Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Warehouse Supervisor
A Warehouse Supervisor is a professional who oversees and manages the daily operations of a warehouse facility. These individuals are responsible for ensuring efficient inventory management, coordinating workflow, and maintaining a safe and productive working environment. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Warehouse Supervisors.
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Main Responsibilities of a Warehouse Supervisor
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Warehouse Supervisor:
Achieve
Achieve desired level of engagement by providing leadership on the shift.
Address
Address patterns, trends and multiple occurrences through use of corrective action process.
Adhere to
Adhere to the XPO 7S program and maintain a clean environment at all times.
Adjust
Adjust staffing levels to meet peak customer demand.
Allocate
Allocate necessary space for stock rotation.
Analyze
Analyze and investigate operational procedures.
Analyze data and generate reports on warehouse performance.
Approve
Approve hourly employee's time and deal with variances (overtime, late, etc.).
Arrange
Arrange training for staff.
Assess
Assess and mitigate risks to safety, quality, cost, and delivery.
Assign
Assign and prioritize work to meet work requirements.
Assign employee duties as required to gain optimum efficiencies.
Assign tasks and provide guidance to warehouse staff.
Assign workloads to warehouse workers and maintain personnel structure and staffing levels.
Assist in
Assist areas that are understaffed and communicate with Manager any potential risks.
Assist in managing team of 4-8 employees.
Assist in the removal of material from the warehouse.
Assist management in establishing budgets as required, and adhere to budget requirements.
Assist team of 15 in pulling customer orders.
Assist the Branch Manager with managing vendor relationships.
Assist with package issues and make corrections in the system as needed.
Assure
Assure grinders are used properly.
Attend
Attend meetings and role out new initiatives.
Close
Close the building at the end of the shift and make sure all areas were cleaned and secured.
Collaborate
Collaborate with management to develop and implement warehouse strategies and goals.
Collaborate with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely and accurate deliveries.
Collect
Collect, maintain, and report FMBE data internally and to the Client as required.
Communicate with
Communicate all issues jeopardizing deadlines with Rental Manager.
Communicate and collaborate with other team members.
Communicate and report to the Toronto head office to ensure smooth teamwork.
Communicate job expectations and coach employees on the order fulfillment team.
Communicate with Customer Service and Dispatch teams to ensure all customer requirements are met.
Communicate with overseas freight carriers on container deliveries.
Communicate with the Coordinator on Duty to ensure efficient flow of goods to sales floor.
Communicate with Transportation on the flow and receipt of backhauls.
Complete
Complete all applicable Quality Records and associated duties.
Complete all new hire and transferred Team Members training and development documents.
Conduct
Conduct daily pre-shift and post-shift inspection of the work area to identify and remove any work.
Conduct disciplinary action as required along with Manager.
Conduct performance evaluations and provide training opportunities for staff development.
Conduct plant communication meetings for all employees.
Conduct regular inspections to maintain cleanliness and orderliness.
Conduct training for new associates to ensure best practices are being followed across all areas.
Coordinate with
Coordinate and organize all warehouse activities – shipping, receiving, deliveries, etc.
Coordinate deliveries and installations, go to sites from time to time.
Coordinate inventory moves from all storage areas in an efficient and effective manner.
Coordinate returns from Production Plant to Warehouse.
Coordinate scheduling and routes with drivers.
Coordinate shipping of any back-orders and reship non-deliveries as directed.
Coordinate staff to handle work directives in a timely manner.
Coordinate the day to day shipping & distribution functions.
Coordinate the release of catering, bond, and commissary requirements for each flight.
Coordinate with external auditors during warehouse inspections or audits.
Coordinate with maintenance personnel to address equipment malfunctions and repairs.
Coordinate with other departments, such as procurement and logistics, to ensure smooth operations.
Create
Create a positive internal and external customer experience.
Determine
Determine staffing levels and assign workload.
Determine work force and assign work load(s).
Develop
Develop and cross train all team members.
Develop and implement cost-saving initiatives within the warehouse.
Develop and implement improvements in the areas of throughput, cycle time and inventory reduction.
Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for warehouse operations.
Develop and maintain warehouse Standard Operating Procedures including schedule of activities.
Develop budgets and manage expenses and capital needs for the area.
Direct
Direct the daily activities of the team.
Direct the day-to day activities of the warehouse.
Document
Document and investigates all safety incidents and near misses to help reduce future accidents.
Document and resolve any customer service or associate issues daily.
Drive
Drive effective change management to meet business needs with minimal team member impact.
Drive performance by ensuring team is executing key initiatives.
Enforce
Enforce company policy and Procedure accordingly.
Ensure
Ensure accurate inventory control and stock management.
Ensure all orders are picked, checked and initialed for accuracy.
Ensure all product is pulled in rotation based receive date.
Ensure all routine paperwork is completed on time and are filled out accurately.
Ensure a productive labor climate in the warehouse operation.
Ensure a sense of urgency from all kitchen team members at all times.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
Ensure current and accurate inventory control for all products.
Ensure equipment meets required safety regulations and repair work is completed and documented.
Ensure health and safety standards and behaviors within the team.
Ensure inbound and outbound shipments are accurate and free of damage.
Ensure inventory transactions are accurate.
Ensure maintenance of equipment and a safe, clean environment.
Ensure orders are shipped to customers in a timely manner in adherence to delivery schedules.
Ensure procedures are understood and practiced by the team at all times.
Ensure products are staged for counting and inspection.
Ensure proper food safety practices are maintained.
Ensure speed, efficiency and accuracy of parts sales transactions.
Ensure stock rotation is respected following FIFO [first in first out] principals.
Ensure the safe, efficient, and economical operation of the facility and equipment.
Ensure warehouse is maintained in an efficient, neat and safe manner.
Ensure work areas are maintained as the need arises by daily 5S standards.
Ensure work is done properly and efficiently IAW the terms and condition of the contract.
Establish
Establish productivity and quality standards for the department.
Evaluate
Evaluate performance and provide feedback to warehouse staff.
Execute
Execute changes effectively, following clear plans and processes.
Execute improvement initiatives in conjunction with the leadership team.
Execute our safety program consistently.
Explain
Explain the reasons for change and communicates the change plan.
Facilitate
Facilitate problem solving and mediates conflict to arrive at timely resolutions or solutions.
Facilitate total team performance by active team engagement at the operation.
File
File transport claims as required.
Follow
Follow and practice allergen segregation and tagging of raw materials.
Foster
Foster positive team member relations.
Guarantee
Guarantee product is warehoused in an organized manner.
Handle
Handle HR related activities as required.
Help
Help meet department operational and budget goals.
Identify
Identify and acts to address performance gaps and to reward contributions.
Identify and resolve employee, customer, and / or supplier concerns.
Identify process improvements to ensure the safety of employees while managing budget.
Implement
Implement and maintain quality control processes for incoming and outgoing goods.
Implement measures to improve warehouse efficiency and reduce errors.
Initiate
Initiate proof of delivery documents.
Inspect
Inspect all incoming packages / products for defects and damages.
Inspect all outgoing shipment for the proper labeling.
Inspect loading and unloading operations to ensure compliance with shipping specifications.
Inspect material handling equipment for defects and notifies appropriate personnel for repair.
Investigate
Investigate and report on shorts, codes, defects, etc..
Keep
Keep abreast of the volume of work, issues work assignments and follows through to assure.
Keep track of quantity, stock levels, and delivery and shipment times.
Lead
Lead and directs the work of others.
Lead on standards of behavior within the context of Masco Canada's conduct guideline.
Lead / participate in lean initiatives (process mapping, A3s, etc.).
Lift
Lift objects of various shapes, sizes and weights.
Maintain
Maintain a clean, orderly, and organized warehouse.
Maintain and update documentation related to warehouse activities, such as inventory records and reports.
Maintain appropriate contact with customers and respond promptly to all requests when required.
Maintain basic knowledge of manufacturing and warehousing processes and capabilities.
Maintain FMBE warehouse electronic and physical files.
Maintain good housekeeping.
Maintain high level of productivity and morale.
Maintain high level of quality for product and customer appearance.
Maintain inventory and supplies.
Maintain inventory by conducting monthly physical counts and reconciling variances.
Maintain inventory listings and complete advertising photos.
Maintain Kronos system and point system for employee occurrences per the union contract.
Maintain necessary records and reports.
Maintain work area clean and organized.
Manage
Manage all Warehouse activities to include shipping, receiving, and transportation.
Manage and coordinate daily warehouse activities.
Manage budget accountability for Headcount, Overtime, and direct expenses for a shift and / or line.
Manage department budget.
Manage inventory, prepare orders for transport, and serve customers accurately and promptly.
Manage skid inventory as per stock levels.
Manage the affairs of the other staff to ensure smooth operations.
Measure
Measure and report the effectiveness of warehousing activities and employee performance.
Meet
Meet warehouse operational standards by contributing to strategic plans and reviews.
Monitor
Monitor and enforce safety regulations and warehouse security measures.
Monitor and manage budget and expenses related to warehouse operations.
Monitor and record all shift breakage and report to Inventory Manager.
Monitor productivity and efficiency to achieve operational targets.
Monitor Raw Meat, finished goods and Dry storage accuracy within the production area.
Motivate
Motivate and lead warehouse staff to effectively carry out given tasks.
Motivate team through encouragement and acting as positive role model for all plant team members.
Move
Move and transact material as per current procedures in line with health and safety.
Move inventory through the effective scheduling of materials to be moved to and from warehouse.
Operate
Operate a computer to enter data, correct errors and control key screens as required.
Operate forklifts and other electric / power equipment.
Operate warehouse vehicles, machines and equipment.
Optimize
Optimize space and labor productivity through the use of the lean methodology.
Optimize space utilization and warehouse layout.
Optimize the best schedule for deliveries so that all customers may be served.
Oversee
Oversee all packing functions.
Oversee receiving, storage, and distribution of goods.
Oversee shift start up and inspects end of shift, shut down.
Oversee the open / close of Warehouse daily.
Own
Own safety of the team and of the food to ensure a safe working environment 100% of the time.
Participate in
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and provide recommendations for process enhancements.
Pick
Pick Tickets for the projects while ensuring that all materials and parts are.
Plan
Plan and prioritize work schedules to meet operational requirements.
Prepare
Prepare and submit reports.
Prepare composite reports from individual reports of subordinates.
Prepare required documentation as required.
Prioritize
Prioritize and direct warehouse staff to meet customer demands.
Promote
Promote a culture of Continuous Improvement.
Promote the culture and values of Farwest at all times.
Provide
Provide leadership to direct reports through coaching and counseling.
Provide ongoing feedback and coaching.
Provide support to plant manager activities.
Provide training on warehouse processes and procedures.
Put
Put away stock in compliance with company operating guidelines.
Read
Read customer order ticket to understand instructions prior to processing order.
Read customer orders, work orders, shipping orders, or requisitions to determine items to be moved.
Receipt
Receipt and validation of material sent by customers.
Receive
Receive, issue, store and return warehouse stock and supplies.
Receive products into the Citrix inventory management system.
Recognize
Recognize potential order problems.
Recommend
Recommend remedial actions to resolve discrepancies.
Record
Record all warehouse data, quality, time and labor.
Render
Render or arrange for first aid for injured employees.
Require
Require to travel as per different warehouse locations.
Research
Research and identify the causes of any non-compliance.
Resolve
Resolve any issues or conflicts that arise among team members.
Resolve work issues and recommend measures to improve productivity.
Respond to
Respond to customer inquiries and complaints promptly and professionally.
Run
Run day to day operations of 3rd party freight.
Safeguard
Safeguard company assets and communicate with security personnel on a continual basis.
Schedule
Schedule and conduct shift meetings.
Schedule daily shipments.
Secure
Secure warehouse by turning alarms on and testing the systems.
See
See to the application of safety standards.
Set
Set performance goals and project deadlines that align with the company's larger plan.
Ship
Ship product accurately and on time based on commitments.
Stand
Stand, sit or walk for extended periods of time.
Stay updated with
Stay updated with industry trends and best practices in warehouse management.
Support
Support and enforce the Company's Health and Safety and Compliance policies.
Support safety policies and programs.
Take
Take precautions to protect warehouse contents against loss.
Track
Track of daily shipped at requested date KPI.
Track shipping performance and review delivery services with management.
Train
Train and mentor new warehouse employees.
Train and retains the shipping and receiving team.
Train employees on proper processes and sub-processes.
Train on specific tasks such as proper equipment usage, material handling and maintenance.
Train unskilled employees.
Troubleshoot
Troubleshoot shipping discrepancies as needed.
Understand
Understand KPI and SOP requirements and ensures compliance.
Utilize
Utilize space efficiently and effectively.
Verify
Verify daily that associates are on a Labor Management assignment.
Work with
Work at heights of 20 feet or more with the appropriate safety harnesses and tethers.
Work effectively with Inventory Control to minimize warehouse shrink (product loss).
Work with other departments to assure good communication exists.
Work with receiving department to organize and maintain the warehouse(s).
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Warehouse Supervisor:
Proficiency in warehouse management systems and software.
Knowledge of inventory management and control techniques.
Understanding of logistics and supply chain principles.
Competence in operating forklifts, pallet jacks, and other warehouse equipment.
Skill in using barcode scanners and other inventory tracking devices.
Proficiency in analyzing data and generating warehouse performance reports.
Knowledge of safety regulations and practices in a warehouse setting.
Understanding of quality control and assurance processes.
Competence in using computer applications for data entry and analysis.
Understanding of warehouse layout optimization and space utilization.
Knowledge of lean management principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
Skill in reading and interpreting technical manuals and specifications.
Proficiency in using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
Knowledge of international shipping and customs regulations, if applicable.
Competence in managing budgets and controlling warehouse expenses.
Understanding of hazardous materials handling and storage requirements, if applicable.
Proficiency in conducting training sessions and workshops for staff development.
Knowledge of transportation and distribution processes.
Skill in implementing and maintaining quality control procedures.
Understanding of regulatory compliance requirements in the industry.
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of an :
Excellent leadership and team management abilities.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Effective problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
Time management and organizational skills.
Flexibility and adaptability to changing work demands.
Conflict resolution and negotiation abilities.
Positive attitude and motivation to inspire and empower team members.
Integrity and a sense of responsibility.
Customer service orientation and the ability to build positive relationships.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Warehouse Supervisor is responsible for managing and overseeing warehouse operations. Their main responsibilities include coordinating daily activities, ensuring inventory control, maintaining safety and security standards, and optimizing efficiency. Alongside technical skills in warehouse management systems, inventory control, and equipment operation, soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving are essential for success in this role. Warehouse Supervisors contribute to the overall productivity and success of the warehouse by effectively leading and managing their teams.
