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Warehouse Worker/Manager

Do you want to become a Warehouse Worker/Manager? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Warehouse workers make sure that stock is stored in the right place and the right amount of 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.

Warehouse workers' tasks include checking, storing, packing and moving goods.

Warehouse managers' work involves planning the delivery and storage of goods and tracking stock levels. They organise the recruitment and training of staff, draw up work schedules and are responsible for health and safety standards and security.

Both workers and managers work 37 to 40 hours a week, often on a shift system with opportunities for overtime. Most warehouses are light and airy. Some goods have to be stored at low temperatures. The work involves lifting, bending, stretching and carrying. Warehouse managers spend time in an office.

Salaries range from £11,000 to £23,000 for a warehouse worker and between £16,000 and £40,000 for a manager.

Warehouse workers need to:

• be physically fit and able to work quickly
• be able to cope with paperwork and keep records on computer
• be honest and reliable
• follow health and safety regulations.

Warehouse managers need to:

• have good numeracy and IT skills
• have good communication and management skills
• be able to plan and organise schedules and work under pressure.

There are over 400,000 warehouse workers and around 75,000 warehouse managers in the UK. Employers include supermarkets and High Street shops, mail order companies, distribution companies, manufacturers, government departments, the National Health Service and the Armed Forces.

There are no minimum qualifications to be a warehouse worker or manager. Colour vision tests may be given. Some employers may require qualifications such as A levels/H grades and a growing number of companies are recruiting graduates as management trainees.

Apprenticeships may be available and lead to NVQs/SVQs in Distribution, Warehousing and Storage Operations at Levels 2 and 3.

There may be opportunities for warehouse workers to progress to team leader, supervisor and warehouse manager.

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