Hunter Campbell’s Mastering Supply Chain Series profiles jobs within the Supply Chain job family including jobs in demand, salaries, and employment prospects.
In this article, the role of Warehouse Manager is in the spotlight.
Purpose of the Role
Warehouse Managers are essential to the supply chain, overseeing the receipt of goods and ensuring products are delivered to customers in full, on time, and without damage. They may manage a variety of items, including raw materials, parts, or finished products. This role involves supervising staff, coordinating fleets and equipment, and handling administrative tasks to keep the warehouse operating seamlessly.
Responsibilities can vary depending on whether the Warehouse Manager works for a company with its own distribution warehouse or within a 3PL (Third Party Logistics) environment, where they manage distribution for multiple clients.
Recruitment Forecast 2025
The current economic climate has underscored the critical role of effective warehousing and distribution operations. As e-commerce continues to expand and supply chain volumes increase across New Zealand and globally, the demand for skilled Warehouse Managers is expected to grow significantly.
An efficient warehousing operation must be capable of consistently picking and dispatching stock to customers on time, staying competitive in a fast-paced market. This demand will drive a need for quality Warehouse Managers who can implement and maintain streamlined processes to boost efficiency.
Additionally, there is substantial demand for candidates experienced with advanced WMS systems and RFID technology as companies increasingly recognise the competitive edge provided by sophisticated tech solutions. The outlook for Warehouse Managers in 2025 is promising, particularly for those with a strong mix of technical proficiency and management expertise.
Career Prospects
The pathway of a Warehouse Manager can vary greatly depending on the size of the business. In a larger organisation, it is possible to progress into roles including National Warehouse Manager, Supply Chain Manager Logistics Manager, or Operations Manager.
Warehouse managers who are knowledgeable in warehouse management systems (WMS), automation, robotics, and data analytics will have a competitive edge. Many warehouses are adopting new technologies to improve efficiency, and managers who can implement and oversee these innovations are in high demand.
Developing strong leadership skills, staying up to date with industry trends, and continuously improving operational efficiencies can further enhance career prospects for warehouse managers.
Qualifications
There are several pathways to becoming a Warehouse Manager. Many progress their career from a Storeperson position through to supervisory and 2IC roles. This pathway is possible without the need for formal qualifications.
It is becoming increasingly common for corporate organisations to offer graduate programmes, with graduates gaining diverse experience across a business before choosing a pathway such as warehousing. Graduates starting their careers in these organisations are often degree qualified in areas such as Supply Chain Management or Business Studies.
It is common for Warehouse Managers to have other key certifications, including Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) and Health and Safety.
Key Skills Required
- Leadership – above all, a Warehouse Manager must inspire and motivate their team in what is often a fast-paced and demanding environment.
- Technical proficiency – competence in using a WMS (Warehouse Management System) and tools like Excel is essential for maintaining accurate inventory levels.
- Problem solving – strong problem-solving skills are critical for managing the complexities and challenges that arise in handling inwards goods, inventory, and dispatch.
- Planning and organisational skills – crucial for managing daily workflows effectively and adapting swiftly when unexpected issues arise.
- Financial acumen – need to be able to manage operational and staffing budgets, as well as Profit and Loss (P&L) statements, to maintain financial health.
- Communication – effective communication is key to coordinating with team members, managing workflow, and engaging both internal and external stakeholders.
- And, of course, common sense!
Salary Guide
This information is anecdotal and based on roles Hunter Campbell is currently recruiting or has previously recruited and relate to base salaries. They do not include any additional bonuses or benefits.
- Intermediate (small team and a single warehouse function): $90,000 – $110,000
- Advanced (added commercial responsibilities, such as budgets and managing supplier relationships): $110,000 – $150,000
- National / Regional (managing multiple warehouses and teams throughout a region or throughout the country): $150,000 – $200,000+
The salaries of Warehouse Managers can vary considerably depending on responsibilities and whether they are working for a company with their own warehousing capabilities or in a 3PL environment.
If you would like to find out more about the role of a Transport Manager, please contact consultant Joe Francis. Joe specialises in the recruitment of Supply Chain, Distribution and Logistics.. For more news and views, visit our website by clicking here, see what opportunities we have available here or follow us on LinkedIn.
