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Are you searching for a shipping manager job description? Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a shipping manager. Feel free to use our shipping manager job description template to produce your own shipping manager job description. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a shipping manager.

 

Who is a Shipping Manager?

Shipping Managers are experts in storage and distribution management who are employed to handle a company’s shipping and receiving operations. Logistics managers, warehouse managers, shipping and receiving managers, and shipping managers all require a variety of skills. They are primarily responsible for making sure that shipments reach their destinations on schedule and within budget. They negotiate transportation costs with carriers, oversee the packaging of outgoing cargo and manage incoming shipments. Additionally, they bargain with carriers over the cost of shipping shipments. They handle shipping papers and check completed orders. They also create and put into practice shipping policies and processes.

In addition, they manage the personnel in the shipping division. They must display accuracy, have strong organizational skills, and be capable of taking charge. The common but crucial work of making sure things arrive at their destinations on time and undamaged is carried out by shipping managers. Supervisors of an organization’s shipping operations are known as shipping managers. They collaborate with a group of workers to choose which things should be dispatched when they should be shipped, and how they should be packaged and transported. It may also fall under the purview of shipping operations managers to make sure that all relevant laws are upheld during the shipment procedure. This may entail making sure that cargo is correctly tagged or examined before it is put onto a vehicle or airplane, making sure that dangerous chemicals aren’t handled improperly, etc.

Shipping managers must have a combination of hard and soft skills to manage both inventory and people. A successful shipping manager must be able to identify supply chain issues and take appropriate action. They must also possess a gift for communication to inspire their team members while still coming off as likable. The abilities listed are those that are almost always mentioned in the job descriptions for Shipping Manager positions that we examined. Negotiating transportation costs with carriers is a part of a shipping manager’s duties. Assisting in communication between corporate decision-makers and superiors by relaying counteroffers. The main duty of the shipping manager is to make sure that all shipping activities are completed quickly and efficiently within the allocated budget. The analysis of key performance indicators and the creation of reports to share their findings with stakeholders take up a good deal of the time that shipping managers have available. They examine elements including carrier performance and everyday worker productivity, then compile their results into daily reports.

Aside from overseeing the shipping procedure, shipping managers are also in charge of hiring and developing their teams of shipping agents. This entails conducting interviews in conjunction with Human Resources and integrating new hires into the company through a formal orientation process. Additionally, by cultivating a healthy workplace culture, shipping managers are accountable for preserving strong staff morale. In addition, a shipping manager is in charge of establishing the rules and regulations for all the facilities under their control. If they work for a small business, this facility may just be one; yet, if they are a shipping manager for a major corporation, this facility may be several. By these policies and procedures, all warehouse machinery should be operated by the rules for health and safety.

 

Shipping Manager Job Description

What is a shipping manager job description? A shipping manager job description is simply a list of duties and responsibilities of a shipping manager in an organization. Below are the shipping manager job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a shipping manager job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

• Ask carriers to lower their transportation costs.
• Keep shipping operations within your budget without sacrificing effectiveness or speed.
• process shipping paperwork and review finished orders.
• Plan and carry out a comprehensive shipping strategy.
• Use shipping software to schedule and order shipment tasks.
• Watch over the entire shipment process.
• Set KPIs for shipping.
• Make shipping policies and processes, then put them into action.
• Employ, educate, and manage shipping personnel.
• Serve as a point of contact between management, shipping clients, and carriers.
• Work together with internal divisions to streamline the movement of orders from processing to shipping.
• Make KPI reports and deliver them.
• Offer suggestions for improving the process.
• Examine the barcodes and labels.
• Set and maintain a budget for distribution and delivery.
• Record processes and report to management as needed.
• Resolve order and logistics concerns and evaluate the performance of the carrier.
• Obey company rules and regulations of the shipping sector.
• Develop and maintain business ties with pertinent internal and external stakeholders (such as warehouse workers, vendors, purchasing managers, suppliers, etc.).
• Identify shipping problems and quickly execute fixes.
• Produce and deliver reports to management.

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in supply chain management or a logistics-related area.
• Good interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Excellent coordination and organizational skills.
• The capacity to lead a team or even operate as a member of one.
• Must have strong leadership qualities.
• The ability to prioritize tasks and multitask is a required skill.
• The shipping manager must be able to adhere to and meet deadlines.
• Must possess both internal motivation and the capacity to inspire departmental underlings.
• Must be able to pay close attention to even the slightest details when handling consumers’ orders.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Must be able to address complicated problems.
• Communication, interpersonal, and written skills are required.
• Basic knowledge of business mathematics.
• Ability to examine the documents that carriers have provided regarding delivery performance, problem resolution, etc.
• Time- and project management abilities.
• The capacity to lead and inspire a workforce.
• Technical expertise regarding the shipping process’s machines.
• All-around ability to solve problems
• A history of success in the position of shipping manager.
• Basic understanding of how computers work.
• The capacity to act independently and make decisions with little guidance.
• Proficiency in resolving disputes.
• Skills in project management are needed.

 

Essential Skills

• Inventory management skills: The capacity to monitor and control a company’s product supply is known as inventory management. Managing inventory levels and making sure the business has enough products to meet client demand may fall under the purview of shipping managers. For shipping managers, inventory management is a crucial ability because it may assist them to make sure the business is running smoothly and economically.
• People management skills: The number of employees a shipping manager has varies according to the size of the warehouse and the company he works for. The manager will likely have more workers and responsibilities as the firm grows. He typically has some involvement in the employment of new personnel; he may oversee the full process personally or he may guide an HR or recruiting manager. The shipping manager is responsible for training all new hires, while he is free to delegate day-to-day training to supervisors and senior staff. A significant portion of the shipping manager’s responsibilities includes staff delegation, safety control, and employee motivation. For products to be received, retrieved, and dispatched from his warehouse efficiently and properly, he needs to foster in his workforce the qualities of productivity, urgency, conscientiousness, compliance, and teamwork. The shipping manager is also in charge of punishing or dismissing underperforming personnel and serves as a mediator when disputes arise among members of the shipping department.
• Communication skills: Information must be communicated through speech, writing, or other means. Communication is necessary between a range of parties, including coworkers, vendors, clients, and other managers. You may develop relationships, handle issues, and come to wise judgments by using effective communication. The shipping manager is in charge of overseeing the shipping and receiving division and is accountable for maintaining open lines of communication with all other divisions within the company. For instance, he collaborates with customer service to address customer concerns; he collaborates with accounting to ensure accurate invoicing for expedited shipment or special pricing, and he collaborates with purchasing and procurement to maintain appropriate warehouse inventory levels. The shipping manager also participates in management gatherings to talk with other executives about the organization’s performance and future course. Since he represents his department, he might need to assert himself occasionally to make sure his team gets the tools and training it needs to succeed.
• Skills in Data-analysis: Data analysis is the skill of interpreting information and making inferences from it. Data analysis is a tool used by shipping managers to make judgments about the operations of their business. They assess the effectiveness of their operations through data analysis and adjust as appropriate. The most effective methods for enhancing their operations are also determined by data analysis.
• Problem-solving skills: Possessing problem-solving abilities enables you to see problems, create solutions, and put those solutions into action. To recognize and address problems that develop in their operations, shipping managers frequently apply their problem-solving abilities. For instance, if a supplier fails to deliver a cargo on schedule, you might utilize your problem-solving abilities to locate a new supplier or create a backup plan in case the first supplier fails to deliver the item on schedule.
• Leadership skills: A good shipping manager will guide their teams in loading and unloading delivery trucks on schedule and correctly. To guarantee that everything is present and accounted for, they must schedule the appropriate individuals at the appropriate times and adhere to inventory control procedures. When things are busy, shipping managers must get their hands dirty and collaborate with other workers to get the task done on schedule. Strong active listening abilities are essential for successful shipping managers. This is paying close attention to what is being said, taking the time to comprehend what is being said, asking questions as needed, and refraining from interrupting. Additionally, they must be able to critically analyze situations and determine the operation’s advantages and disadvantages. A productive team can be built and maintained by shipping managers with strong leadership abilities. You may inspire your team, foster a pleasant work atmosphere, and promote professional development by using your leadership abilities. Delegating duties and inspiring your team are both possible benefits of effective leadership.

 

How to Become a Shipping Manager

Step 1. Acquire a degree

Your chances of landing a position as a shipping manager will increase if you obtain a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics management, or business. The majority of the core abilities you need to launch your profession will also be given to you by earning a degree in one of these fields. Even though high school graduation or GED is often the minimum requirement for companies, some shipping managers. A bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain management, or a related profession is preferred by some other employers.

Step 2. Get an internship

While you are still a student, look for ways to gain experience. After you graduate, it will help you stand out as a candidate. The majority of shipping companies offer new hires on-the-job training. This training often includes education on the particular software and practices used by the firm. Additionally, training can cover how to load and unload goods, operate machinery like forklifts, and securely handle hazardous products.

Step 3. Commence your career in the shipping and logistics field

Although certification for shipping managers is optional, it is strongly advised because it can show your commitment to your position and set you apart from other applicants. You can get essential skills and experience in the logistics business by working as a logistician or supply chain professional. When they begin their jobs, shipping managers frequently have two to five years of prior professional experience.

Step 4. Earn certifications

You can strengthen your résumé and develop the necessary abilities for moving up to this profession by training for and obtaining certifications in logistics. Although certifications are not required, they will increase your competitiveness as a candidate for promotions or other opportunities. It is optional but strongly advised, for shipping managers to become certified because it can show your commitment to your job and set you apart from other applicants.

Step 5: Earn a promotion.

Discuss the prospect of a promotion to a logistics manager with your employer if you work in the logistics, shipping, and supply chain industries. Without having to look for work elsewhere, your company might give you the chance to progress.

 

Where to Work as a Shipping Manager

A shipping operations manager normally works in an office setting, although they may also need to travel occasionally to shipping docks, storage facilities, or other sites. However, during busy times, shipping managers might be required to work overtime or on the weekends. Shipping managers typically work regular business hours. To guarantee that goods are sent quickly and effectively, a shipping manager collaborates closely with other managers, such as the production manager. To create delivery plans that will satisfy client requests, the shipping manager also collaborates with the sales and marketing departments. Since shipping managers frequently have to handle pressing deadlines, client complaints, and other challenges, the job can be stressful. The majority of shipping operations managers, however, find the work pleasant and relish the challenges it brings. The manager in charge of shipping frequently collaborates with other divisions of the business, including the customer service division to discover and address customer concerns, the purchasing division to keep a healthy inventory level, and the accounting division. The shipping manager normally works a 40-hour week, but extra hours may be needed when business is particularly brisk.

 

Shipping Manager Salary Scale

The level of education, years of professional experience, certification, supplementary skills, firm size, and industry can all determine a shipping manager’s pay. Additionally, they might be paid in the form of commissions or bonuses. In the US, a shipping manager’s annual income is on average $96,214. Their income ranges from $56,970 to $164,140. In Nigeria, the average monthly salary for a shipping manager is about 369,000 NGN. Normally, the pay ranges from 177,000 NGN to 579,000 NGN.

Transportation Distribution and Logistics

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