First Line Manager: Finance

Woolworths; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 540,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Woolworths in Cape Town's Montague Gardens is seeking a First Line Manager: Finance to lead operational finance functions within our Supply Chain & Logistics team. This full-time role focuses on cost control, pallet pool management, and reporting accuracy in a fast-paced retail and FMCG environment.

Ideal candidates have Grade 12 plus a diploma or degree in Cost Management Accounting or Finance, with 2–4 years in finance within logistics.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 with a Diploma in Cost Management Accounting or a Finance degree is required.
• 2–4 years’ experience in a finance clerk function within a logistics environment.
• Experience with CHEP pallet systems in supply chain operations is essential.
• Management or supervisory training is preferable.
• Quality assurance background (e.g., Six sigma) is advantageous.
• Experience in a managerial or supervisory role is required.
• Advanced Excel and Oracle skills are required, with ERP exposure.

Responsibilities

• Deliver Foods and Equipment scorecards per strategy using the team engagement approach.
• Contribute to the Foods annual operating plan, budget, and scorecard with continuous improvement in mind.
• Prepare and distribute reports accurately and on time for the Foods unit.

Skills

Leadership

Cost control

Budgeting

Reporting

Education

Grade 12

Diploma/Degree in Cost Management Accounting or Finance

Tools

CHEP pallet systems

Excel

Oracle

Job description

Closing Date 2026/10/05

Reference Number WWL260922-3

Job Title First Line Manager: Finance

Job Type Full Time

Business Unit Supply Chain & Logistics

Location - Country South Africa

Location - Province Western Cape

Location - Town / City Cape Town

Location Description Montague Gardens

Minimum Education Level Grade 12 | National Certificate

Join Woolworths in Cape Town as a First Line Manager: Finance within our dynamic Supply Chain & Logistics team. This full-time role based in Montague Gardens offers the opportunity to lead operational finance functions, manage pallet pools, and ensure efficient cost control in a fast-paced retail and FMCG environment. You'll oversee financial processes, vendor relationships, and reporting accuracy, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence. Ideal candidates have a Grade 12 plus a diploma or degree in Cost Management Accounting or Finance, with 2-4 years experience in finance within logistics and strong knowledge of CHEP pallet systems. Advanced Excel and Oracle skills, supervisory experience, and a passion for quality assurance and supply chain efficiency will set you apart. At Woolworths, we value leadership, innovation, and sustainability, offering you a platform for career growth and meaningful impact in a respected South African brand.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 with a Diploma in Cost Management Accounting or a relevant Finance Degree is required.
• Compulsory 2-4 years’ experience in an finance clerk function (within a logistics environment)
• Working experience with and knowledge of CHEP pallet systems within supply chain operations
• Relevant Management or Supervisory training is preferable.
• Quality assurance background will be advantageous e.g. exposure to Six sigma.
• Experience in a managerial or supervisory function.
• Computer literacy at an advanced level, especially Excel. Knowledge of Oracle will be advantageous.
• Experience in Retail /FMCG environment will be advantageous

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure the delivery of Foods and Equipment scorecards as per the strategy using the prescribed team engagement methodology.
• Providing input and executing Food’s 1 year operating plan, budget & scorecard with continuous improvement in mind.
• Accurate and timeous preparation and distribution of reports, as required by Foods Business unit, in line with operational excellence.
• Assist the management team to compile and manage the Foods budgets.
• Accurate and timeous reconciliation of Foods cost.
• Implement and ensure adequate financial controls.
• The management of Foods supplier PO’s and receipting.
• The management of the Foods monthly accruals and Open PO age analysis.
• Build relationships with external & internal stakeholders through appropriate leadership.
• Communication of and adherence to company policies & procedures.
• Support to Supply Chain and Logistics projects where relevant.
• Initiate, execute and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage the WW pallet pools (CHEP, DISPOSAL, PLASTIC) in line with agreed processes and procedures to minimize the risk of losses to WW.
• Manage and oversee the Pallet Controller, ensuring business objectives and agreed KPIs are achieved.
• Monitor weekly and monthly pallet movements, including pallets issued, returned, outstanding and related queries.
• Review and resolve pallet queries within agreed SLA timelines, engaging with suppliers, DCs, Stores, Operations, Customer Services, other BUs and CHEP.
• Review and sign off weekly CHEP invoices, ensuring charges are accurate, justified and supported by MyCHEP pallet movements.
• Ensure CHEP invoices are accurately captured and submitted to Central Finance for payment, with proactive monitoring of Open PO, On-Hold and ageing reports to prevent outstanding balances.
• Conduct monthly pallet stock takes and provide accurate reports highlighting variances, risks and corrective actions.
• Lead engagement with the CHEP Relationship Manager and participate in monthly performance meetings.
• Identify and escalation pallet irregularities, losses, misuse and financial risks to the Finance Manager.
• Work closely with Operations, Customer Services and Stores to ensure proper pallet handling and timely return of pallets issued to stores.
• Maintain accurate records and provide weekly/monthly management reports, including trends, root causes, action plans and process improvement opportunities.
• Implement and monitor SOPs and SLAs to ensure stakeholder compliance and consistent process execution.
• Use analytical and numerical data to support decision-making, improve controls and reduce operational and financial risk.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, procedures, legislation and corporate governance requirements.
• Perform relevant ad-hoc duties and provide operational support as required