Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Shipping Manager

🎯 Role Definition

As a Shipping Manager, you are the operational cornerstone of our supply chain, orchestrating the seamless, timely, and cost-effective movement of goods from our facility to our customers' doorsteps. You will lead a dedicated team, manage critical carrier relationships, and champion continuous improvement to drive efficiency and excellence in all outbound logistics. This pivotal role requires a strategic mindset, a hands-on approach, and a passion for solving complex logistical puzzles to ensure an exceptional end-customer experience.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Shipping Supervisor
Logistics Coordinator
Warehouse Team Lead
Supply Chain Analyst

Advancement To:

Logistics Director
Distribution Center Manager
Supply Chain Manager
Director of Operations

Lateral Moves:

Warehouse Manager
Inventory Control Manager
Procurement Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Oversee and manage all daily outbound shipping operations, including order picking, packing, staging, and carrier loading, to ensure timely and accurate fulfillment.
Develop, implement, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all shipping processes to enhance workflow, improve accuracy, and boost productivity.
Lead, mentor, and develop the shipping department team, including supervisors and associates, by setting clear performance expectations, providing coaching, and conducting regular performance reviews.
Negotiate contracts, rates, and service level agreements with a portfolio of carriers, including parcel (UPS, FedEx), LTL, and FTL freight providers, to optimize costs and service quality.
Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery, cost-per-shipment, order accuracy, and carrier performance, generating reports for senior leadership.
Ensure strict compliance with all domestic and international shipping regulations, including customs documentation, tariffs, trade agreements, and hazardous materials (HAZMAT) protocols.
Manage and maintain the Transportation Management System (TMS) and Warehouse Management System (WMS), ensuring data integrity and leveraging system capabilities to optimize shipping decisions.
Act as the primary point of contact for resolving complex shipping issues, including lost or damaged shipments, customs delays, and carrier disputes, ensuring swift and effective resolution.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, such as Customer Service, Sales, and Warehouse Operations, to streamline the order-to-delivery cycle and enhance customer satisfaction.
Develop and manage the shipping department's operational budget, tracking expenditures and identifying opportunities for significant cost savings and avoidance.
Champion a robust safety culture within the department, ensuring all team members are trained on and adhere to OSHA standards and company safety policies.
Conduct regular audits of shipping documentation, carrier invoices, and operational processes to ensure accuracy, compliance, and identify areas for improvement.
Manage the procurement and inventory levels of all shipping supplies, including boxes, void fill, and labeling materials, to prevent shortages while controlling costs.
Stay abreast of emerging industry trends, logistics technologies, and regulatory changes to proactively adapt strategies and maintain a competitive edge.
Lead and execute continuous improvement projects (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) within the shipping function to eliminate waste, reduce errors, and drive operational excellence.
Plan and coordinate the logistics for special projects, such as product launches, international expansion, or high-volume seasonal peaks.
Evaluate and optimize packaging solutions to ensure product protection during transit while minimizing dimensional weight and material costs.
Manage the reverse logistics process, overseeing the efficient handling, processing, and disposition of all customer returns.
Prepare detailed freight analysis and performance reports to support strategic supply chain planning and executive decision-making.
Coordinate the daily dock schedule for outbound shipments, ensuring efficient carrier pickup and trailer utilization to meet shipping deadlines.
Oversee the maintenance and safe operation of all departmental equipment, including forklifts, pallet jacks, and automated packaging systems.
Partner with the inventory control team to investigate and resolve discrepancies between physical inventory and system records that impact order fulfillment.

Secondary Functions

Support the inventory control team by assisting with cycle counts and annual physical inventory audits.
Assist the sales and customer service teams by providing accurate shipping quotes and transit time estimates for potential and existing orders.
Collaborate with the IT department on troubleshooting, upgrading, and implementing new logistics-related software and hardware.
Participate in facility-wide safety committees and contribute to the development and implementation of broader workplace safety initiatives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Deep proficiency in using and managing TMS platforms for routing, tracking, and carrier selection.
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Expertise in WMS functionality for order processing, inventory tracking, and shipping execution.
Carrier Negotiation & Management: Proven ability to negotiate contracts and manage relationships with major parcel, LTL, and FTL carriers.
Regulatory Compliance: Strong knowledge of domestic and international shipping regulations, including DOT, IATA, IMDG, and customs requirements.
ERP Systems: Familiarity with ERP software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and its integration with logistics modules.
Data Analysis & Reporting: Competency in analyzing logistics data and KPIs using tools like Microsoft Excel, SQL, or BI platforms (Tableau, Power BI).
Freight Auditing: Experience in auditing carrier invoices for accuracy and filing claims for billing discrepancies.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Team Development: Exceptional ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.
Problem-Solving: Advanced critical-thinking and analytical skills to diagnose and resolve complex logistical challenges under pressure.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with internal teams, external partners, and senior management.
Organizational & Time Management: Superior organizational skills with a keen attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Negotiation & Influence: Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable terms with vendors and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
Adaptability: A flexible and resilient mindset, capable of adapting to changing priorities, market conditions, and operational demands.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED coupled with extensive relevant experience. An Associate's Degree is often preferred.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Logistics & Transportation
Business Administration
Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

5-8 years of progressive experience within a shipping, logistics, or distribution environment, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.

Preferred:

Proven track record of managing shipping operations in a high-volume B2B or B2C distribution center.
Direct experience with international freight forwarding and customs compliance.
Certification in logistics, transportation, or supply chain (e.g., CLTD, CSCP) is a strong plus.
Demonstrated success in implementing process improvements that resulted in measurable cost savings and efficiency gains.