Warehouse Supervisor
Job Classification
- Location: On-site
- Full-time
- Exempt
Purpose of the Role
The Warehouse Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the warehouse. The role ensures that all warehouse activities, including inventory management, staff supervision, shipping and receiving, and safety compliance, run efficiently and align with the company’s overall goals. The Warehouse Supervisor is a hands-on leader who ensures processes are executed accurately and safely, all while driving improvements in performance, productivity, and employee engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
Daily Activities
- Staff Supervision: Supervise and lead the warehouse team, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and in compliance with safety standards (e.g., picking, packing, receiving, shipping). Assign tasks based on daily priorities.
- Inventory Management: Oversee inventory levels, conduct spot checks, and ensure that stock quantities match system records. Initiate replenishment as needed.
- Receiving and Dispatching Shipments: Supervise incoming shipments, ensuring proper recording, storage, and inspection. Oversee the timely and accurate picking, packing, and dispatching of customer orders.
- Safety and Compliance: Monitor warehouse safety practices and equipment handling to ensure compliance with safety protocols and company guidelines. Conduct regular safety checks.
- Problem-Solving: Address and resolve any operational challenges (e.g., inventory discrepancies, shipping delays, equipment breakdowns) and handle team member concerns.
- Communication: Communicate with other departments (e.g., sales, procurement) to ensure smooth warehouse operations and address any issues affecting the business.
Weekly Activities
- Team Meetings: Lead weekly team meetings to review goals, performance, and safety concerns, and provide constructive feedback.
- Inventory Replenishment: Assess stock levels, initiate orders for low-stock items, and review sales trends to anticipate future needs.
- Performance Reporting: Compile and report on key warehouse metrics (e.g., order accuracy, picking speed, shipping efficiency) to upper management.
- Shipping and Receiving Audits: Audit incoming and outgoing shipments to ensure accuracy, proper documentation, and adherence to quality standards.
- Equipment Maintenance: Ensure that all warehouse equipment is operational and coordinate routine maintenance or repairs as needed.
- Stock Organization: Review and optimize warehouse layout, ensuring products are stored for easy access and efficient workflow. Rotate stock when necessary.
Quarterly Activities
- Inventory Audits: Conduct full or partial inventory counts to reconcile system records with physical stock. Address discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
- Training and Development: Identify staff training needs, arrange for skill development, and ensure all team members are compliant with safety regulations and new operational procedures.
- Process Improvement: Review and analyze warehouse processes for inefficiencies and suggest improvements or upgrades to increase productivity.
- Safety Review: Conduct quarterly safety audits to ensure that warehouse operations meet safety standards. Address any incidents or safety violations.
Annual Activities
- Annual Inventory Count: Oversee the year-end inventory count to ensure all stock is accurately accounted for and reconciled for financial reporting purposes.
- Budget Planning: Work with senior management to prepare the warehouse budget, including cost projections for staffing, equipment, and supplies.
- Safety and Compliance Review: Conduct an in-depth review of safety protocols and ensure compliance with any new industry regulations or health and safety standards.
- Performance Analysis: Evaluate the warehouse’s annual performance, setting new goals for the upcoming year and suggesting any operational changes to improve performance.
- Team and Leadership Development: Assess the performance of the warehouse team, make decisions regarding promotions or new hires, and plan leadership development activities.
- Performance Reviews: Conduct individual annual performance reviews, providing feedback, setting goals, and addressing areas of improvement for warehouse staff.
- Technology Review: Evaluate the effectiveness of current warehouse management systems (WMS) and explore new technologies to improve operational efficiency.
Qualifications
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent (required).
- Bachelor’s degree in logistics, business management, or related field (preferred).
Experience
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in warehouse operations or supply chain management.
- At least 1 year of supervisory or leadership experience in a warehouse environment.
- Experience with inventory management systems (WMS), shipping and receiving software, and safety compliance.
- Familiarity with warehouse equipment, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling tools.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a team.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.) and warehouse management software.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to identify and solve problems quickly and effectively.
- Knowledge of OSHA regulations and safety best practices.
- Analytical skills for tracking key performance metrics and recommending improvements.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Area | Metric | Description | Target |
---|---|---|---|
Warehouse Efficiency | Order Accuracy | Percentage of orders fulfilled without errors | 98% or higher |
Picking and Packing Speed | Average time to pick and pack orders | Reduce by 10% annually | |
Shipping and Receiving | On-time Deliveries | Percentage of orders shipped or received on schedule | 95% or higher |
Shipping Accuracy | Percentage of shipments that meet customer specifications | 99% or higher | |
Cost Control | Labor Costs | Percentage of total operational costs related to labor | Maintain under 30% |
Equipment Maintenance Costs | Costs related to maintenance and repair of warehouse equipment | Reduce by 5% annually | |
Safety & Compliance | Incident Rate | Number of safety incidents or accidents reported per month | Zero incidents |
Compliance with Safety Protocols | Percentage of staff adhering to safety regulations | 100% compliance |
Work Environment and Conditions
- Physical Demands: The position requires occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs, standing for extended periods, and frequent walking within the warehouse.
- Working Conditions: The role is based in a warehouse environment, which may involve exposure to dust, noise, and varying temperatures under non-temperature-controlled conditions. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.
- Hours: Full-time position, with occasional overtime required based on workload demands or seasonal peaks.
Reporting Structure
- Reports to: Director of Quality and Supply Chain
- Supervises: Warehouse Team Lead, Warehouse Associate(s)