Junior Cold Store Operations Clerk

Ellahi Consulting · Western Cape

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Job Purpose

To ensure the accurate, safe and efficient loading, offloading and administrative tracking of frozen products. The role requires an agile individual who can balance physical cold store operations with accurate inventory system capturing while maintaining strict food safety standards.

Working Hours The position follows weekly rotating shifts:

Week 1: 08:00 – 17:30
Week 2: 19:00 – 04:30
Working hours may fluctuate according to operational requirements. Weekend and public holiday work may be required.

Working Conditions

Must be willing and able to work weekly rotating shifts.
Must be available to work weekends and public holidays when required.
Must be flexible regarding working hours, as operational requirements may cause fluctuations.
Must be comfortable working in a cold store environment and performing duties associated with loading, offloading and stock handling.

Requirements and Qualifications Educational Qualifications

Essential Work Experience

At least 2 years' work experience in a similar role within a cold store and/or warehouse environment.

Advantageous Experience and Knowledge

Previous exposure to the protein industry, such as meat, fish or dairy.
Knowledge of HACCP, food safety standards and Standard Operating Procedures SOPs.
Experience using a Warehouse Management System WMS.

Essential Skills and Competencies

Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, including Excel and collaborative tools such as Teams and OneDrive.
Clear verbal and written communication skills.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy when handling stock and capturing information.
Excellent time management and organisational skills.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to multitask under pressure.
Ability to adapt to short-notice operational changes and tight deadlines.
Physical ability and willingness to work in a fast-paced, temperature-controlled cold store environment.
Honesty, integrity, reliability and a strong sense of ownership.
Self-motivation, flexibility and a solutions-oriented approach.
Willingness to learn new warehouse systems and operational processes.

Key Responsibilities

Cold Store Operations and Stock Handling

Supervise and assist with the safe loading and offloading of trucks, containers and delivery vehicles in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures SOPs.
Transfer frozen products safely from blast freezers to designated cold storage areas using Material Handling Equipment MHE.
Verify stock accuracy by physically counting incoming and outgoing cartons and matching weights against delivery manifests or driver logs.
Maintain cleanliness in dispatch, receiving and cold store areas to ensure that the workplace remains safe and free of hazards.

Food Safety and Quality Control

Work with the Quality Department to identify and report temperature fluctuations, damaged packaging and stock discrepancies.
Adhere to food safety standards and established operational procedures.
Escalate stock, quality and operational issues promptly to the relevant stakeholders.

Inventory and System Administration

Capture Goods Received Vouchers GRVs and allocate stock accurately in the relevant system.
Monitor SAP problem orders and follow up on discrepancies.
Scan daily delivery notes, cross-check Proof of Deliveries PODs and maintain accurate internal records.
Retrieve reach truck reports and distribute them to the Shift Manager to support planned order fulfilment.
Document product returns, process operational credits and escalate queries immediately.

Coordination and General Administration

Coordinate external service providers by tracking working hours, verifying Occupational Health and Safety OHS compliance, checking purchase orders POs and assigning work areas.
Maintain the internal departmental leave register.
Order truck seals and complete daily equipment checklists.
Provide administrative support to ensure the smooth running of cold store operations.

General Responsibilities

Communicate effectively with colleagues, management, service providers and other relevant stakeholders.
Maintain accurate records and ensure that operational tasks are completed within stipulated deadlines.
Demonstrate flexibility when responding to changing operational requirements.
Take ownership of assigned duties and contribute to an efficient, safe and productive working environment.