Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Operations Officer

🎯 Role Definition

The Warehouse Operations Officer oversees the execution and continuous improvement of warehouse processes including receiving, putaway, picking, packing, shipping, and returns. Acting as the operational lead on the floor, this role ensures stock accuracy, on-time order fulfillment, safe working conditions, and efficient use of workforce and equipment. The Warehouse Operations Officer works cross-functionally with procurement, customer service, transportation, and inventory control to meet business objectives and service-level agreements (SLAs).

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate / Picker-Packer
Forklift Operator / Material Handler
Shipping & Receiving Clerk

Advancement To:

Warehouse Supervisor
Warehouse Manager / Operations Manager
Distribution Center Manager / Logistics Manager

Lateral Moves:

Inventory Control Specialist
Shipping & Receiving Supervisor
Supply Chain Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Lead day-to-day warehouse operations, coordinating receiving, putaway, picking, packing, shipping and returns to meet on-time delivery and accuracy targets.
Supervise and coach warehouse staff, including scheduling shifts, assigning tasks, conducting daily briefings, and monitoring performance against KPIs.
Maintain accurate inventory records by planning and executing regular cycle counts, reconciliations, and root-cause investigations for variances.
Operate and administer the Warehouse Management System (WMS) to process inbound receipts, putaway strategies, pick paths, and shipping manifests.
Manage inbound receiving processes: verify packing lists, inspect incoming goods for damage, update inventory systems, and coordinate disposition of discrepancies.
Oversee outbound shipping processes: confirm order accuracy, validate packing lists, select appropriate carriers, create shipping labels, and ensure compliance with carrier requirements.
Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for material handling, order fulfillment, returns processing, and warehouse housekeeping.
Monitor and report on operational KPIs—order accuracy, on-time shipments, pick rates, cycle count accuracy, dock-to-stock time—and present insights to management.
Coordinate equipment usage and maintenance for forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyor systems, and barcode scanners, ensuring certifications and scheduled servicing.
Enforce safety, health, and environmental policies (OSHA / local regulations), conduct safety audits, incident investigations, and training to maintain a zero-accident culture.
Plan workforce needs, lead recruitment and onboarding for warehouse roles, and identify training opportunities to close skill gaps.
Manage and optimize storage layout, slotting, and racking configurations to maximize space utilization and improve pick efficiency.
Implement continuous improvement initiatives (Kaizen, 5S, Lean) to eliminate waste, reduce lead times, and improve throughput.
Control and document hazardous materials handling, ensure correct labeling, storage, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Liaise with procurement and vendors to resolve discrepancies, schedule deliveries, and coordinate special handling or cross-docking activities.
Coordinate returns and reverse logistics processes, including inspection, quarantine, disposition, and credit processing in the system.
Prepare and review shipping documentation, customs paperwork, bills of lading, and export/import forms where applicable to ensure compliance.
Manage packaging standards and carrier packaging requirements to reduce damage in transit and control shipping costs.
Use data from WMS, TMS and ERP systems to forecast inventory requirements, support demand planning, and minimize stockouts or overstock situations.
Lead incident response for operational disruptions (system downtime, carrier delays, weather events), implementing contingency plans to maintain service.
Monitor and control warehouse operating budget, recommend cost-savings opportunities and participate in capital expenditure planning for equipment upgrades.
Ensure accurate labeling and barcode data integrity across SKUs, batches and lot-controlled products to support traceability and recalls if necessary.

Secondary Functions

Produce regular operational reports and ad-hoc analyses to support business decisions, including volumetrics, labor productivity, and cost per order metrics.
Support implementations and upgrades of WMS/ERP modules by providing process input, testing workflows, and training warehouse staff.
Collaborate with customer service and sales teams to investigate and resolve order exceptions, lost inventory claims, and escalations.
Participate in cross-functional projects to improve lead times, vendor performance, and order-to-cash cycles.
Maintain accurate records of equipment certification, staff training logs, and regulatory documentation for audits.
Develop and lead safety and emergency drills, first-aid response training, and pandemic / incident protocols.
Recommend and pilot automation opportunities (sortation, conveyors, pick-to-light, voice picking) to increase capacity and reduce manual errors.
Coordinate with carriers and freight brokers on rate negotiations, performance KPIs, and inbound/outbound scheduling.
Support sustainability initiatives such as carton optimization, waste reduction, and energy-efficient warehouse practices.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) proficiency (e.g., Manhattan, Blue Yonder, SAP EWM, Oracle WMS).
Inventory control and cycle count methodology expertise with demonstrated experience reducing shrink and discrepancies.
Proficient with enterprise systems / ERP integration (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and EDI fundamentals for order/ASN processing.
Strong Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, data validation) and experience generating operational dashboards.
Familiarity with barcode/RFID systems, RF scanners, handheld devices and mobile data collection workflows.
Forklift and powered equipment operation knowledge; ability to manage equipment maintenance schedules and certifications.
Shipping and carrier management experience including bill of lading, palletization best practices, and freight cost optimization.
Knowledge of safety and regulatory standards (OSHA, DOT, ADR/IATA as applicable) and hazardous materials handling.
Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
Ability to read and interpret inventory reports, KPIs, cycle time analytics and translate them into operational improvements.
Basic budgeting and cost-control skills for managing operating expenses and recommending capital expenditure.

Soft Skills

Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to motivate frontline staff and lead through change.
Excellent written and verbal communication for coordinating with internal teams, vendors and carriers.
High attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in inventory and documentation.
Problem-solving and analytical mindset with the ability to prioritize under pressure and manage competing deadlines.
Customer-service orientation focused on meeting internal SLAs and external delivery commitments.
Time management and organizational skills to balance operational execution with continuous improvement initiatives.
Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced, high-volume environments.
Conflict resolution and coaching skills to manage performance and improve team outcomes.
Strategic thinking with an eye for process optimization and scalability.
Ethical conduct and integrity handling sensitive inventory and financial documentation.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Logistics and Transportation
Operations Management
Business Administration
Industrial Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–5 years in warehouse operations or distribution center roles, including hands-on floor experience.

Preferred: 3–5+ years in a supervisory or lead role within a warehouse or distribution environment, demonstrated experience with WMS and ERP systems, success managing teams of 10+ staff, and a track record of meeting KPIs for accuracy, throughput and safety. Certification or training in forklift operation, OSHA safety, Lean/Six Sigma is a plus.