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
