Warehouse/Packhouse Manager
Tasks & duties
Warehouse and packhouse managers may do some or all of the following:
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manage the office and warehouse staff and organise what is to be done each day
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ensure accurate stock records are kept
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organise and manage stocktakes
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look after automated stock ordering systems and order more stock when necessary
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receive and unpack incoming goods
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receive orders for goods
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ensure the correct goods are properly packed for delivery
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organise for goods to be delivered
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check and complete paperwork
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charge out the work that is done
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answer written and phone enquiries and complaints
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liaise with branches and other companies' representatives
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use a fork-lift to move goods and unload trucks
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ensure equipment is working correctly and provide a safe working environment
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train new staff
Packhouse managers also:
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ensure that the crop is graded (sorted by quality and size) and stored according to the specifications of the market and food safety regulations
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analyse and report on production and financial data
Specialisations
Inventory Control Manager
This is the part of warehouse operations that keeps track of what is on hand and ensures adequate supplies of products are in stock at all times.
In-house Warehousing Manager
In-house warehouses are owned and run by the company whose goods and products are handled there.
Contract Warehousing Manager
Contract warehouses offer space for companies without their own warehousing facilities and may have a wide variety of products and deal with many different freight companies.
Packhouse Manager
Packhouses are where fruit and vegetables are graded and packed for New Zealand and overseas markets. Fruit may then be stored in a coolstore. In some organisations:
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the packhouse manager may also be the coolstore manager
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assistant site managers and site managers may be responsible for a number of packhouses and coolstores
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the packhouse and coolstore may run on a seasonal basis and staff may only be employed while the packhouse and coolstore are operating
Skills & knowledge
Warehouse and packhouse managers need to have:
- knowledge of the procedures involved in ordering, receiving, storing and delivering stock
- knowledge of products and what products are coming through the warehouse
- an understanding of the freight industry
- an awareness of safety regulations and procedures to ensure any potential hazards involved with stacking cartons or unloading trucks are minimised
- knowledge of computer systems used in a warehouse
- communication and people skills as they interact with a wide range of people
- good organisational skills
- administrative skills
They may also need to know how to drive a fork-lift.
Packhouse managers need to have:
- knowledge of grading, packing and storing a crop after harvest
- knowledge of the pest, disease and chemical residue specifications for the crop
- knowledge of food safety regulations and procedures, and food safety, quarantine and certification schemes
Entry requirements
There are no specific requirements to become a warehouse manager, but previous experience in a warehouse is useful.
To become a packhouse manager, previous experience in a packhouse or food production facility is essential.
Secondary education
There are no specific secondary education requirements, but a basic knowledge of English and maths is necessary.
Tertiary Education
For warehouse managers, a National Certificate in Warehousing Operations maybe useful.
Training on the job
Stock-management procedures and skills such as fork-lift operation, and health and safety training can be learned on the job. Training is also available in the New Zealand defence forces.
Useful experience
Useful experience for warehouse managers includes other warehouse or clerical work, people-management experience, work in the grocery trade or experience using a fork-lift.
Useful experience for packhouse managers includes work in the horticulture industry, food production or food manufacturing industry, warehouse work, inventory management and people-management work.
Related courses
Automotive Vehicle Operations
Purchasing, Warehousing and Distribution
For more information, please refer to myfuture.
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