Warehouse & Operations Manager

The role ensures that all goods are received, stored, rotated, picked and dispatched safely, accurately and efficiently in strict adherence to company policies, food safety standards, HSE requirements and legal obligations.

JOB SUMMARY

The Warehouse and Operations Manager is accountable for the strategic oversight, governance, and operational excellence of warehousing, logistics, inventory control, facilities, fleet, security and related infrastructure. The role ensures that all goods are received, stored, rotated, picked and dispatched safely, accurately and efficiently in strict adherence to company policies, food safety standards, HSE requirements and legal obligations. The incumbent owns the Warehouse Management System (WMS) roadmap and performance, ensuring accurate master data, disciplined transaction processing, high user compliance and robust integration with upstream and downstream systems. The role also leads continuous improvement, cost optimisation and capital projects aligned to corporate objectives, providing analytical insight and evidence‑based recommendations to support executive decision‑making.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

LOGISTICS

• Provide end‑to‑end control over all inbound flows, ensuring complete, timely and accurate receipt and system capture in accordance with the appropriate policy and standard operating procedure. This includes managing people and resources to:

• Verify that all inbound goods (reefer containers, dry containers, local suppliers, trade returns) are free of damage/non‑conformance and exactly match accompanying documentation in both value and quantity; variances are recorded, investigated, escalated and resolved within 24 hours.
• Ensure container unstuffing within free‑time windows to avoid demurrage and related charges; oversee labour planning, scheduling and equipment availability to meet target turnaround times.
• Ensure mandatory updates to the Customs report (SharePoint) within 24 hours of container arrival and unstuffing, maintaining complete and auditable records.
• Assure timely put‑away using First Expiry First Out (FEFO) principles into designated racking locations, with full WMS location control and scan compliance.
• Enforce the Receiving Policy for trade returns, ensuring physical verification against internal documents (e.g., Request for Credits, Inbound Audit Forms, Inbound Logs) before retransfer to stock or submission for disposal approval. 

• Provide end‑to‑end control over all outbound flows, ensuring on‑time, in‑full and accurate order fulfilment in accordance with the appropriate policy and standard operating procedure. This includes managing people and resources to:
  • Achieve a delivery efficiency of >96% for orders due within 24 hours, with timely escalation to Sales and relevant stakeholders for at‑risk orders.
  • Ensure near‑perfect picking efficiency and accuracy, including batch/expiry checks that comply with customer and product requirements.
  • Enforce the Dispatch Policy with physical verification of Pick Tickets, Invoices, Outbound Audit Forms and Outbound Logs prior to release to dispatch bays and delivery personnel.
  • Optimise load planning, route sequencing and vehicle utilisation to reduce cost‑to‑serve while maintaining service levels. 

• Provide end‑to‑end control over all rotation, storage, internal movement of goods and warehouse optimisation to ensure stock integrity, availability and audit readiness in accordance with the appropriate policy and standard operating procedure. This includes managing people and resources to:
  • Enforce FEFO and storage policies; ensure temperature control and product segregation per standards.
  • Plan and execute inter‑warehouse transfers within defined service levels.
  • Maintain high stock accuracy through disciplined cycle counting, timely reconciliation and root cause analysis of variances between physical and system records.
  • Minimise handling losses and damage through training, engineered controls and handling SOPs.
  • Sustain 100% audit readiness by maintaining housekeeping standards, accurate labelling, racking integrity, and documentation completeness.

 OPERATIONS

Provide end‑to‑end control over all Infrastructure, Fleet, Facilities and Security operations in accordance with the appropriate policy and standard operating procedure. This includes managing people and resources to:

• Conduct inspections of facilities and equipment; coordinate maintenance, repairs and replacements in line with asset lifecycle plans.
• Oversee building, utilities, grounds and equipment integrity; manage contractors against Service Level Agreements and compliance requirements.
• Lead security operations with external providers; implement risk mitigation, access control, CCTV effectiveness checks, and incident response.
• Perform periodic assessments and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) with documented closure.
• Plan fleet capacity, routeing and utilisation to meet service levels at optimal cost.
• Enforce preventive maintenance schedules, roadworthiness and regulatory compliance; target zero unplanned downtime.
• Monitor fuel efficiency, tyre management, driver behaviour and incident rates; implement corrective actions and coaching.
• Manage third‑party transport providers to contractual standards and performance metrics
• Implement safeguards to protect company property, inventory, equipment and physical assets from loss, misuse or deterioration
• Develop and manage the warehouse, fleet, facilities and operational budgets, ensuring cost optimisation while maintaining service levels and compliance standards. 

PROJECTS AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

• Lead warehouse layout optimisation, racking projects, cold‑chain improvements, equipment upgrades and capital initiatives.
• Develop/formulate, refine, and implement policies, procedures and best practices
• Build robust business cases, manage budgets and timelines, and deliver measured benefits.
• Provide reports, analytics and executive insights to support strategic decision‑making. 

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

• Lead a high‑performing team through clear objectives, coaching, performance appraisals and development plans; ensure competence for specialist roles (e.g., Assistant Warehouse Managers/Coordinators, WMS users, inventory control).
• Manage manpower through recruitment and selection, role assignment, and shift rosters; ensure manpower management remains within budgeted limits in terms of headcount and costs (payroll, overtime, vacation liabilities, etc.)
• Set and enforce conduct, discipline and performance standards; manage grievances and disciplinary matters in accordance with company policy and applicable labour laws, with strong documentation and procedural fairness.
• Create a safety‑first culture; engage employees in daily/weekly toolbox talks, HSE standards and policies and continuous improvement. 

RESOURCE AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Own warehouse OPEX and CAPEX planning and control; deliver cost savings and productivity improvements without compromising safety or quality.
• Manage vendor selection, contracts, SLAs and performance reviews for logistics, facilities, security and equipment providers.
• Maintain an accurate asset register and lifecycle plans for racking, equipment, scanning devices, printers and fleet.
• Track cost‑per-case by channel/customer as required, and drive actions to reduce waste and non‑value‑added activities. 

HSE, FOOD SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE

• Ensure full compliance with company HSE and Food Safety standards and all relevant legal requirements.
• Maintain risk assessments, permits to work, contractor controls, incident investigations and CAPA with timely closure.
• Ensure temperature‑controlled storage meets specifications, and records are retained for audit.
• Maintain complete, accessible and accurate records to meet audit requirements at all times.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Tertiary qualifications in Business, Supply Chain and Logistics
• Minimum of 10 years’ management experience in a large, complex FMCG warehousing and distribution environment.
• Experience in managing fleet, facilities and infrastructural projects