Picking Manager (Distribution Center)

L'Oréal; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cosmetics company in Centurion, Gauteng is seeking an experienced Picking Manager to enhance picking operations in their warehouse. The successful candidate will lead a dedicated team, ensuring efficient processes while driving compliance with company and safety standards. Responsibilities include overseeing the picking process, optimizing procedures and providing expert knowledge on the Manhattan Warehouse Management System. Candidates should possess strong leadership skills, an analytical mindset, and a commitment to continuous improvement in warehouse efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in warehouse operations, specifically in a picking management role.
• Proven ability to lead and develop diverse teams in fast-paced environments.
• Strong analytical skills with a track record of identifying and solving issues.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all picking activities, ensuring compliance with company standards.
• Optimize picking routes and methods to meet daily targets.
• Maintain clear communication with all organization levels regarding picking operations.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Analytical skills

Collaboration

Education

Tertiary Supply Chain Management or Logistics

Tools

Manhattan Warehouse Management System

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Picking Manager to lead our picking operations, ensuring maximum efficiency, accuracy, and productivity within our state‑of‑the‑art warehouse environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the picking process, from order allocation to shipment preparation, with a strong emphasis on leveraging the Manhattan Warehouse Management System (WMS). This role requires a proactive leader with exceptional people management, problem‑solving, communication, and collaboration skills, dedicated to fostering a high‑performance team culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
  • Direct and manage all picking activities, ensuring orders are picked accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with company standards and customer requirements.
  • Optimize picking routes, methods, and resource allocation to meet daily targets and service level agreements.
  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as pick rate, order accuracy, and cycle time, implementing corrective actions as needed to achieve continuous improvement.
• Manhattan WMS Expertise
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for the Manhattan WMS, utilizing its functionalities to enhance picking efficiency, inventory accuracy, and overall warehouse flow.
  • Troubleshoot system‑related issues affecting picking operations and collaborate with IT and WMS support teams for resolution.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of WMS enhancements and best practices.
• People Leadership & Development
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of picking associates, fostering a positive, engaging, and safety‑conscious work environment.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and identify training needs to support team growth.
  • Manage staffing levels, scheduling, and attendance to ensure adequate coverage and operational continuity.
• Problem‑Solving
  • Proactively identify operational bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and potential issues within the picking process.
  • Develop and implement effective solutions to complex operational challenges, minimizing disruptions and maximizing output.
  • Utilize data analysis to inform decision‑making and drive process improvements.
• Communication & Collaboration
  • Maintain clear and effective communication with all levels of the organization, including warehouse leadership, other departmental managers (e.g., Inbound, Outbound, Inventory), and direct reports.
  • Collaborate cross‑functionally to align picking operations with broader warehouse and supply chain objectives.
  • Act as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding picking operations.
• Must be hands‑on
• Safety & Compliance
  • Ensure all picking activities comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies.
  • Promote a strong safety culture through regular training, audits, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Proactivity & Continuous Improvement
  • Demonstrate a high degree of proactivity in anticipating operational needs, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing innovative solutions.
  • Champion a culture of continuous improvement, actively seeking out and implementing best practices in warehouse management.

Qualifications

• Tertiary Supply Chain Management, Logistics or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in warehouse operations, specifically in a picking management or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated in‑depth experience and proficiency with the Manhattan Warehouse Management System (WMS) is essential.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop a diverse team in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a track record of identifying issues and implementing effective solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex information clearly and concisely.
• Exceptional collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Highly proactive and results‑oriented, with a commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Working Conditions

• Ability to work in a warehouse environment, which may include exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends or holidays as operational needs dictate.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training or promotion for reasons of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition or disability. We adhere to all local Labour Relations legislation.