Material Handler | Brackenfell | Cape Town

Job Description

• Meridian Wine Distribution is seeking a Material Handler to join our team in Brackenfell, Cape Town . The successful candidate will be responsible for accurately picking, moving, replenishing, packing and storing stock, operating material handling equipment safely, maintaining accurate inventory records and supporting efficient warehouse operations in line with safety, quality and housekeeping standards.

Key responsibilities

• Orders are picked accurately according to scanner instructions and warehouse procedures.
• Stock is moved, replenished, and put away correctly and timeously.
• Correct bins, vintages, SKUs, quantities, and stock conditions are maintained.
• Material handling equipment and smart devices are maintained and used correctly.
• Orders are prepared, packed, and positioned correctly for checking and dispatch.
• Warehouse activities comply with HSE and housekeeping standards.

How outcomes are delivered

• Pick customer orders accurately according to scanner instructions and warehouse procedures.
• Support efficient preparation of customer and replenishment orders for dispatch.
• Ensure stock selected for orders matches required product specifications and quantities.
• Escalate stock discrepancies or shortages immediately to the Team Leader or Shift Supervisor.
• Handle stock carefully to minimise damage and product loss.
• Protect company assets through responsible use of equipment and devices.
• Report damaged stock, equipment, or operational losses immediately.
• Support reduction of financial losses caused by inaccurate picking or stock handling.
• Pick products accurately according to the scanner and warehouse work instructions.
• Verify correct bin, vintage, expiry date, size, quantity, and product description during picking.
• Follow correct stacking order procedures to reduce stock damages.
• Ensure picking activities support SOIF and supply chain audit requirements.
• Complete assigned picking activities within required operational timelines.
• Follow pick plans and operational schedules accurately.
• Maintain productivity standards while ensuring quality and accuracy.
• Support achievement of warehouse operational KPIs.
• Pack cases on pallets with descriptions and information facing outward.
• Ensure pallets are prepared neatly to support efficient checking and dispatch.
• Maintain pallet stability and product integrity during packing.
• Follow warehouse packing and wrapping procedures consistently.
• Operate forklifts, reach trucks, ride-on equipment, and related material handling equipment safely and responsibly.
• Ensure stock is unpacked neatly into the correct cage or assigned area.
• Confirm barcodes and assigned areas match system instructions.
• Follow material handling work instructions and safety requirements.
• Ensure loose bottle picking is packed into correctly labelled boxes only.
• Verify loose bottle quantities and product details accurately.
• Maintain product integrity during loose bottle handling activities.
• Support FSC audit and stock accuracy requirements.
• Assist with stock put-away activities using material handling equipment.
• Move stock from receiving to the correct storage locations.
• Ensure correct bin and SKU placement during put-away activities.
• Support inventory accuracy and warehouse replenishment processes.
• Assist with cycle counts and stock verification activities.
• Ensure accuracy of bins, SKUs, and stock records.
• Report discrepancies identified during stock counts immediately.
• Support inventory control and audit readiness.
• Ensure company-issued smart devices remain in good working condition.
• Report faulty scanners or smart devices immediately.
• Complete scanner registers and inspection sheets accurately.
• Ensure material handling equipment inspection sheets are completed and signed.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe warehouse environment.
• Ensure work areas and operational spaces remain free from obstructions.
• Follow housekeeping procedures and warehouse cleanliness standards.
• Support warehouse audit readiness through consistent housekeeping practices.
• Follow warehouse HSE procedures and operational safety requirements at all times.
• Report near misses, incidents, accidents, or unsafe conditions immediately.
• Wear required PPE correctly during warehouse activities.
• Support compliance with safety audits and operational standards.
• Use Warehouse Management Systems and smart devices accurately.
• Follow scanner instructions and system prompts correctly.
• Maintain accurate warehouse scanning and stock movement records.
• Escalate system or equipment issues promptly.
• Participate in all required training and development activities.
• Maintain knowledge of warehouse procedures, stock movement, and material handling techniques.
• Apply feedback to improve operational performance and accuracy.
• Support teamwork and operational continuity through collaboration.
• Ensure adherence to warehouse health and safety regulations and procedures.
• Maintain safe working practices during all material handling activities.
• Participate in HSE reporting and compliance activities where required.
• Support a safe warehouse operating environment.
• Follow warehouse work instructions and SOPs consistently.
• Support supply chain audit readiness and inventory integrity.
• Ensure operational tasks comply with warehouse standards and procedures.
• Escalate procedural deviations or operational risks immediately.

Education and experience

• Grade 10 or Grade 12 is advantageous, including knowledge of Warehouse Management Systems.
• 1–3 years' warehouse experience within an FMCG environment with valid Forklift, Reach Truck, and Ride-On equipment licences.
• Warehouse Management Systems, warehouse layouts, material handling techniques, quality management, and safety management.
• Numeracy, literacy, teamwork, communication, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure.
• Valid right to work in South Africa; passed criminal checks where required.
• Own transport; ability to work long hours, repetitive duties, strict time constraints, and physically demanding conditions.