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For individuals working in the warehousing industry, it’s important to know the different roles and all the progressions that one can achieve throughout the duration of working in the warehouse sector. In this post, we will be going over all the different types of warehousing jobs, their duties, and how it fits into the progression from entry-level to management positions.
Warehouse staff do a wide range of tasks that allow for the business to get products received, stored, and shipped every day. The tasks for each person will depend on their exact title and competencies. Examples of day-to-day warehouse tasks include:
Unloading incoming shipments
Logging and updating inventory records
Moving and organizing stock using forklifts or other machinery
Picking items from inventory to fulfill orders
Ensuring compliance with safety regulations
Inspecting incoming and outgoing shipments for quality and accuracy
Planning and optimizing warehouse layout and workflows
The career progression of warehouse positions typically involves advancing through various roles with increasing levels of responsibility, skill requirements, and management duties. Please note that job titles and responsibilities can vary between companies, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific job descriptions, required experience, and compensation details for your organization.
A warehouse associate position is entry-level and responsible for basic warehouse operations. Duties include unloading and loading trucks, receiving and processing incoming inventory, picking and filling orders from stock, packing and shipping orders, organizing and retrieving items in the warehouse, and performing basic inventory tracking and reporting.
National Average Salary: $35,528/per year – $17.76/per hour
Experience Needed: Typically, no previous experience is required for warehouse associate roles. However, most employers are looking for individuals who have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Skills Required: Ability to lift heavy objects, attention to detail, good communication skills
Machine operators are more specialized, requiring certification to operate forklifts and other machinery. Duties include using forklifts to move, locate, stack, and count merchandise, loading and unloading trucks, and transporting materials to and from production lines. Candidates must have a valid certification allowing them to operate the machinery and at least 1-2 years of experience in a similar role.
National Average Salary: $42,978/per year – $18.42/per hour
Experience Needed: 1-2 years of previous work experience in a similar role; valid operator certification
Skills Required: Ability to operate machinery safely, problem-solving, attention to detail
Maintenance technicians are responsible for the upkeep and repair of machinery, equipment, and systems within a warehouse or production facility. Their duties include performing routine maintenance checks, diagnosing mechanical issues, repairing faulty equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
National Average Salary: $54,003/per year – $23.21/per hour
Experience Needed: 2-4 years of experience in maintenance or a related technical field
Skills Required: Proficiency in using hand and power tools, knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail
Shipping and receiving clerks mainly manage the inbound and outbound shipment of all products, materials, and supplies. Duties include coordinating and documenting the shipment and receipt of products, verifying the accuracy of orders and inspecting for damages, tracking shipments and updating inventory records, and communicating with carriers and customers regarding delivery statuses.
National Average Salary: $42,620/per year – $18.29/per hour
Experience Needed: 1 year of warehouse/shipping & receiving experience
Skills Required: Organizational skills and able to use relevant shipping software
Logistics coordinators oversee the movement, distribution, and storage of materials, products, and supplies. Their duties include coordinating transportation schedules, managing inventory levels, ensuring timely delivery of goods, negotiating with carriers, and maintaining accurate records of logistics activities.
National Average Salary: $44,981/per year – $21.56/per hour
Experience Needed: 2-3 years of experience in logistics, supply chain, or a related field
Skills Required: Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, proficiency in logistics software, excellent communication and negotiation skills
Inventory control specialists manage stock levels and ensure accurate counts. Duties include conducting regular inventory audits and cycle counts, investigating inventory discrepancies and adjusting records, implementing inventory control procedures and policies, coordinating with other departments to manage stock levels, and generating reports on inventory status and trends.
National Average Salary: $45,609/per year – $19.55/per hour
Experience Needed: 1-2 years in similar inventory control roles
Skills Required: Analytical skills, proficiency with inventory management software, problem-solving
These warehouse supervisors oversee a team of warehouse associates and manage daily warehouse operations. Duties include coordinating the activities of warehouse staff, ensuring compliance with safety and operational procedures, training and mentoring warehouse staff, monitoring and optimizing workflows, handling escalated issues and resolving conflicts, and reporting on warehouse performance and metrics.
National Average Salary: $61,443/per year – $29.53/per hour
Experience Needed: 3-5 years of warehouse experience; previous supervisory experience is preferred
Skills Required: Leadership skills, experience with warehouse management systems, ability to train and mentor staff
Warehouse managers are responsible for the overall management of the warehouse, including staff, inventory, and logistics. Their duties include many things including developing and implementing warehouse policies and procedures, managing the warehouse budget and resources, planning and overseeing warehouse layout and space management, coordinating with other departments for seamless operations, and analyzing warehouse performance and making strategic decisions.
National Average Salary: $66,841/per year – $32.14/per hour
Experience Needed: Experience will vary for management positions but expect to have 3-5 years of previous warehouse work experience to qualify for these management roles.
Skills Required: Strong leadership and organizational skills, experience with logistics and supply chain management, strategic planning abilities
After becoming a Warehouse Manager, an individual may have the opportunity to advance into higher-level operations leadership roles. These roles require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and a high level of trust and responsibility. The typical progression includes:
Responsible for overseeing the daily operations of multiple departments or the entire facility. This role focuses on optimizing efficiency, improving processes, and ensuring that all operations align with company goals.
National Average Salary: $73,918/per year
Experience Needed: Most operations manager positions require multiple years of relevant management experience.
Skills Required: Advanced organizational skills, experience with multi-department management, and strong communication abilities.
Director of Operations is a senior management position that involves setting strategic goals for the operations team, developing policies and procedures, and ensuring that the company’s operations run smoothly and efficiently.
National Average Salary: $103,704/per year
Experience Needed: Extensive experience managing operations for other similar businesses
Skills Required: Ability to manage large teams and a deep understanding of business operations
As a top executive, the chief operating officer (COO) oversees the entire operational aspects of the company, including production, logistics, and service delivery. This role involves strategic planning, managing large-scale projects, and ensuring that the company meets its operational goals.
National Average Salary: $151,436/per year
Experience Needed: Significant experience in high-level management roles
Skills Required: Exceptional leadership and strategic planning abilities, strong decision-making skills, and excellent problem-solving skills.
These roles represent the top of a career in warehouse operations, requiring a blend of hands-on experience and the ability to lead large teams. Progression to these positions typically involves a combination of proven experience, continuous professional development, and a strong track record of leading operational success.
To progress in any industry, it’s important to continue developing skills and obtaining certifications that are relevant to your line of work. This will better help you stand out from other candidates looking for the same positions. Here are some certifications and training programs tailored to individuals in the world of logistics:
Qualified Warehouse Logistics Professional (QWLP): This program is provided by the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) and it targets professionals in the logistics industry who are just starting out. It covers essential warehousing topics like safety, risk management, and technology solutions. There are a few requirements for this certification including one year of experience in the industry. View a full list of requirements here.
Certified Warehouse Logistics Professional (CWLP): Also offered by the IWLA is a more specialized certification designed for individuals with additional experience in the warehousing and logistics space. You must already be QWLP certified and will need additional experience and recommendations.
Logistics Management Certificate: A specialized credential typically offered by educational institutions or professional organizations. It provides comprehensive training in logistics principles, transportation management, supply chain operations, and inventory control, preparing individuals for careers in logistics and supply chain management. This certificate equips graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to optimize logistics processes and effectively manage the flow of goods and services within organizations.
OSHA Forklift Certification: This training prepares workers to operate forklifts safely and has training specific to various types of forklifts. The program typically only takes about a day and certification renewal is required after involvement in an accident, workplace change, or poor evaluation by a supervisor. Most businesses provide OSHA certified training courses on-site, but you can always do an online training course as well.
Warehouse Safety Certification: Another certification provided by OSHA, this course prepares workers to handle job hazards, including things like forklift accidents, falling objects, and lifting injuries. The program can be completed online or in person and typically takes a few days.
Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM): A professional certification offered by APICS that focuses on enhancing knowledge and skills in production and inventory control, planning, and scheduling. It covers key areas such as demand management, procurement, supplier planning, material requirements planning, and capacity planning. CPIM certification is valuable for individuals seeking to improve their efficiency and effectiveness in managing production and inventory activities within a supply chain.
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP): A credential offered by APICS that validates expertise in end-to-end supply chain management. This certification covers topics including supply chain strategy, procurement and supplier planning, logistics and transportation, and demand planning. It is designed for professionals aiming to optimize their organization’s supply chain operations and improve overall efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Certified Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD): Offered by APICS, focuses on comprehensive knowledge and skills in logistics, transportation, and distribution management. It covers key areas such as transportation management, warehouse management, inventory management, and order fulfillment. CLTD certification is ideal for individuals looking to advance their careers in logistics and supply chain management by demonstrating proficiency in critical areas of distribution and transportation.
OSHA Safety Certificate: Refers to various training programs provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to promote workplace safety and health. These programs cover essential topics such as hazard communication, emergency preparedness, ergonomics, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Obtaining an OSHA Safety Certificate demonstrates an individual’s understanding of workplace safety regulations and their commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
Hazardous Materials Handling (HAZMAT) Certification: A credential that validates competence in safely handling and managing hazardous materials in various environments. It covers regulations, procedures, and safety protocols for the storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous substances. Obtaining HAZMAT Certification demonstrates proficiency in mitigating risks associated with hazardous materials and ensures compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) Training: Provides instruction on the use and optimization of software systems designed to manage and control warehouse operations efficiently. Participants learn to utilize WMS for tasks such as inventory management, order processing, and warehouse layout optimization. This training equips individuals with the skills to enhance productivity, accuracy, and overall efficiency within warehouse environments.
Certified Quality Inspector (CQI): A professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) that validates expertise in quality control and assurance. Holders of this certification demonstrate proficiency in performing quality inspections, interpreting quality standards, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. CQI certification is valuable for individuals involved in maintaining and improving product quality across various industries.
Lean Six Sigma Certification: Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a method to improve business processes by eliminating waste and reducing defects. Many different organizations offer this certification and it is available at multiple levels:
White Belt: Basic understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles
Yellow Belt: Familiar with LSS tools and is involved in problem solving teams.
Green Belt: Works on projects and helps solve quality problems
Black Belt: Full time project leaders that are experts in LSS. They also mentor individuals at the green belt level.
Master Black Belt: Senior experts that oversee and train both black and green belt individuals.
Certified Production Technician (CPT): The program to become a CPT focuses on safety, quality practices, and manufacturing processes. This certification is great for any warehouse staff that are involved in production at any stage because it provides them with the essential skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to the manufacturing process.
Certified Warehouse Logistics Professional (CWLP): A credential designed for individuals seeking to advance their careers in warehouse management and logistics. Offered by the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA), it focuses on developing expertise in inventory control, safety management, and operational efficiency within warehouse environments. CWLP certification validates proficiency in strategic warehouse management practices and enhances job prospects in the logistics industry.
Food Safety Certification (HACCP): Stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, and is a systematic preventive approach to food safety that identifies, evaluates, and controls hazards throughout the food production process. It involves assessing potential risks, establishing critical control points, implementing control measures, and monitoring procedures to ensure food safety. HACCP certification is essential for organizations involved in handling, manufacturing, or distributing food products to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and standards.
Cold Chain Management Certification: Focuses on the specialized logistics and quality management practices necessary for transporting temperature-sensitive products like pharmaceuticals, perishable foods, and chemicals. It covers maintaining proper temperature controls, monitoring environmental conditions, and ensuring product integrity throughout the supply chain to prevent spoilage or degradation.
Certified Pharmaceutical Good Distribution Practices (GDP): Ensures that pharmaceutical products are consistently stored, transported, and distributed under appropriate conditions as required by regulatory standards. This certification guarantees that all processes and procedures involved in the distribution of pharmaceutical products maintain their quality and integrity throughout the supply chain.
Staffing By Starboard specializes in finding individuals work opportunities in the light industrial sector. By working with our sister 3PL warehousing company, we have in-depth knowledge of warehouse positions, ensuring you find a role where you can grow. We work closely with you to understand your needs and skills, ensuring the job matches your expectations. Whether you’re just starting your career as a warehouse associate or seeking your next management position, we are here to support you every step of the way.
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