Stores Management
Managing and controlling the movement and storage of materials within a warehouse and processing transactions, including shipping, receiving, putaway, and picking.
Level 1 Introductory: Demonstrates introductory understanding and ability and, with guidance, applies the competency in a few, simple situations. Can direct people to the appropriate source for further information.
BEHAVIORS
- Controls the movement and storage of products and materials within a warehouse.
- Receives materials and determines an appropriate storage location.
- Processes transactions to ensure goods and materials are recorded in the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
- Follows inventory control, safety and security procedures in line with the organization's policies and practices.
QUESTIONS
- Please describe a time you observed a breakdown in warehouse/store management.
Probing Questions
* What was the breakdown?
* Why was it significant?
* How should things have been done differently?
* What was done to resolve the issue?
* What lessons did you learn?
Level 2 Basic: Demonstrates basic knowledge and ability and, with guidance, can apply the competency in common situations that present limited difficulties.
BEHAVIORS
- Prepares stock storage and movement transactions and reports on a regular basis.
- Monitors the movement of products through a warehouse.
- Contributes to improvements in the flow of information, materials, and services through factories and warehouses, to the customer.
- Conducts and analyzes safety and security reviews.
- Uses knowledge of supplier and customer procedures to facilitate warehouse operations.
- Applies warehouse and inventory control procedures to ensure effective levels of materials and goods.
- Accurately completes picking sheets and receipt documentation.
- Declines to handle inbound or outbound goods or materials that fail to meet policy.
QUESTIONS
- Tell me about a positive outcome from one of your reports on warehouse activities.
Probing Questions
* What was the key factor in the report?
* What information was considered when preparing your report?
* How did you ensure that the benefits were sustained?
* What changes were made following the situation?
* How did this situation impact the warehouse?
Level 3 Intermediate: Demonstrates solid knowledge and ability, and can apply the competency, with minimal or no guidance, in the full range of typical situations. Would require guidance to handle novel or more complex situations.
BEHAVIORS
- Utilizes a total systems approach to designing, implementing and managing the flow of goods, materials, and services.
- Uses Warehouse Management System (WMS) software to ensure the timely delivery of goods and materials into and out of the warehouse facility.
- Provides input into warehouse management policies and procedures for the organization.
- Plans warehouse capacity and layout.
- Contributes to the development of supply and inventory management strategy, policies and procedures.
- Reviews warehouse safety and security policies, processes and procedures and recommend modifications as required.
- Ensures vehicles loaded or unloaded meet policies and standards.
- Identifies and reports challenges with inbound or outbound goods and materials before they are processed.
QUESTIONS
- Tell me about a time you made changes to a storage facility in response to changing needs.
Probing Questions
* What were the changing needs?
* How did the individuals involved in the change react?
* What approvals were required to proceed?
* How was the impact of the change quantified?
* What lessons did you learn from his experience?
Level 4 Advanced: Demonstrates advanced knowledge and ability and can apply the competency in new or complex situations. Guides other professionals.
BEHAVIORS
- Oversees the operation of warehouse operations.
- Determines warehouse capacity and optimum layouts to meet business objectives.
- Reviews and analyzes warehouse operations reports to identify issues and challenges and determine the necessary process or policy modifications.
- Plans and forecasts required space to handle current and future inventory needs.
- Considers customs and import aspects for goods/materials or products stored outside of the country.
- Manages relationships with storage partners.
- Determines appropriate layout and materials handling and storage equipment.
- Develops customer-specific paperwork to provide accurate receipt documents.
- Develops vehicle loading and unloading security and safety policies.
QUESTIONS
- Please explain a time you revised in- house warehouse strategy.
Probing Questions
* What information did you use in developing your revisions?
* How did you get ‘buy-in’?
* What was the final strategy?
* Did the strategy increase operational effectiveness?
* How was the strategy adjusted after implementation?
Level 5 Expert: Demonstrates expert knowledge and ability, and can apply the competency in the most complex situations. Develops new approaches, methods, or policies in the area. Is recognized as an expert, internally and/or externally.
BEHAVIORS
- Determines the strategic direction for the organization to optimize warehouse costs and efficiency.
- Makes decisions with respect to on-site/off-site storage policies.
- Develops organizational security and safety requirements in developing an organization’s storage plan.
- Promotes a healthy and safe warehouse environment across the organization.
- Builds relationships with potential future storage partners.
- Builds partnerships with key customers to proactively address their information and accuracy needs.
QUESTIONS
- Please describe a comprehensive warehouse strategy you created including client interactions and use of outsourced resources.
Probing Questions
* What factors did you consider in determining your strategy?
* Why was your strategy recommended?
* What steps did you take to increase the likelihood of organizational acceptance of your strategy?
* How did you test effectiveness?
* What resulted from the strategy?