From The Floor To The Globe

Thanks for stopping in at Warehouse and Operations as a Career again, I’m your host Marty and we have a lot of ground to cover today! I hope everyone is having a great week.  Can you believe we’re almost through the 1st month of the 3rd quarter of 2025 already. What week are we in, let's see, 29, week 29 is coming to a close. 

Today I thought we’d talk about two different positions. Last week we spoke to several different tasks within the industry, so as discussed, I thought we’d dig in a little deeper. 

I had a couple of questions about the front-line management positions, some kind of entry to management jobs. So, first up let's talk about becoming a Front-Line Supervisor and we’ll work ourselves over to the Global Logistics world. 

Now, these two roles couldn’t be more different in some ways—one’s rooted right in the daily warehouse hustle, and the other is all about managing the flow of freight across oceans and international borders. But both roles are vital to keeping the supply chain moving, and both can launch incredible careers. 

Let’s get started with the role many of us are closest to: 

The front-line supervisor - Most front-line supervisors don’t start as supervisors. They start as order selectors, packers, forklift drivers, or material handlers. They know the floor. They know the work. They’ve came up through the tasks, and they’ve earned the respect of their team by doing the job well—and consistently. 

So how do you get there? Remember me always talking about being THAT employee? On-time for every shift, happy, that strong positive outlook!  

We have to master every role we’re in. Now that doesn't mean we are the most productive or best. It means we understand the mechanics of it and how to accomplish it. – Be the associate others look to. Show up early, hit your numbers, and be the one your supervisor can count on. 

Communicate – Learn to speak with confidence. Be respectful to coworkers and leaders, and don’t shy away from constructive feedback. An important part of communicating is listening. Listening may be the most important aspect of communication!  

Volunteer for Responsibility – Want to be seen as leadership material? Step up for tasks like training new hires or leading a safety meeting. As small as it seems, speaking during the startup and safety meetings will be noticed by both management and your peers. People want someone to follow. 

Understand the Bigger Picture – Learn your KPIs or key performance indicators, understand the metrics, know why the shift must hit its numbers, and how your role contributes to the success of the warehouse. Be open to learning. You know how things get done but you do not know everything behind the curtain.  

If you're already dependable and consistent, leadership will notice. But don’t be afraid to express interest in moving up. Many front-line leads get their first shot just by saying, “I’d like to learn more about supervising.” Think about it. If we’re doing a great job, our boss can count on us, knows we’re going to get the job done for them, why would they come see us about leaving them! We have to share our plans and goals with them.  

If you like looking at advantages and disadvantages or pros and cons, well let's talk about that for a minute.  

First up, Career Progression or that next step This is the gateway role into leadership. From here, you can grow into warehouse manager, operations manager, or even into roles outside the warehouse in HR, safety, or logistics. 

Skill Development – You’ll develop soft skills like conflict resolution, de-escalation, scheduling, communication, and coaching—skills that translate to every industry. 

Respect & Responsibility – You become the go-to person. The one who answers questions and helps keep the team on track. That respect can be very rewarding. 

And of course, Better Pay & Hours – While it varies, most front-line supervisors receive a pay bump and are often on a more consistent schedule than hourly warehouse workers. Many times, quarterly, annual or incentive bonuses are on the table. 

 And as with anything, there may be a couple of cons. I guess it depends on how you're looking at it.  

You’re in the Middle – You answer to your managers and also support your team. Sometimes, that means delivering tough messages either way. 

Longer Hours & More Stress – Supervisors often stay late to finish reports, walk the floor, or resolve issues. You’re no longer “off” when the shift ends. A quick tip. Never divide out your hours to your salary. Its apple and oranges. And we’re on a path here. 

Accountability – If your team doesn’t hit productivity or quality targets, you’re the one who must answer for it. That pressure can be intense. 

Difficult Conversations – Coaching, correcting, and even disciplining associates can be uncomfortable. But it’s part of leadership.  This is a tough one. Maybe we used to do the same things we’re speaking to them about, maybe we used to do it with them! 

Still, for many people, the trade-offs are worth it. If you want to grow in this industry, becoming a front-line supervisor is often the first big step—and it sets the foundation for everything that comes after. 

I want to throw in the importance of listening again. Learning to listen, I mean really looking at somebody and hearing them is hard to learn. Don’t be listening and thinking of your response at the same time. I feel the best advice I have for everyone is to learn to listen.  

How It Can Set You on Your Career Path 

Once you're a front-line supervisor, doors start to open: 

Operations Manager 

Warehouse Manager 

Trainer or Safety Coordinator 

Recruiter or HR Support 

Project Lead roles for implementations or transitions 

You learn how to lead people, manage time and performance, and solve problems in real-time. These are the skills companies want in their leadership teams. With the right attitude and a few years of experience, the next step may be much closer than you think. 

Now let’s shift gears to a very different kind of leadership… 

Becoming a Global Logistics Manager 

While the front-line supervisor is walking the floor in boots, the global logistics manager is tracking containers from China to California, routing shipments, navigating customs paperwork, and making sure goods arrive on time and intact. 

This role operates at the 30,000-foot view. It’s less about boxes on a pallet and more about the movement of freight on ships, planes, trucks and containers around the world. 

 What Does a Global Logistics Manager Do? Lets look at a few of the 1000 tasks! 

Freight Movement – Coordinate the transportation of goods internationally. 

Vendor Management – Work with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and ocean carriers. 

Compliance – Ensure goods meet import/export regulations in every country. 

Scheduling – Plan shipments months in advance and react quickly to delays. 

Cost Control – Negotiate rates and optimize shipping methods to control budgets. 

Tracking and Reporting – Use software and dashboards to track shipments and generate performance reports. 

Unlike the front-line supervisor role, a global logistics manager typically requires a formal education: 

Bachelor’s Degree – Often in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or International Business. 

Certifications – Like the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or International Trade Certification. 

Software Skills – Knowledge of systems like SAP, Oracle, or transportation management systems (TMS) is critical. 

Experience – Most start as logistics coordinators, import/export clerks, or shipping analysts and work up to the manager level. 

The great thing is our company may have programs and help us obtain our education. We’ve been a great employee, they’ve invested in us and will want to keep us.  

Remember, we’ve been talking to them about our goals and plans. This isent the first time they’ve heard this from us.  

 A few pros to the position 

A High Earning Potential   

Strategic Influence – You’re a key part of business success. If you fail, products don’t move. That responsibility comes with status and recognition. 

Variety of Work – No two days are the same. One day might be port delays, the next day negotiating new contracts with carriers. 

Global Perspective – You gain an understanding of how economies and global trade work, which can position you for international roles or executive leadership. 

 And some cons 

High Pressure – Delays, tariffs, storms at sea—many things are outside your control, but you're still expected to solve the problem. 

Work-Life Balance – Time zones don’t sleep. Freight might land in the middle of your night. Expect emails and calls off-hours. 

Complex Regulations – Import/export laws can change quickly. Staying compliant requires constant learning. 

Limited Entry Points Without Education – Unlike operations where experience might carry you further, this path usually demands formal qualifications and technical know-how. 

And as for a career path 

This role can open up high-level supply chain and executive opportunities: 

Director of Global Supply Chain 

VP of Logistics 

Procurement & Sourcing Manager 

International Trade Compliance Officer 

Operations Director – International 

And while it starts global, it can bring you closer to the boardroom. Executives increasingly want leaders who understand the cost, risk, and complexity of global logistics. With the right combination of experience and strategic thinking, this path can take you anywhere—from the port to the penthouse! 

 So, what’s the takeaway today? 

If you’re working the warehouse floor and thinking, “What’s next?”—look at the front-line supervisor role. It’s often the next natural step and a real launching pad for leadership. 

If you’re someone with a passion for strategy, numbers, and international business—or maybe you’re working in shipping or receiving and want to level up—exploring a path toward global logistics management could be right for you. 

Both paths matter. Both paths offer rewards and challenges. And both prove that in this industry, there’s room for all kinds of growth. Whether you're leading a shift or coordinating global freight, your part of the backbone that keeps the freight moving. 

And that’s what Warehouse and Operations as a Career is all about—helping you discover what’s possible and giving you the tools to get there. 

Until next time, stay focused, keep learning, and never stop growing. Stay safe this week and every shift, and I hope to see you back here with us next week.