Warehouse manager

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• logistics
• supply chain management
• transport management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could take a college course to get the skills and knowledge you'll need to work as an assistant or trainee warehouse manager.

Courses include:

• planning and supervision of warehouse operations
• supply chain management

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You can apply to do a Transport and Warehouse Operations Supervisor Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, with a warehousing, retailing or logistics company.

As your career progresses, you could do an Operations Manager Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

These can take between 1 and 2 years to complete and combine workplace training with study off site.

Entry requirements

To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

If you're working in a warehouse, you could apply for a team leader or assistant manager job.

With further training and promotion, you could then move into a warehouse manager role.

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got management experience in warehousing, transport distribution or retailing.

A qualification in health and safety might also be useful, though not essential.

Career Tips

You might have an advantage when looking for work, if you've done forklift training, though employers will put you through this, if it's needed for the job.

Further Information

You can find out more about careers in warehousing from Generation Logistics.

As a warehouse manager, you could:

• work closely with clients, suppliers and transport companies
• co-ordinate the loading and unloading of goods
• monitor stock levels and storage space
• make sure stock is stored correctly and safely
• plan deliveries, dispatch orders and raise invoices
• organise shift rotas
• oversee recruitment and training
• carry out inspections, like health and safety checks

You could work in a warehouse or in an office.