A Warehouse Operations Supervisor is a professional who plays a crucial role in managing and overseeing the day-to-day operations of a warehouse. They are responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the warehouse and maintaining efficiency in all aspects of its operations. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Warehouse Operations Supervisors.

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Main Responsibilities of a Warehouse Operations Supervisor

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Warehouse Operations Supervisor:

Align with

• Align with company principles.

• Align with the engineering strategy and vision.

Arrange

• Arrange / design the warehouse, plan efficient routes and process shipments.

• Arrange warehouse, catalog goods, and process shipments.

Assemble

Assemble and manage software development teams for specific projects.

Assign

Assign tasks as required to optimize resource.

Assist with

• Assist in all areas of the warehouse as demand requires.

• Assist with recruitment, orientation and training as required.

• Assist with site surveys and cargo inspections.

Assume

Assume responsibility for maintenance and safe operation of all material handling equipment.

Balance

Balance attention to detail with swift execution.

Build

• Build, evaluate, and adjust processes used to efficiently deliver our product on time, every time.

• Build on existing key performance measures (KPIs).

• Build your own operations team by recruiting, training and motivating team members.

Coach

• Coach and train associates to ensure job expectations are clear and understood.

• Coach, develop, motivate and cultivate staff.

Collaborate with

Collaborate with suppliers and carriers to ensure smooth inbound and outbound logistics.

Communicate

Communicate and coordinate with other departments to fulfill customer orders.

Complete

Complete all assigned and required training satisfactorily and on time.

Conduct

• Conduct analysis of workload compared to labor hours and equipment.

• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.

Control

Control and direct all inbound and outbound transportation for the warehouse.

Coordinate

• Coordinate and oversee periodic stocktaking and cycle counting activities.

• Coordinate and oversee receiving, storing, and shipping operations.

• Coordinate with other departments to ensure timely order fulfillment.

Create

Create and implement development plans to strengthen skills of the individual team members.

Deliver

Deliver all work in support of our Values of Collaboration, Courage, Perseverance, and Passion.

Design

Design an environment for continuous improvement, new SOP as needed.

Develop

• Develop and embed a series of Key Performance Indicators.

• Develop and implement warehouse policies and procedures.

• Develop and improve KPIs to measure certain warehouse functions, outputs, and support cost control.

• Develop and manage team deliverables that exceed customer, financial and leadership initiatives.

Direct

• Direct established safety programs to ensure the safety of all personnel, equipment and property.

• Direct, optimise and coordinate the full order cycle.

• Direct the operations of the supervisory staff to achieve prescribed objectives.

• Direct the operations of the warehouse supervisors and warehouse personnel.

Drive

Drive to take ownership and accountability for the development and success of your team.

Ensure

• Ensure all new employees are properly on-boarded.

• Ensure compliance with all established safety standards and regulations.

• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.

• Ensure departments are hitting Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and KPIs.

• Ensure efficient shipping and receiving work schedules to meet operational goals.

• Ensure Labor Management is being used effectively and processes are being followed.

• Ensure proper staffing and support hiring for all facility operations.

• Ensure that all workplace legal, OSHA, EPA laws, operating, and safety procedures are followed.

• Ensure that customers' questions and problems are resolved accurately and quickly, first time.

• Ensure that equipment is utilized in the most efficient manner.

• Ensure the safe, clean and efficient operation of the warehouse to meet service standards.

• Ensure the vehicle fleet is properly maintained and serviced.

Establish

Establish and maintain strategic relationships with vendors.

Evaluate

• Evaluate performance metrics to ensure quality delivery and cost-efficient work-flow processes.

• Evaluate projects and progress statuses.

• Evaluate staff performance and provide feedback and coaching.

Execute

• Execute and manage vendor contracts.

• Execute a software development life cycle for different projects with what best fits them.

• Execute company policies, procedures and programs in a consistent and timely manner.

Forecast

Forecast and plan for future warehouse capacity and resource requirements.

Foster

• Foster a culture of accountability and clear communication of expectations.

• Foster a positive and collaborative work culture within the warehouse team.

Handle

• Handle any warehouse related issues.

• Handle customer inquiries and complaints related to warehouse operations.

• Handle stressful situations well.

Implement

• Implement and applies inventory and fulfillment optimization initiatives as required.

• Implement and enforce health and safety regulations.

• Implement and enforce security measures to protect warehouse assets.

• Implement and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) for warehouse operations.

• Implement and oversee the planning and utilization of Lean, R2, ISO principles to improve operations.

• Implement corrective and preventive actions.

• Implement processes that support corporate policies and procedures.

• Implement quality control procedures to minimize errors and returns.

• Implement strategies that commit to providing a positive, safe work experience for our employees.

• Implement the necessary improvements to procedures and facility to prevent re- occurring accidents.

Improve

Improve processes and procedures with a view to realizing operational efficiencies.

Initiate

Initiate, coordinate and enforce optimal operational policies and procedures.

Inspect

Inspect warehouse and keep the warehouse clean and safe.

Keep

Keep track of quality, quantity, stock levels, delivery times, transport costs and efficiency.

Lead

Lead and execute the stocktake process.

Liaise with

• Liaise and negotiate with forwarders and other suppliers.

• Liaise and negotiate with suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers.

• Liaise with applicable management teams to ensure SOPs are being followed in a consistent manner.

Lift

Lift and move totes up to 50 pounds.

Maintain

• Maintain a clean and organized warehouse environment.

• Maintain and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and ensure that they are enforced.

• Maintain customer communications and follow-up throughout resolution process.

• Maintain metrics and analyse data to assess performance and implement improvements.

• Maintain metrics and analyze data to assess performance and implement improvements.

• Maintain standards of health and safety, hygiene and security.

• Maintain warehouse operations financial objectives by forecasting requirements.

Make

Make recommendations to senior warehouse management on programs to improve warehouse operations.

Manage

• Manage and control warehouse operating budgets.

• Manage departmental weekly, monthly and yearly stock counts as required.

• Manage investigation and resolution of all operational issues.

• Manage shipping and transportation logistics, including routing and delivery schedules.

• Manage the physical warehouse facility.

• Manage the site capacity to achieve forecasted deliveries, including all staff scheduling.

• Manage well under pressure.

• Manage workflow, assign resource as required.

Meet

Meet cost, productivity, accuracy and timeline KPIs.

Monitor

• Monitor and take action as required.

• Monitor inventory levels and ensure accurate stock counts.

Optimize

Optimize warehouse layout and storage space utilization.

Order

Order to Cash process management experience.

Organise

• Organise and manage the flow of the workplace and optimise day-to-day activities in the warehouse.

• Organise scheduling, attendance, and general administration of your operations team.

Oversee

• Oversee all packing functions.

• Oversee all warehouse operations.

• Oversee customer service activities related to warehouse functions.

• Oversee day-to-day operation of your city's grocery warehouse.

• Oversee day to day warehouse operations and achievement of departmental objectives.

• Oversee monthly safety meetings and ensure that inspections are completed and issues addressed.

• Oversee receiving and checking functions.

• Oversee receiving, warehousing, distribution and maintenance operations.

• Oversee shipping functions.

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of our grocery warehouses.

• Oversee the maintenance and repair of warehouse equipment.

Own

Own the hiring process to build a high performing team.

Participatein

• Participate in job interviews.

• Participate in the hiring and evaluation of personnel and employee retention.

• Participate in the hiring and onboarding process of new warehouse employees.

Perform

• Perform quality checks of every order before they are sent to the customer.

• Perform safety observations to coach employees on safety procedures.

Plan

• Plan and manage distribution of work on the Operations Intake teams to meet business objectives.

• Plan and schedule workload assignments for warehouse staff.

• Plan and track the shipment of final products according to customer requirements.

• Plan long-term labor needs based on sales, forecasts and historical data.

Prepare

• Prepare accurate reports for upper management.

• Prepare reports on warehouse activities, such as productivity and inventory levels.

Prioritize

Prioritize health and safety in the workplace.

Produce

Produce regular reports and KPIs on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

Provide

• Provide coaching and performance feedback.

• Provide feedback, coaching, guidance, and recognition to enhance other's skill development.

• Provide leadership for the Delta facility team.

• Provide ongoing feedback fostering growth and sustained improvement.

• Provide weekly / monthly and quarterly reports for senior management.

Receive

Receive feedback and monitor the quality of services provided.

Record

Record of successful distribution and logistics management.

Recruit

• Recruit and manage of contractor workforce.

• Recruit, select, orient, coach and motivate warehouse workforce.

Refine

Refine and enhance inventory control practices.

Report

Report on daily, weekly, and monthly KPIs by team member, department, and location.

Resolve

• Resolve any arising problems or complaints.

• Resolve any issues or conflicts that arise within the warehouse.

Review

• Review and update accountability statements, performance measures and training plans.

• Review warehouse design by planning layout, product flow, and product handling systems.

Reward

Reward and recognize performance and execute on progressive discipline as needed.

Run

Run productivity and labor reports to analyze gaps in performance.

Setup

Setup layout and ensure efficient space utilization.

Stay updated with

Stay updated with industry trends and best practices in warehouse management.

Suggest

Suggest mechanisms to track and assess effectiveness of warehouse staff and associated activities.

Supervise

Supervise, coach and train the warehouse workforce.

Support

• Support and coach team members and colleagues for Customer Outcomes and Customer Relations.

• Support the Supervisors, Managers to coach team members to improve performance.

• Support TWOW activity within your team.

Take

• Take full ownership of providing accurate weekly / monthly / quarterly end counts.

• Take full responsibility and ownership of projects and decisions that will impact the business.

Track

• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to improve productivity.

• Track and manage inventory.

• Track record of implementing process improvement projects from start to end.

Train

• Train and supervise warehouse personnel to ensure efficient and safe operations.

• Train staff on competency levels 1-3 with ongoing coaching and support.

Understand

Understand how day to day decisions impact financial outcomes.

Update

Update KPI dashboards of key areas and provide input to senior leadership.

Utilize

Utilize warehouse management systems (WMS) for inventory tracking and management.

Work with

• Work alongside production colleagues to create a harmonised environment.

• Work with the Quality director to ensure the quality of the software products.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Warehouse Operations Supervisor:

1. Proficient in using warehouse management systems (WMS) and other relevant software.

2. Strong knowledge of inventory management principles and best practices.

3. Familiarity with lean management principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

4. Excellent understanding of warehouse safety regulations and procedures.

5. Ability to analyze data and generate meaningful reports using spreadsheet software.

6. Proficiency in using material handling equipment, such as forklifts and pallet jacks.

7. Knowledge of transportation logistics and experience with shipping carriers.

8. Skilled in using barcode scanners, RFID technology, and other tracking systems.

9. Familiarity with quality control processes and techniques.

10. Ability to interpret and understand technical documentation and product specifications.

11. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to identify and resolve operational issues.

12. Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to handling hazardous materials, if applicable.

13. Ability to interpret and analyze financial statements and budget reports.

14. Proficiency in using productivity tools like Microsoft Office suite.

15. Knowledge of warehouse automation technologies, such as robotics and automated picking systems.

16. Understanding of supply chain management principles and practices.

17. Proficient in interpreting and implementing key performance indicators (KPIs).

18. Knowledge of import/export regulations and customs procedures.

19. Familiarity with product lifecycle management and inventory forecasting methods.

20. Ability to develop and execute project plans for warehouse improvement initiatives.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Warehouse Operations Supervisor:

1. Strong leadership and supervisory skills to manage and motivate a diverse team.

2. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective collaboration.

3. Strong organizational skills to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently.

4. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

5. Adaptability and flexibility to handle changing priorities and unexpected situations.

6. Problem-solving skills to identify and resolve operational challenges.

7. Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in inventory management and record-keeping.

8. Collaboration and teamwork skills to foster a positive work environment.

9. Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.

10. Customer service orientation to address inquiries and resolve issues promptly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the responsibilities of a Warehouse Operations Supervisor encompass a wide range of tasks, from overseeing daily operations to optimizing warehouse efficiency. Possessing the right combination of technical skills and soft skills enables them to effectively manage teams, streamline processes, and deliver exceptional results in warehouse management.