Warehouse Manager, Exhibits, Midwest

Emerge XP is partnering with an exhibit and event production team to hire a Warehouse Manager who brings structure, pace, and pride to the backbone of the operation. This role is all about keeping show-critical materials moving.  Client properties, rentals, crates, graphics, hardware, and equipment so production schedules stay intact and event timelines don’t slip.  If you’re the kind of leader who loves an organized warehouse, accurate inventory, and a team that knows exactly what “ready to ship” looks like, this is a role where you can make a real impact every single day. 

Responsibilities

• Lead daily warehouse operations including receiving, inspection, storage, picking, staging, packing, and shipping of exhibit materials and equipment 
• Oversee outbound freight preparation to ensure shipments are properly packed, labeled, documented, and compliant with carrier/vendor requirements 

• Manage inbound returns by coordinating inspections, documenting damage, reporting issues, and routing items for restock or repair 

• Maintain an efficient warehouse layout that supports flow, accessibility, and smart use of space 

• Own inventory accuracy across client-owned properties, rentals, hardware, graphics, and consumables, with frequent updates in the management system 

• Implement and maintain inventory control processes including labeling, asset tracking, and cycle counts 

• Collaborate with Project Managers to ensure all properties and materials are show-ready for upcoming deadlines 

• Supervise and develop the warehouse team (leads, drivers, labor, and temporary staff), aligning staffing plans to workload and event schedules 

• Train the team on processes, equipment use, safety standards, and quality expectations

• Enforce safety policies and maintain a clean, organized, hazard-free warehouse environment 

• Inspect exhibits, crates, and materials prior to shipment to confirm accuracy, completeness, and presentation quality 

• Monitor repair needs and coordinate with production/fabrication teams to resolve issues quickly 

• Partner cross-functionally with production and install/strike teams to support timelines, staging needs, and last-mile execution 

• Maintain shipping records, BOLs, freight documentation, and job paperwork while tracking accuracy and throughput 

Requirements

• 3–5+ years of warehouse management experience; exhibit/trade show industry experience strongly preferred 

• Strong working knowledge of warehouse workflow, logistics, inventory control, and shipping/receiving best practices 

• Proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with a steady, solutions-first leadership style 

• Forklift and warehouse equipment experience; certification preferred 

• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills

• Comfort using WMS/inventory systems and basic computer tools to keep operations accurate and traceable 

• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and thrive in a hands-on, high-accountability environment