How to Be an Effective Warehouse Manager

There is more to managing a warehouse than telling people to unload deliveries or put away stock. A warehouse manager has to coordinate deliveries, organize storage, plan employee schedules, evaluate invoices and much more. An effective warehouse manager will create an atmosphere that is organized, systematic and smoothly operated. In fact, although staff and supervisors, will know how vital the manger is, a successful warehouse manager might give the appearance that the position is not required.

Gain experience. An effective warehouse manager should be skilled in all aspects of warehouse duties. Take the time to perform duties carried out by other employees to learn what is required. You should be able to lift between 75 - 100 pounds on a regular basis, and be fit enough to spend the majority of the day standing. Trucks will typically need to be unloaded, either by hand or using equipment such as a forklift or a pallet jack. Forklift certification can generally be earned in just a few days, and will help you be more effective in a warehouse environment.

Lead by example. Warehouse work can be both physically and mentally taxing. A staff that sees a manager who works hard and stays busy will be more likely to follow suit. While it is important for a manager to appear clean and professional, opt for pressed jeans over dressy slacks so that you are able to roll up your sleeves and get dirty as needed.

Be a team worker. By displaying the fact that you are not above helping wherever there is a need, staff members will gain respect for you. Because they know that you will do what is needed, they will believe you are being fair when you ask the same of them. There will be days when not all of the staff shows up, so be prepared to take on a variety of tasks.

Learn computer skills. Most warehouses use software to place and track orders, run invoices and create schedules. To manage a warehouse effectively, being able to utilize this type of software will give you a leg up. While many warehouses utilize software specific to their fields, learning to use common database software such as Microsoft Access and accounting software such as QuickBooks or Peach Tree will give you a leg up.

Be organized. A warehouse will not be efficient if stock is not organized. Invoices, staff schedules and priorities also need to be well organized. Take a business course that focuses on organization and prioritizing to become an effective, structured warehouse manager.