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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Receiving Manager

💰 $65,000 - $95,000

Supply ChainLogisticsWarehouse ManagementOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The Receiving Manager is a pivotal leadership role within the supply chain, acting as the primary gatekeeper for all incoming inventory and materials. This position is responsible for the strategic oversight and tactical execution of the entire receiving process, from scheduling inbound freight to ensuring the accurate and timely put-away of goods. The manager champions efficiency, accuracy, and safety, directly impacting inventory integrity, production schedules, and overall operational success. They lead a dedicated team, develop and refine processes, and collaborate across departments to ensure a seamless flow of goods into the facility.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Receiving Supervisor or Team Lead
  • Senior Inventory Control Specialist
  • Experienced Warehouse Associate with leadership potential

Advancement To:

  • Warehouse Manager
  • Inbound Logistics Manager
  • Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Inventory Manager
  • Distribution Manager
  • Supply Chain Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Oversee the entire inbound logistics process, including the scheduling of appointments, coordination with carriers, and management of the receiving dock to prevent congestion and delays.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of receiving associates and clerks, handling recruitment, training, performance evaluations, and daily work assignments.
  • Ensure all incoming shipments are received, inspected, and processed in strict accordance with company standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality standards.
  • Guarantee the accuracy of received goods by implementing and enforcing verification processes, matching products and quantities against purchase orders and packing lists.
  • Investigate and resolve all receiving discrepancies, such as shortages, overages, or damaged goods, by collaborating with procurement, vendors, and freight carriers.
  • Maintain a highly organized and clean receiving area, optimizing layout and space utilization for maximum efficiency and safety.
  • Manage the accurate and timely data entry of all received products into the Warehouse Management System (WMS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
  • Develop, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for the receiving department, including on-time receiving, dock-to-stock time, receiving accuracy, and labor costs.
  • Champion a "safety-first" culture by ensuring all team members are trained on and adhere to OSHA regulations and company safety policies, including proper use of MHE.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the receiving department to enhance productivity, reduce errors, and lower operational costs.
  • Manage the flow of materials from the receiving dock to their designated storage locations or production lines, ensuring a smooth handoff to the inventory or put-away teams.
  • Conduct regular cycle counts and support physical inventory counts to maintain the highest level of inventory accuracy.
  • Maintain all departmental documentation, including receiving logs, inspection reports, bills of lading (BOLs), and staff training records.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for internal departments (like Purchasing, Quality Assurance, and Production) regarding the status and details of inbound shipments.
  • Evaluate and manage the performance of freight carriers and vendors in relation to on-time delivery and compliance with shipping requirements.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve any issues related to systems (WMS/ERP), equipment (scanners, forklifts), or processes that hinder receiving operations.
  • Prepare and manage the departmental labor budget and schedule, ensuring appropriate staffing levels to meet fluctuating inbound volume.
  • Facilitate the processing of customer returns (reverse logistics), ensuring items are inspected, documented, and dispositioned correctly.
  • Ensure all receiving equipment, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and scanners, is properly maintained and operated safely.
  • Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all receiving functions to ensure consistency and provide a foundation for training.
  • Coordinate with the Quality Control department to manage the inspection and release of materials requiring quality holds or testing before being put into stock.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc requests for inbound shipment data and conduct root cause analysis for recurring receiving discrepancies.
  • Contribute to the broader warehouse and supply chain strategy, particularly regarding inbound logistics optimization and inventory flow.
  • Collaborate with Procurement, Inventory Control, and Operations teams to translate business needs into efficient and scalable receiving processes.
  • Participate in daily stand-ups, safety committee meetings, and operational planning sessions with the warehouse leadership team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Advanced proficiency in using WMS software for receiving, inventory tracking, and reporting.
  • ERP Systems: Strong working knowledge of ERP platforms (e.g., SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics) and how they integrate with warehouse operations.
  • Inventory Management: Deep understanding of inventory control principles, including cycle counting, FIFO/LIFO, and discrepancy resolution.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Ability to develop, track, and analyze departmental KPIs using tools like Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs) and other reporting software.
  • Process Improvement Methodologies: Familiarity with concepts like Lean, Six Sigma, or 5S to drive efficiency and reduce waste.
  • Material Handling Equipment (MHE): Knowledge of various MHE, with a preference for holding a Train-the-Trainer certification for forklifts or other equipment.
  • Logistics & Transportation: Understanding of shipping and receiving documentation (BOLs), carrier management, and freight scheduling.
  • OSHA & Safety Regulations: In-depth knowledge of warehouse safety standards and regulations.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Team Building: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with team members, management, and external partners.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to identify issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement effective solutions.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to ensure accuracy in counts, paperwork, and system entries.
  • Time Management & Organization: Exceptional ability to prioritize tasks, manage workflows, and meet tight deadlines in a high-volume setting.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to manage changing priorities, unexpected challenges, and fluctuations in workload.
  • Conflict Resolution: Skill in de-escalating conflicts and constructively resolving issues within the team or with other departments.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent, coupled with substantial relevant experience.

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 2 years in a direct supervisory or leadership role (e.g., Supervisor, Team Lead).

Preferred:

  • Direct experience managing a high-volume receiving department.
  • Experience in an environment with complex inventory (e.g., food & beverage, electronics, pharmaceuticals).
  • Proven track record of implementing process improvements that resulted in measurable gains in efficiency or accuracy.
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