Warehouses are where all types of goods and products are stored, ready for distribution. Warehouse workers make sure that stock is stored in the right place, safely, securely and in the correct conditions and that the required stock is ready for collection when it is needed. Warehouse managers are responsible for the efficient running of the warehouse and are in charge of the workforce.
A warehouse worker’s role may include:
- checking goods in
- placing them in their correct location in the warehouse
- signing delivery notes
- picking goods from storage and packing them ready for despatch
- moving goods around the warehouse by hand and by using lifting gear and fork lift trucks
- stock keeping – keeping computerised checks of the goods in the warehouse and making sure the numbers in stock match the records
- reporting any problems, such as faulty or broken goods, to the warehouse manager.
A warehouse manager’s role may include:
- planning the movement of goods into and out of the warehouse
- arranging for the storage of goods and deciding their position in the warehouse
- keeping track of stock levels
- making sure goods are stored correctly and safely, following the regulations for the storage of goods such as chemicals, drugs, alcohol and food
- planning work schedules for staff
- organising recruitment and training of staff
- responsibility for health and safety standards and discipline in the workplace
- looking after the security of the warehouse, and scheduling repair and maintenance work
- working closely with other departments, such as transport and production.
Both workers and managers are likely to use computerised stock control systems.
Some goods need to be kept in closely monitored environments, eg where the humidity or temperature is controlled. Workers and managers need to make sure that these conditions are maintained.
Hours and environment
Warehouse workers and manager are likely to work shifts, including nights and weekends, as most warehouses operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are often opportunities for overtime.
Most modern warehouses are light and airy. Some goods have to be stored under special conditions at a low temperature, which may mean working in a cold environment. Loading and unloading may involve working outdoors in all weathers.
The work in a warehouse involves lifting, bending, stretching and carrying. Protective clothing is likely to be worn.
Warehouse managers work in the warehouse, but are also likely to spend time in an office.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- Warehouse workers may start on around €15,000 a year. This may rise to €25,000 with experience.
- Warehouse managers may start on around €27,000 a year. This may rise to €35,000 with experience.
- Top salaries for warehouse managers are around €45,000 a year.
Skills and personal qualities
Warehouse workers should:
- be physically fit
- be able to work quickly and efficiently
- be able to cope with paperwork
- be honest and reliable
- be able to keep records on computer
- follow health and safety regulations
- work well as part of a team.
Warehouse managers should:
- have good numeracy and IT skills
- have good communication skills
- be able to plan and organise work schedules
- be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- react quickly when problems arise
- be able to lead other people
- work well as part of a team
- keep up to date with company business and the goods they are handling.
Interests
It is important to:
- enjoy working in a team and working efficiently
- enjoy organising and planning (for managers).
Entry routes
There are no minimum qualifications to become a warehouse worker, but candidates with a good Leaving Cert or equivalent ncludin maths and English, with IT skills, may be at an advantage. In some warehouses, goods are colour coded, so colour vision tests may be given at interview. Applicants need to be physically fit enough to cope with the demands of the job.
The warehouse manager would normally be expected to have a Bachelor degree in one of the following:
- business information systems
- business, management or economics
- business with languages
- operational research
- retail management
- supply chain management
- transport, distribution or logistics.
Useful Links:
The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport Ireland
The Supply Chain Management Institute