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "use rf communication devices and computers on a daily basis. "

Leadership skills. Many warehouse operations manager duties rely on leadership skills. "top executives must be able to shape and direct an organization by coordinating policies, people, and resources.," so a warehouse operations manager will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways warehouse operations manager responsibilities rely on leadership skills: "provided leadership and direction of inbound and outbound shipments. "

Problem-solving skills. A big part of what warehouse operations managers do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to warehouse operations manager responsibilities because "top executives need to identify and resolve issues within an organization." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical warehouse operations manager tasks: "develop solutions to control inventory costs, progressively reduce payroll costs, increase training, safety awareness and productivity. "

Time-management skills. Another common skill required for warehouse operations manager responsibilities is "time-management skills." This skill comes up in the duties of warehouse operations managers all the time, as "top executives do many tasks concurrently to ensure that their work gets done and that the organization meets its goals." An excerpt from a real warehouse operations manager resume shows how this skill is central to what a warehouse operations manager does: "increased the on time delivery to 99.7% on all outbound shipments. "

Most common warehouse operations manager skills

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Compare different warehouse operations managers

Warehouse operations manager vs. Logistics supervisor

A logistics supervisor is an individual tasked to oversee goods shipment and delivery in organizations. Supervisors manage the planning, organization, and implementation of the company's systems. They take responsibility for managing the inventory of warehouse stocks based on the foreseeable requirements. It is part of their job to schedule deliveries and pickups with the internal staff or transportation companies. Their skills should include adaptability, project management proficiency, and communication skills.

If we compare the average warehouse operations manager annual salary with that of a logistics supervisor, we find that logistics supervisors typically earn a $30,430 higher salary than warehouse operations managers make annually.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both warehouse operations manager and logistics supervisor positions are skilled in customer orders, customer service, and warehouse operations.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a warehouse operations manager are more likely to require skills like "pallets," "logistics," "basic math," and "excellent interpersonal." On the other hand, a job as a logistics supervisor requires skills like "excellent time management," "standard operating procedure," "customer issues," and "employee training." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Logistics supervisors tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $82,503. In contrast, warehouse operations managers make the biggest average salary, $38,012, in the health care industry.The education levels that logistics supervisors earn slightly differ from warehouse operations managers. In particular, logistics supervisors are 3.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a warehouse operations manager. Additionally, they're 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Warehouse operations manager vs. Distribution supervisor

A distribution supervisor is in charge of overseeing all distribution processes in a warehouse or similar setting, ensuring accuracy and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities typically revolve around coordinating deliveries and shipment, managing schedules, delegating tasks, assessing the performance of the workforce, and maintaining records of all transactions. Should there be any issues or concerns, it is essential to resolve them promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, as a supervisor, it is vital to lead and encourage the employees to reach goals and deadlines, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

On average, distribution supervisors earn a $27,587 higher salary than warehouse operations managers a 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 operations managers and distribution supervisors have skills such as "customer orders," "logistics," and "customer service. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that warehouse operations manager responsibilities requires skills like "pallets," "basic math," "cleanliness," and "math." But a distribution supervisor might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "sigma," "hr," "powerpoint," and "strong problem-solving."

Distribution supervisors earn a higher average salary than warehouse operations managers. But distribution supervisors earn the highest pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $68,278. Additionally, warehouse operations managers earn the highest salaries in the health care with average pay of $38,012 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Distribution supervisors tend to reach similar levels of education than warehouse operations managers. In fact, they're 1.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Warehouse Operations Managers in the next 3-5 years?

Eric OlsenEric Olsen LinkedIn Profile

Professor, Industrial Technology and Packaging, Orfalea College of Business

We are doubling down on what we call "digital fabrication." Most manufacturing technologies we deal with now have a growing digital component that our students need to understand and be competent in. Of course, that means current hot exotics like additive manufacturing, but our students need to look at any process and realize there is probably a digitally enhanced path forward.

Warehouse operations manager vs. Manager

Managers are responsible for a specific department, function, or employee group. They oversee their assigned departments and all the employees under the department. Managers are responsible that the department they are handling is functioning well. They set the department goals and the steps they must take to achieve the goals. They are also in charge of assessing the performance of their departments and their employees. Additionally, managers are responsible for interviewing prospective candidates for department vacancies and assessing their fit to the needs of the department. Managers also set the general working environment in the department, and they are expected to ensure that their employees remain motivated.

An average manager eans a higher salary compared to the average salary of warehouse operations managers. The difference in salaries amounts to managers earning a $23,780 higher average salary than warehouse operations managers.warehouse operations managers and managers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "customer service," "inventory control," and "safety standards," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, warehouse operations managers are more likely to have skills like "customer orders," "pallets," "logistics," and "warehouse operations." But a manager is more likely to have skills like "food safety," "financial statements," "management," and "powerpoint."

Managers earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $71,781. Warehouse operations managers earn the highest pay from the health care industry, with an average salary of $38,012.When it comes to education, managers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to warehouse operations managers. In fact, they're 3.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.7% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Warehouse operations manager vs. Terminal manager

Terminal managers are professionals who are responsible for managing workers and direct dispatching activities of logistics vehicles. These managers are required to develop relationships with corporate and operational departments so that they can ensure the company logistics standards are met. They must resolve customer service complaints by implementing satisfactory solutions to retain customers. Terminal drivers must train new drivers so that they can be licensed, tested, and certified according to federal and state laws. They are also required to maintain a clean and safe working condition of their facility and equipment.

Terminal managers typically earn higher pay than warehouse operations managers. On average, terminal managers earn a $39,366 higher salary per year.According to resumes from warehouse operations managers and terminal managers, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "customer service," "osha," and "inventory control. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between warehouse operations managers and terminal managers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a warehouse operations manager might have more use for skills like "customer orders," "pallets," "logistics," and "warehouse operations." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of terminal managers require skills like "dot," "facility maintenance," "safety rules," and "safety regulations. "

The energy industry tends to pay the highest salaries for terminal managers, with average annual pay of $74,010. Comparatively, the highest warehouse operations manager annual salary comes from the health care industry.The average resume of terminal managers showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to warehouse operations managers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 2.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.3%.

Types of warehouse operations manager

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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