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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Receiving Supervisor

💰 $55,000 - $75,000

Supply ChainLogisticsWarehouse ManagementOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The Receiving Supervisor is a pivotal leadership role within the supply chain, acting as the primary gatekeeper for all inbound materials and products. This individual is not just managing boxes; they are safeguarding the company's assets and ensuring the integrity of our inventory from the moment it hits the loading dock. They lead a dedicated team of receiving associates, orchestrating the entire inbound process—from the initial truck arrival and unloading to the final verification, documentation, and systematic put-away. Success in this role directly impacts inventory accuracy, production schedules, and order fulfillment, making the Receiving Supervisor a cornerstone of operational excellence.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Lead Receiving Clerk / Warehouse Lead
  • Senior Inventory Control Associate
  • Experienced Material Handler

Advancement To:

  • Inbound Operations Manager
  • Warehouse Manager
  • Logistics & Distribution Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Shipping Supervisor
  • Inventory Control Manager
  • Production Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Direct, mentor, and develop a team of receiving clerks and material handlers, overseeing daily task assignments, performance management, and ongoing skills training.
  • Orchestrate the daily receiving schedule, coordinating with carriers and freight forwarders to manage inbound truck and container traffic flow efficiently.
  • Ensure the accurate and timely unloading, counting, and verification of all incoming shipments against purchase orders, packing slips, and bills of lading.
    heavy-lifting, forklift operations, and hazardous materials.
  • Manage the complete receiving process within the Warehouse Management System (WMS), ensuring all transactions are entered correctly and inventory is systemically accurate.
  • Investigate and resolve all shipment discrepancies, such as overages, shortages, and damages, by collaborating with purchasing, vendors, and freight carriers.
  • Oversee the proper labeling, staging, and routing of received materials to their designated storage locations or directly to production lines.
  • Develop, implement, and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all receiving functions to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and safety.
  • Maintain a high level of quality control, ensuring that incoming products meet company standards and specifications before being accepted into inventory.
  • Champion a culture of safety by enforcing all OSHA regulations and company safety policies, conducting regular safety talks, and ensuring equipment is operated correctly.
  • Generate and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational reports, focusing on metrics like dock-to-stock time, receiving accuracy, and team productivity.
  • Manage the returns process (RMA/RGA), ensuring returned goods are properly inspected, documented, and processed according to company policy.
  • Conduct regular cycle counts and participate in physical inventory audits to maintain the highest level of inventory integrity.
  • Maintain organization and cleanliness of the receiving dock and adjacent storage areas, ensuring a safe and efficient workspace (5S principles).
  • Manage departmental supplies and equipment, including RF scanners, pallet jacks, and forklifts, ensuring they are in good working order.
  • Provide constructive feedback and conduct formal performance reviews for all direct reports, fostering a motivated and engaged workforce.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve any issues that arise during the receiving process, demonstrating a calm and solution-oriented approach under pressure.
  • Coordinate with the accounts payable department to ensure accurate and timely processing of receiving paperwork for vendor payment.
  • Train team members on the proper use of the WMS, RF scanning equipment, and material handling equipment.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the receiving department to reduce waste, lower costs, and improve service levels.

Secondary Functions

  • Generate and analyze receiving reports, providing ad-hoc data on dock-to-stock times, vendor compliance, and receiving discrepancies to support operational decisions.
  • Lead or contribute to continuous improvement projects focused on enhancing overall warehouse efficiency and accuracy.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including purchasing, inventory control, and quality assurance, to translate supply chain needs into actionable receiving plans.
  • Participate in sprint planning, project meetings, and agile ceremonies related to warehouse and supply chain optimization initiatives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Deep proficiency in Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), such as SAP EWM, Oracle SCM Cloud, Manhattan, or similar Tier 1 systems.
  • Strong experience with RF (Radio Frequency) scanning technology and associated hardware for inventory transactions.
  • Solid understanding of logistics and supply chain principles, particularly regarding inbound freight and inventory management.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced skills in Excel for reporting, data analysis, and creating pivot tables.
  • In-depth knowledge of OSHA regulations and best practices for warehouse and loading dock safety.
  • Experience with material handling equipment (MHE), including sit-down forklifts, stand-up reach trucks, and electric pallet jacks.
  • Ability to read and interpret shipping documents, including bills of lading, packing slips, and commercial invoices.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team-building abilities with a talent for motivating and developing staff.
  • Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, especially when resolving discrepancies or operational bottlenecks.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for coordinating with internal teams, external vendors, and carriers.
  • High level of attention to detail and organization, crucial for ensuring accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively to meet tight deadlines and handle multiple priorities.
  • Strong sense of urgency and a results-oriented mindset.
  • Adaptability and composure to manage unexpected challenges and changing priorities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics
  • Business Administration
  • Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5 years of experience in a warehouse, distribution, or manufacturing environment, with at least 1-2 years in a leadership capacity (Lead or Supervisor).

Preferred: Direct experience managing a receiving department in a high-volume, fast-paced distribution center is highly desirable. Forklift certification is often a plus.

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