Warehouse and Logistics Manager

Introduction

Over its 27 years existence our client has built a reputation of “Engineering Mechanical Excellence” establishing long term partnerships and sound business ethics. Their philosophy embraces investing in state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and employing highly skilled craftsman with expertise in various manufacturing procedures. They are a medium to heavy mechanical engineering facility that specializes in manufacturing high quality mechanical parts and equipment.

Duties & Responsibilities

To manage and lead all warehouse, inventory, receiving, dispatch, and material control functions within the business. The Warehouse Manager is responsible for ensuring inventory accuracy, maintaining full material traceability, supporting production requirements, managing warehouse personnel, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to ensure materials are available when required while minimizing stock losses and operational inefficiencies.

Warehouse Operations

• Oversee daily warehouse activities: receiving, put-away, storage, picking, packing, and dispatch

• Manage staffs daily tasks taking into consideration capacity constraints

• Ensure accurate stock handling and correct use of bin locations

• Maintain warehouse layout optimisation for efficiency and safety

• Ensure adherence to FIFO/FEFO where applicable

• Manage returns, damages, and obsolete stock

• Prevent rust and damage through correct storage and handling of stock

• Use ERP/MRP systems and digital warehousing tools to streamline warehouse operations and improve data visibility.

• Resolve issues and problems relating to stores / QES

Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate inventory records across ERP/WMS systems

• Conduct and control cycle counts and annual stock takes

• Monitor minimum, maximum, and safety stock levels

• Investigate and resolve stock variances and discrepancies

Logistics & Distribution

• Plan and manage inbound and outbound logistics – Create Purchase orders in QES

• Coordinate transport providers, couriers, and freight forwarders

• Optimise delivery routes, loads, and transport costs

• Ensure on-time, in-full (OTIF) deliveries to customers

Systems & Process Improvement

• Ensure effective use of ERP/WMS systems

• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs)

• Identify and implement process improvements and cost-saving initiatives

• Drive continuous improvement

• Support audits (internal, ISO, customer audits, financial)

• Investigate the root cause of non-conformances and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

• Ensure QES is kept up to date at all times

• Maintenance

• General maintenance queries

• implement preventative maintenance schedules for cranes, forklifts, vehicles

• Financial & Cost Control

• Manage warehouse and logistics costs

• Monitor and control transport, storage, and labour costs

• Reporting & KPIs

• Track KPIs such as:

• Stock accuracy

• OTIF delivery

• People Management

• Lead, supervise, and develop warehouse and logistics staff

• Set KPIs and performance targets for the team

• Manage overtime, and leave

• Conduct training, coaching, and disciplinary processes

• Promote a high-performance and accountable culture

Internal Stakeholders

• Managing Director

• Production Manager

• Procurement/Purchasing Department

• Planning Department

• Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Control (QC)

• SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment and Quality) Team

• Finance Department

• Engineering Department

• Sales and Customer Service Teams

• Receiving Inspectors

• Storemen and Warehouse Personnel

• Logistics and Transport Coordinators

• IT/ERP System Support Team

External Stakeholders

• Suppliers and Vendors

• Transport and Logistics Service Providers

• Customers

• Equipment and Forklift Service Providers

• Waste Management and Recycling Contractors

• Contractors and Subcontractors

• Courier and Freight Companies

Desired Experience & Qualification

Education

• Grade 12 (Matric).

• Diploma or Certificate in Warehouse Management or Supply Chain Management

Experience

• Minimum 7 years' experience in warehouse operations.

• Minimum 3–5 years in a management position.

• Experience within an engineering, manufacturing, fabrication, mining, or industrial environment.

• Strong inventory management and ERP experience.

Technical Skills

• Warehouse Management Systems

• ERP Systems (QES, Odoo, Syspro, SAP, Sage or similar)

• Inventory Control Principles

• Material Traceability

• Engineering Materials and Components

• Quality Documentation Requirements

• Transport and Logistics Coordination

Soft Skills

• Leadership and Team Development

• Planning and Organising

• Problem Solving

• Attention to Detail

• Analytical Thinking

• Communication Skills

• Conflict Management

• Decision Making

• Continuous Improvement Focus

• Resilience under pressure

Governance & Compliance

• Compliance with procurement policies and procedures.

• Accurate procurement documentation.

• Supplier compliance with technical and quality requirements.

• Maintenance of approved supplier information.

• Adherence to delegated authority limits.