General Manager - Warehousing

Switch Recruit (Pty) Ltd; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Switch Recruit (Pty) Ltd on behalf of a well-established South African logistics and supply chain organisation is seeking a senior warehousing leader to set strategic direction for the warehousing function and drive profitability, efficiency, scalability and service excellence in a complex environment.

The successful candidate will oversee bonded warehouse operations, manage a large operational team, and align people, processes, systems and resources with current needs and future growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in a senior warehouse or operations management position within freight and logistics.
• Proven hands-on experience managing bonded warehouse operations.
• Degree or NQF Level 7 qualification in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Management or related field.
• Strong understanding of warehouse management, inventory control, supply chain operations and distribution.
• Experience managing budgets, costs, operational performance and commercial outcomes.
• Knowledge of WMS, warehouse technology and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with ISO, SHEQ and integrated management systems.
• Proven experience leading and developing large operational teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction across the warehousing function, driving operational excellence, profitability, scalability and long-term growth.
• Oversee warehouse operations, ensuring governance, policies, procedures and controls are implemented and maintained.
• Drive capacity planning, space optimisation and resource utilisation to support current operations and future growth.
• Ensure inventory accuracy, stock visibility, traceability and reconciliation through disciplined warehouse controls.
• Manage key customer relationships and ensure contractual obligations and service levels are met.
• Identify and implement innovative warehousing solutions, technology and process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with ISO standards, company policies and integrated management systems.
• Take accountability for warehouse budgets, expenditure, cost control and revenue optimisation.

Job description

Our client is a well-established South African logistics and supply chain organisation specialising in the handling, storage and movement of bulk and break-bulk commodities, with a strong presence within the mining and logistics sectors.
This is a senior leadership position suited to an accomplished warehouse professional who has the commercial acumen, operational expertise and leadership capability to oversee a complex warehousing environment while driving profitability, efficiency, scalability and service excellence.
The successful candidate will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of the warehousing function and ensuring that people, processes, systems, infrastructure and resources are aligned with both current operational requirements and future growth.
A key requirement for this position is proven experience managing bonded warehouse operations. Candidates without direct bond warehouse experience will unfortunately not be considered.
Duties:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction across the warehousing function, driving operational excellence, profitability, scalability and long-term growth.
• Oversee warehouse operations, ensuring effective governance, policies, procedures and operational controls are implemented and maintained.
• Drive warehouse capacity planning, space optimisation and resource utilisation to support both current operations and future business growth.
• Ensure high levels of inventory accuracy, stock integrity, visibility, traceability and reconciliation through disciplined warehouse controls.
• Manage key customer relationships and ensure contractual obligations, service levels and operational performance standards are consistently achieved.
• Identify and implement innovative warehousing solutions, technology and process improvements to improve productivity, efficiency and operational visibility.
• Ensure compliance with applicable ISO standards, company policies, quality requirements and integrated management systems.
• Take accountability for warehouse budgets, expenditure, cost control, revenue optimisation and overall financial performance.
• Provide strong SHEQ leadership and ensure compliance with occupational health, safety and environmental legislation and company requirements.
• Manage operational, financial and strategic reporting to provide senior leadership with accurate information for effective decision making.
• Oversee warehouse facilities, equipment, infrastructure and assets, ensuring they remain fit for purpose and support operational requirements.
• Manage suppliers, contractors and service providers to ensure performance, compliance, cost effectiveness and service delivery.
• Identify and mitigate operational, commercial, security and business continuity risks.
• Lead, develop and hold the warehouse management team accountable for performance, succession planning, capability development and operational results.
• Act as the warehousing subject matter expert and strategic advisor to the Executive and CEO, providing insight, solutions and decisive leadership.

Requirements:

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in a senior warehouse or operations management position within freight and logistics (non-negotiable).
• Proven hands‑on experience managing bonded warehouse operations is essential.
• Experience within the mining, logistics, freight, warehousing or related industries.
• Relevant Degree or NQF Level 7 qualification in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Management or a related field (highly beneficial).
• Strong understanding of warehouse management, inventory control, supply chain operations and distribution.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, costs, operational performance and commercial outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of WMS, warehouse technology and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of ISO, SHEQ and integrated management systems.
• Proven experience leading and developing large operational teams.