Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Logistics Manager

🎯 Role Definition

The Warehouse Logistics Manager is responsible for end-to-end warehouse and distribution operations, ensuring accurate and timely order fulfillment, efficient inventory control, safe working conditions, and cost-effective logistics execution. This role leads front-line supervisors and associates, manages WMS/ERP execution, drives KPIs (OTIF, order accuracy, inventory accuracy, productivity, shrink), implements continuous improvement and Lean practices, coordinates transportation and 3PL partners, and partners cross-functionally with procurement, planning, customer service, and facilities. The ideal candidate brings operational leadership, strong data-driven decision-making, and experience scaling warehouse throughput while reducing cost and errors.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Supervisor / Lead
Logistics Coordinator / Analyst
Inventory Control Manager

Advancement To:

Director of Logistics or Distribution
Head of Supply Chain Operations
Senior Operations Manager / VP of Operations

Lateral Moves:

Operations Manager (Plant/Facility)
Procurement / Sourcing Manager
Transportation / Fleet Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Own day-to-day warehouse operations for inbound receiving, putaway, storage, order picking, packing, staging and outbound shipping to meet daily throughput and service level targets (OTIF, order accuracy, cycle time).
Develop, monitor and report operational KPIs (units per hour, orders per day, cases per pallet, accuracy, shrink, labor utilization) and drive corrective action plans to meet and exceed targets.
Manage inventory accuracy through robust cycle count programs, root-cause analysis of variances, reconciliation procedures and continuous process improvements to reduce shrink and stock discrepancies.
Lead, coach and develop a multi-shift team of supervisors, lead hands and hourly associates; responsible for performance management, recruiting, onboarding, training plans and retention initiatives.
Oversee warehouse scheduling and labor planning (forecasting, shift patterns, overtime controls) to align staffing with seasonal peaks and demand variability while optimizing cost.
Implement and maintain Warehouse Management System (WMS) processes, configurations and best practices; partner with IT/ERP teams for testing, upgrades and data integrity.
Coordinate inbound logistics and receiving processes, including ASN verification, quality inspection, putaway strategies, and supplier compliance, to minimize exceptions and expedite throughput.
Own outbound order fulfillment processes including pick/pack optimization, manifesting, carrier tendering, and distribution planning to ensure on-time customer delivery and high order accuracy.
Manage relationships with 3PL providers, carriers and vendor partners; negotiate service levels, rates, SLAs and performance contracts to support service and cost objectives.
Execute Lean, Kaizen and continuous improvement projects (layout redesign, slotting optimization, batch picking, automation) to increase efficiency, reduce lead times and lower operational costs.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (OSHA, DOT, local regulations) and maintain a safe working environment through safety programs, training, audits and incident investigations.
Create and manage department budgets, capital expenditure requests, labor cost forecasting and P&L impact analyses; identify cost-reduction opportunities and implement savings initiatives.
Oversee returns processing, refurbishment and RMA workflows; establish disposition rules to maximize recovery and streamline reverse logistics.
Drive space utilization, warehouse slotting and capacity planning to improve flow, reduce congestion and accommodate seasonal inventory fluctuations or new product introductions.
Lead cross-functional S&OP and demand-planning meetings with procurement, planning and sales to align inventory, capacity and service objectives.
Conduct regular audits of receiving, putaway, picking and shipping processes; implement controls to prevent mis-picks, mis-shipments and inventory fraud.
Manage cycle-count cadence and reporting, work with finance on inventory valuation issues, and provide documentation for month-end and audit activities.
Evaluate, select and oversee deployment of material handling equipment, automation solutions and warehouse technology (RF scanners, conveyors, sorters) to improve throughput and accuracy.
Maintain shipping compliance (hazmat, cold chain, export/import documentation) and partner with Customs/Compliance teams where applicable to ensure regulatory adherence.
Investigate customer escalations related to shipping, order accuracy or inventory issues; perform root cause analysis, corrective action and communicate resolutions to stakeholders.
Establish and enforce SOPs, work instructions and KPIs for all warehouse functions; update documentation as processes change and new technologies are adopted.
Lead capital projects including warehouse build-outs, racking installations and automation integration; coordinate contractors, facility services and project timelines.
Monitor supplier performance on lead times and quality for inbound materials; drive supplier corrective actions and collaborate on improvement plans.
Implement and manage labor management systems and productivity programs, including incentive schemes, to reward performance and drive continuous gains.
Prepare regular operational reports and executive summaries for senior leadership, highlighting metrics, risks, improvement initiatives and investment needs.
Support disaster recovery and business continuity planning for warehouse operations, including contingency plans for labor, power, IT and supply chain disruptions.

Secondary Functions

Support cross-functional analytics requests, providing warehouse metrics, root cause insights and ad hoc reporting to supply chain planning and finance teams.
Contribute to broader supply chain and logistics strategy, including network optimization, inventory placement and 3PL selection.
Participate in implementation and continuous optimization of ERP/WMS/TMS integrations and data flows between systems.
Lead seasonal ramp planning and temporary staffing strategies to support promotions, holidays and product launches.
Coordinate vendor and contractor audits, supplier on-site assessments and performance reviews.
Support sustainability initiatives such as packaging reduction, energy-efficient racking/lighting, recycling programs and route optimization for lower carbon footprint.
Partner with safety and HR teams to develop wellness, training and compliance programs aligned with corporate policies.
Assist commercial teams with client onboarding for distribution services and SLA definition.
Run pilot programs for automation or process changes, measure ROI and scale successful pilots across sites.
Manage ad hoc projects such as new product introduction handling, SKU rationalization impacts on storage and fulfillment, and special handling procedures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proven experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) such as Manhattan, JDA/Blue Yonder, HighJump, or similar; ability to configure workflows and troubleshoot transactions.
ERP familiarity (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics) and experience coordinating data flows between WMS and ERP modules.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, macros) for reporting, forecasting and labor planning.
Strong inventory control techniques including cycle counting, ABC/XYZ analysis, slotting optimization and FIFO/LIFO implementation.
Knowledge of transportation and carrier management, including experience with TMS platforms or carrier portals and carrier rate negotiation.
Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma principles (Kaizen events, 5S, root cause analysis) in a warehouse or distribution center.
Familiarity with RF/WiFi handheld scanners, barcode labeling standards, EDI processes and shipping/manifest systems.
Budgeting and P&L ownership experience, including labor cost modeling, CAPEX planning and cost-to-serve analysis.
Competence in warehouse automation technologies (conveyors, sortation, AS/RS) and selection/evaluation of automation vendors.
Regulatory and compliance knowledge: OSHA, DOT, HazMat handling, food safety (if applicable), and export/import documentation.
Data analysis and KPI reporting skills, including experience with BI tools (Power BI, Tableau) or the ability to work with analytics teams.
Experience managing 3PL relationships and performance-based contracts, including SLA monitoring and scorecards.
Ability to lead change management initiatives during system rollouts, process redesigns and organizational restructuring.

Soft Skills

Strong leadership and people management: coaching, developing, and motivating a union or non-union workforce.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and senior management reporting.
Analytical problem-solver with proven ability to run root cause analysis and implement sustainable countermeasures.
Customer-focused mindset with the ability to balance internal stakeholders and external client expectations.
Time management, prioritization and the ability to manage multiple competing projects and deadlines.
Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced, high-volume environments; comfort with operational ambiguity and change.
Influencing and negotiation skills for working with vendors, carriers and internal stakeholders.
Attention to detail and focus on quality to minimize errors, returns and customer complaints.
Coaching and mentoring skills to develop frontline supervisors and create a culture of continuous improvement.
Strong decision-making skills, able to make timely operational decisions and escalate appropriately.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering or related field preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Logistics & Transportation
Business Administration
Industrial / Systems Engineering
Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

5–10 years of progressively responsible experience in warehouse, distribution or logistics operations.

Preferred:

7+ years in distribution/warehouse environments with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role overseeing multi-shift operations, WMS experience, and a track record of measurable performance improvements (cost reduction, accuracy gains, throughput increases).