Manager, Inventory, Contract Logistics

• 3-year Logistics, Engineering or Supply Chain Management degree, or 3 year equivalent diploma OR;
• 5 years minimum relevant experience in Inventory / Warehouse Management with in-depth experience in all job-related requirements listed below
• Advanced Computer literacy Level in MS Word and Outlook
• Excellent knowledge of ERP and WMS systems
• Highly proficient in Excel/PowerPoint for data management and reporting

Job Related Requirements

• Min 5 years’ relevant experience in a warehouse environment.
• Extensive knowledge of Inbound, Outbound, Cycle-counting and Return processes and workflows.
• Proven knowledge and experience in root cause analysis and problem solving, including investigating and troubleshooting of stock discrepancies, incident reporting and CAPA reporting.
• Min 3 years proven skills in Planning, Organising, Directing, Controlling & Monitoring cycle counting programs and wall to wall stock takes.
• Excellent communication skills and ability – be able to communicate assertively at all levels internally and externally.
• Min 3 years’ people manage experience.
• Strong attention to detail and high quality of work.
• Must be able to meet and manage customer expectations and ensure compliance to Policies, Regulations, Work Instructions and Workloads.
• A sound understanding of the Supply Chain.
• Commercial acumen to understand our inventory related contractual SLA’s with clients and our liability in the event of non-conformance.
• Good interpersonal skills for client account management.
• A good understanding of MRP and inventory management principles.
• Very good mathematical & analytical skills.
• Own vehicle and driver’s license.
• Ability to work extended hours / after hours.
• Ability to support other sites within Gauteng when required e.g. wall to wall count planning and execution
• Audit preparation, execution and support relating to internal and client inventory audits.

Added Advantages for this role

• Retail DC Experience
• Project management experience
• High EQ
• Effective leadership skills
• Excellent client relationship history
• System enhancement experience
• Team involvement
• Deadline Driven
• Self-Motivator
• Ability to work under pressure
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to plan long term
• Negotiation and conflict management skills

Main purpose of the role

• Responsible for the inventory management and control of daily / weekly / monthly deliverables in order to consistently exceed all inventory related SLA’s with clients.

Duties and Responsibilities

Commercial and Client Focus:

• Understand the customer's business and operational requirements.
• Understand the customer's inventory and inbound requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of contractual SLAs and KPIs.
• Ensure adherence to all HSE requirements and responsibilities.
• Ensure compliance with operational processes, audit requirements, and customer standards.
•  Investigate, manage, and close CAPAs relating to inventory and inbound operational deviations.
• Ensure client queries are resolved accurately and within agreed timelines.
• Participate in customer meetings and operational reviews.

Inbound Operations Management:

• Manage all inbound receiving activities to ensure compliance with service level agreements.
• Ensure ASNs, receiving documentation, and system transactions are accurately processed.
• Ensure timely unloading, receiving, putaway, and stock availability.
• Manage inbound exceptions including shortages, overages, damages, and documentation discrepancies.
• Monitor inbound productivity and operational performance.
• Ensure all inbound SOPs and work instructions are adhered to.
• Drive operational efficiency within the inbound function.
• Ensure effective communication between receiving, inventory, planning, and operational teams.

Inventory Management:

• Proactively control risks associated with inventory.
• Ensure inventory accuracy is maintained through robust inventory control processes.
• Manage system-to-system inventory alignment between client systems and WMS.
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies through structured root cause analysis.
• Plan and execute cycle counts, wall-to-wall stock counts, ABC counts, and customer-specific inventory programmes.
• Control quarantined, damaged, blocked, obsolete, and slow-moving stock.
• Ensure inventory transactions are executed accurately and timeously.
• Ensure virtual locations and suspense locations are managed and maintained within agreed ageing parameters.
• Maintain audit readiness at all times.

Operational Compliance and Continuous Improvement:

• Ensure adherence to all operational SOPs and work instructions.
• Monitor and drive compliance to quality standards and operational controls.
• Ensure all inventory and inbound processes comply with customer and DSV requirements.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvement and drive corrective actions.
• Support process and system enhancement initiatives.
• Ensure effective housekeeping standards are maintained throughout inbound and inventory areas.
• Ensure operational risks are identified, escalated, and mitigated.

Audits and Governance:

• Manage internal, external, and client inventory audits.
• Ensure audit findings are investigated and corrective actions implemented.
• Maintain accurate records and supporting documentation.
• Ensure compliance with all stock control and governance requirements.
• Support annual stock counts and customer audit programmes.

People Management:

• Ensure subordinates have clear roles and responsibilities.
• Lead, coach, and develop Team Leaders, Inventory Controllers, and administrative personnel.
• Manage employee performance through regular reviews and performance discussions.
• Ensure staff are adequately trained and multi-skilled.
• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Manage employee relations matters in accordance with company policy.
• Ensure appropriate succession planning and talent development within the department.