Warehouse Manager

What to expect

As a Warehouse Manager at Gates in Gent, you will lead and support a large-scale warehouse operation across a 3-shift system. You will work closely with supervisors and team leaders to ensure high standards in productivity, quality, safety, and workforce planning. Beyond daily operations, you will identify and implement logistical and administrative improvements and help shape a culture of continuous development and efficiency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of 3 supervisors, 3 team leaders, and their backups, overseeing approx. 120 warehouse employees.
• Monitor and drive performance in line with key targets for productivity, quality, and safety.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and propose improvement initiatives to relevant stakeholders.
• Implement approved logistics and administrative process enhancements across the warehouse.
• Adapt departmental plans and priorities in response to resource constraints and operational challenges.
• Support workforce planning and employee development to ensure optimal staffing and skills alignment.
• Collaborate closely with HR, HSE, Quality, and Technical departments to ensure aligned operations.
• Make data-driven decisions within policy guidelines and escalate recommendations to senior management when needed.
• Integrate industry best practices to continuously improve processes and performance outcomes.
• Influence and guide internal stakeholders in process improvement efforts and operational planning.
• Maintain flexibility to support operations across all three shifts, including occasional weekend or on-call availability.

Keys to Success

• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret performance data and drive actionable insights.
• Proficient in SAP and Power BI.
• Hands-on, pragmatic leadership style with strong communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, unionized environment.
• Committed to continuous improvement and solution-oriented thinking.
• Fluent in Dutch and English.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly manages 3 supervisors and 3 team leaders (including backups).
• Provides leadership and guidance to a larger, mostly homogeneous team of approx. 120 warehouse employees.
• Responsible for setting priorities, adapting plans, and resolving operational challenges within the team.
• Oversees performance management and development of team leads and supervisors.
• Acts as a key driver of workforce planning and talent development strategies.
• Provides subject matter expertise and operational guidance to colleagues and direct reports.

Requirements and Preferred Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, or Economics.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience in a warehouse or production environment.
• Solid understanding of logistics operations and workforce management.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Experience in working with cross-functional teams and managing process improvements.

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