General Manager - Warehousing

Switch Recruit; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Job summary

Switch Recruit is seeking a senior warehouse leader in Durban to set the strategic direction of the warehousing function and drive profitability and growth. You will oversee bonded warehouse operations and lead a large team to ensure governance, controls and peak performance.

The role requires 5+ years in senior warehouse/operations management, strong experience with WMS and ISO/SHEQ, and a track record of delivering cost efficiencies and service excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in a senior warehouse/operations role within freight and logistics.
• Proven hands-on experience managing bonded warehouse operations.
• Experience in mining, logistics, freight, warehousing or related industries.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across warehousing, driving profitability and growth.
• Oversee governance, policies, controls and operational standards.
• Drive capacity planning, space optimisation and resource use.
• Ensure inventory accuracy, traceability and reconciliation.
• Manage key customer relationships and service levels.
• Identify and implement warehousing tech and process improvements.
• Ensure ISO, SHEQ and integrated management systems compliance.
• Take accountability for warehouse budgets and financial performance.
• Provide SHEQ leadership and safety compliance.
• Report on operational, financial and strategic performance.
• Oversee facilities, equipment and assets to meet needs.
• Manage suppliers and service providers for performance and cost effectiveness.
• Identify and mitigate operational, commercial, security and continuity risks.
• Lead and develop warehouse management team and succession planning.
• Act as subject matter expert to Executive and CEO.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Bonded warehouse ops

Budget management

WMS / warehouse tech

Education

Degree in Logistics or related

Tools

WMS

Job description

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.