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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Process Supervisor

💰 $52,000 - $78,000

OperationsSupply ChainWarehouse ManagementLogisticsSupervision

🎯 Role Definition

The Warehouse Process Supervisor is responsible for supervising day-to-day distribution center operations and continuously improving warehouse processes to maximize throughput, inventory accuracy, safety and customer satisfaction. This hands-on leader manages frontline teams, enforces operational SOPs, drives Lean/continuous improvement initiatives, monitors KPIs using WMS/ERP data, and partners with cross-functional stakeholders (transportation, customer service, procurement) to deliver on-time, accurate shipments while controlling labor and operating costs.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / Order Picker with demonstrated leadership aptitude
  • Inventory Control Specialist or Cycle Count Lead
  • Shift Lead / Team Lead in distribution or fulfillment operations

Advancement To:

  • Warehouse Operations Manager / Distribution Center Supervisor
  • Distribution Center Manager / Site Manager
  • Supply Chain Manager or Logistics Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Inventory Manager / Inventory Control Supervisor
  • Quality Assurance Supervisor (Warehouse QA)
  • Transportation Supervisor or Returns/Reverse Logistics Lead

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Oversee daily inbound, outbound and internal warehouse operations, ensuring team adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety protocols, and productivity targets to meet daily shipment and receiving schedules.
  • Supervise, coach and schedule warehouse associates, lead hands and temporary staff; create weekly schedules, manage shift coverage, approve time-off requests, and optimize labor utilization to meet fluctuating volume demands.
  • Monitor and report operational KPIs (on-time shipments, OTIF, picks per hour, dock-to-stock time, inventory accuracy, cycle count results) and take corrective action when metrics deviate from targets.
  • Implement and sustain process improvements using Lean, 5S, Kaizen or Six Sigma principles to reduce cycle times, minimize touches and defects, and improve space utilization and throughput.
  • Maintain inventory accuracy by directing and executing cycle counting programs, reconciling discrepancies, investigating root causes, and coordinating corrective actions with inventory control and procurement.
  • Lead onboarding, training and certification programs for new hires and cross-training for existing staff on picking, packing, receiving, putaway, returns processing, equipment operation and safety.
  • Coordinate inbound receiving activities including manifest reconciliation, damage inspection, staging, putaway prioritization and communication with procurement and carriers for exceptions.
  • Direct outbound operations: prioritize pick waves, validate packing quality, ensure correct labeling and documentation, and coordinate with transportation for timely carrier loading and dispatch.
  • Enforce OSHA, DOT and company health & safety policies; conduct pre-shift safety briefs, safety audits, incident investigations, corrective actions and maintain required records.
  • Manage and optimize slotting, storage locations, and material flow to improve picking efficiency and reduce travel time using data from WMS and historical demand.
  • Oversee equipment usage and preventive maintenance programs for forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyors, sorters and scanning devices; escalate repair needs and coordinate with maintenance providers to minimize downtime.
  • Create, maintain and refine written SOPs, work instructions and training materials; ensure documentation is current and accessible to all team members.
  • Investigate and resolve customer and internal escalations related to shipments, inventory discrepancies, damaged goods and returns; coordinate root cause analysis and remedial actions to avoid recurrence.
  • Control labor costs and operating expenses by forecasting workload, approving overtime, monitoring temporary labor usage and identifying productivity improvement opportunities.
  • Support system/data integrity in the Warehouse Management System (WMS) and ERP by reviewing transaction logs, correcting exceptions, and working with IT to resolve integration or scanning issues.
  • Plan and execute seasonal ramp-ups, peak volume strategies and contingency staffing plans, including recruitment, on-boarding and targeted training to meet peak season service levels.
  • Manage and coordinate cycle count and physical inventory audits, prepare required documentation, liaise with auditors and implement audit findings and recommendations.
  • Partner with procurement, transportation and customer service to prioritize orders, facilitate expedited shipments, handle backorders and support vendor compliance activities.
  • Support continuous improvement projects such as new product introductions, process re-engineering, layout redesigns and technology implementations (RF scanning, voice picking, automation pilots), acting as the operational SME.
  • Perform performance reviews, set individual goals, conduct coaching conversations and implement disciplinary actions when necessary to ensure a high-performing and accountable team.
  • Ensure accurate and timely reporting of operational data (daily operational reports, shift debriefs, KPI dashboards) to senior management and provide insights and action plans to improve performance.
  • Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies related to hazardous materials handling, product traceability, shrinkage control and returns processing.
  • Lead change management activities when rolling out new processes or systems, including stakeholder communication, training plans, pilot testing and post-implementation stabilization.
  • Manage supplier and carrier relationships at the site-level, coordinating delivery windows, inbound appointment scheduling and resolving exceptions that impact warehouse flow.

Secondary Functions

  • Support cross-functional initiatives such as sustainability programs, waste reduction, and packaging optimization to reduce operating costs and environmental impact.
  • Assist with ad-hoc operational analysis and reporting requests from leadership; translate WMS/ERP data into actionable insights and recommendations.
  • Participate in hiring processes including interviewing, selection and vendor management for staffing agencies and temporary labor providers.
  • Represent the warehouse in corporate audits, safety inspections and regulatory reviews; coordinate remediation plans and track completion.
  • Contribute to capital planning and budget requests for equipment, technology upgrades and process improvement investments.
  • Support IT and project teams during WMS upgrades, integrations and testing by providing operational requirements, participating in UAT and validating process flows.
  • Maintain a library of metrics dashboards and playbooks to accelerate new supervisor development and standardize site best practices.
  • Mentor and develop potential supervisors and shift leads through structured development plans and hands-on leadership exposure.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) such as Manhattan, SAP WM/EWM, Oracle WMS, JDA or Blue Yonder and experience validating WMS transactions and exceptions.
  • Strong Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, basic macros and the ability to build and maintain KPI dashboards.
  • Experience with labor planning and workforce management tools, plus proven ability to create staffing plans aligned to volume forecasts.
  • Solid knowledge of inventory control techniques, cycle counting methodology, reconciliation processes and shrinkage prevention strategies.
  • Experience implementing Lean, 5S, Kaizen or other continuous improvement methodologies and leading CI events with measurable results.
  • Familiarity with shipping and receiving processes, carrier documentation, EDI basics and freight scheduling/appointment systems.
  • Hands-on experience with RF scanning, barcode systems, voice picking technology and automated material handling equipment.
  • Working knowledge of OSHA, DOT, and local regulatory requirements related to warehouse safety, hazardous materials and equipment operation.
  • Experience using ERP modules (SAP, Oracle) to coordinate inventory, purchase orders and replenishment activities is preferred.
  • Ability to analyze operational data, produce root cause analyses, and develop corrective action plans using problem-solving frameworks (e.g., 8D, A3).
  • Basic budgeting and P&L awareness for managing operating expenses and cost-to-serve metrics at the site or area level.

Soft Skills

  • Strong leadership and people-management skills with experience coaching, disciplining and developing hourly warehouse staff.
  • Clear verbal and written communication skills for interacting with cross-functional teams, vendors, carriers and customers.
  • Excellent problem-solving and decision-making under pressure; ability to prioritize and triage operational issues during peak volumes.
  • High attention to detail and commitment to quality and accuracy in fast-paced, high-volume environments.
  • Strong organizational and time-management abilities, able to manage multiple projects and shift-level responsibilities simultaneously.
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive alignment across departments.
  • Resilience and adaptability to change — capable of driving process changes and maintaining team morale during transitions.
  • Customer service orientation with a focus on meeting internal and external expectations for order accuracy and delivery reliability.
  • Coaching and mentoring capability to build bench strength and elevate front-line leadership talent.
  • Analytical curiosity — comfortable using data to challenge assumptions and test process improvements.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education:

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

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics & Transportation
  • Business Administration
  • Industrial Engineering / Operations Management
  • Manufacturing Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3–7 years of progressive warehouse or distribution experience with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years in distribution center operations with proven experience managing teams, driving process improvements, and working with WMS/ERP systems; demonstrated success in peak season planning, safety leadership, and inventory accuracy improvement.
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