Storage, Warehouse, and Distribution Manager

Working Schedule

• Storage, Warehouse, and Distribution Managers typically work full-time, with shifts including early mornings, late nights, and/or weekends.

Typical Duties

• Supervise storage, warehouse, and distribution workers
• Establish cost-effective storage, transportation, and distribution processes
• Develop policies and processes related to shipping and receiving, proper handling, workplace safety, security, theft deterrence, and emergency protocols
• Train workers and document training
• Inspect storage areas, warehouses, and vehicles. Ensure regular maintenance is being done per schedule
• Work with other department managers such as production, sales, customer orders, shipping processes, import and export, accounting, records, etc.
• Research potential problems and take action to mitigate them.
• Address problems that were unforeseen or unavoidable
• Regularly assess contractor and partner relations. Work with union officials as needed to ensure contract terms are met
• Prepare budgets. Review costs and potential areas for saving money
• Track inventory levels
• Monitor supply chain performance, metrics, customer satisfaction, and training records
• Propose ideas, changes, or suggestions for improvement, such as optimizing transportation routes
• Carry out unique customer requirements, as directed
• Routinely inspect invoices, manifests, work orders, and demand forecasts
• Negotiate with transportation carriers to obtain agreeable rates and terms

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain compliance with tariff and customs regulations
• Procure suitable insurance coverage
• Manage warehouse management systems and other logistics software
• Respond to emails, phone calls, and other communications 
  promptly
• Plan out facility or equipment upgrades
• Stay updated on industry trends and technological advancements
• Prepare and present reports on warehouse and distribution performance
• Ensure proper handling and storage of hazardous materials

Soft Skills

• Analytical
• Attention to detail
• Communication skills
• Customer service
• Decisiveness
• Dependability
• Detail-oriented
• Flexibility
• Initiative
• Interpersonal skills
• Leadership
• Motivation
• Persistence
• Problem-solving skills
• Teamwork

Technical Skills

• Analyzing market trends
• Blockchain
• Budgeting and financial planning
• Compliance software
• Computer-aided design
• Data analysis and reporting
• Enterprise resource planning
• Financial analysis
• Geographic information systems
• Hazardous materials handling
• Inventory management
• Label making
• Logistics and distribution processes
• Project management
• RFID tags
• Route navigation programs (FleetSuite)
• Scheduling software
• Spreadsheets
• Supply chain management
• Transportation management systems

• Automotive industry
• E-commerce companies
• Food and beverage companies
• Grocery stores
• Healthcare organizations
• Manufacturing companies
• Retail chains
• Third-party logistics providers
• Wholesale distributors

Storage, Warehouse, and Distribution Managers are expected to ensure the smooth operation of complex logistics processes. This includes overseeing the receipt, storage, and dispatch of goods, maintaining accurate inventory records, and ensuring that safety standards are met. They’re also responsible for coordinating with suppliers, transporters, and other stakeholders to ensure timely, efficient distribution.

The job requires long hours, with weekend and holiday hours possible to meet tight deadlines and handle unexpected issues. The physical demands can be taxing, as managers often need to be up on their feet and moving around to check on things.

Their duties involve solving myriad problems, making quick decisions, and handling stressful situations like delays or discrepancies. Thus, they need a strong capacity for stress management and resilience!

The world of logistics is increasingly embracing automation via automated storage and retrieval systems, robotics, and AI-driven inventory management systems. Such technologies help improve accuracy, efficiency, and speed in handling and storing goods.

Another trend is the ever-growing emphasis on sustainability. Many warehouses are adopting green practices, such as using energy-efficient lighting, recycling programs, and eco-friendly packaging materials. There’s also a push towards optimizing routes and transportation methods to reduce carbon footprints.

E-commerce continues to shape the industry, driving the need for faster, more flexible distribution solutions. This has led to the rise of smaller, decentralized warehouses (such as Amazon’s network of fulfillment centers) to ensure quicker delivery times.

Storage, Warehouse, and Distribution Managers are very organized and may have enjoyed leading groups and solving problems when they were younger. They might have been involved in sports or activities that required teamwork and leadership.