Warehouse Manager (72021)

Job Description

• An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Warehouse Manager to join a fast-paced FMCG manufacturing environment in the Upper Highway area of KwaZulu-Natal
• This is a hands-on operational leadership role for someone who thrives on keeping warehouse operations running efficiently, maintaining exceptional inventory accuracy, developing high-performing teams and driving continuous improvement
• You'll be responsible for overseeing the full warehouse operation - from inbound receiving and storage through to picking, packing, dispatch and stock control - while ensuring that safety, productivity, service levels and operational standards remain consistently high

The Opportunity

As Warehouse Manager, you'll play a key role in ensuring the warehouse operates safely, efficiently and accurately

Your responsibilities will include

Warehouse Operations

• Manage and oversee all day-to-day warehouse activities with a strong operational focus
• Ensure efficient receiving, put-away, storage, picking, packing and dispatch processes
• Optimise warehouse layout and space utilisation
• Develop, implement and maintain warehouse SOPs
• Monitor and improve productivity and operational efficiency
• Ensure warehouse equipment is properly maintained and utilised
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping and 5S
• Manage inbound and outbound stock movements, including aged stock, stock destructions and third-party movements
• Conduct regular floor walkthroughs and address infrastructure or operational issues
• Investigate errors, identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions
• Maintain accurate operational records, reporting and documentation
• Lead, supervise and support warehouse personnel
• Maintain training records and ensure employees are competent in their roles
• Address NCAs raised by customers and third parties and implement appropriate action plans
• Conduct daily spot checks to ensure compliance with PPE requirements
• Manage overtime effectively and control unnecessary labour costs

Inventory Management

• Maintain high levels of inventory accuracy through disciplined stock-control processes
• Manage regular cycle counts and annual stock takes
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies
• Ensure accurate inventory transactions on WMS/ERP systems
• Monitor stock movements and implement controls to minimise losses and damages
• Manage slow-moving, obsolete and excess inventory

Team Leadership

• Lead, manage and develop warehouse personnel
• Set performance objectives and conduct regular performance reviews
• Manage workforce planning, scheduling and resource allocation
• Identify training and development opportunities
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety requirements
• Maintain a safe, clean and well-organised warehouse
• Conduct regular safety inspections and audits
• Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions
• Ensure adherence to relevant policies and regulatory requirements

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve warehouse processes and efficiency
• Drive cost-reduction and productivity initiatives
• Implement warehouse management and inventory-control best practices
• Support operational excellence and continuous improvement programmes

What Success Looks Like

You'll be measured against key operational indicators including

• Inventory accuracy
• Stock loss and shrinkage
• Warehouse productivity
• Picking accuracy
• Order fulfilment accuracy
• Space utilisation
• Health and safety compliance
• Labour productivity
• Stock count accuracy

What You'll Bring

To be considered, you'll need

• A Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Warehousing or a related field
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in warehouse management
• Experience managing warehouse teams in a fast-paced operational environment
• Working knowledge of WMS and ERP systems
• Strong knowledge of health and food safety protocols
• Strong knowledge of cold storage processes
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills
• Strong administrative, reporting and analytical capabilities
• Experience with budgeting and cost control
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• A proven track record in process improvement
• Lean or Continuous Improvement certification will be advantageous, as will experience in FMCG, manufacturing, retail or distribution environments

The Ideal Candidate

• You're a hands-on, operationally focused leader who knows how to balance people, processes, productivity and performance
• You bring structure to complex warehouse operations, take ownership of challenges and are always looking for ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs and raise standards
• If you're ready to lead a warehouse operation where accuracy, safety, productivity and continuous improvement matter, this could be the next opportunity for you