Operations Manager

SET Recruitment Consultants; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

SET Recruitment Consultants in Cape Town seeks a seasoned Warehouse & Distribution Manager to oversee the performance and welfare of the Distribution Centre's warehouse and transport teams, ensuring efficient operations, staff wellbeing, and customer satisfaction.

You will control costs, manage budgets, ensure stock accuracy, drive continuous improvement through QSP processes, and lead safety and quality audits, with extensive experience in FMCG environments.

Qualifications

• 10–12 years in warehousing and distribution management in QSR/FMCG.
• Grade 12 with tertiary degree, honours or postgraduate diploma in logistics management.
• Advanced MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook.
• Advanced Warehouse Management System experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the performance and well-being of the warehouse and transport departments within the Distribution Centre.
• Manage budgets for costs, stock damages, repairs, labour, and equipment KPI targets.
• Ensure stock accuracy, receiving and picking are aligned with targets.
• Maintain safety, quality, and compliance through audits and corrective actions.
• Lead planning, reporting, and cost-control initiatives under the QSP framework.
• Conduct monthly team meetings and ensure staff maintain valid QSP certification.

Skills

People management

Planning

Risk management

Budgeting

Quality compliance

Education

Postgraduate Diploma in Logistics Management

Tools

MS Office

Excel (Advanced)

Warehouse Management System

Job description

Overseeing the overall performance and well-being of the warehouse and transport departments within the Distribution Centre, ensuring the efficiency of operations, the welfare of staff, and the satisfaction of customers

Cost control Warehouse/Transport expenditure is managed within budgets

Staff and Labour managed within budgeted KPI’s.

Stock damages are managed within budgeted KPI’s.

Repairs and maintenance are managed within budgeted KPI’s.

Machinery is managed within budgeted KPI’s.

Cost overruns are investigated, and appropriate countermeasures are instituted to prevent further overruns

Expenditure is recorded in correct period

Accounts are accurate

Process Compliance:

• The Distribution Centre consistently complies with all Company policies and procedures.
• Warehouse quality standards are maintained at all times, in line with QSP requirements.
• All internal and external quality audits are successfully passed.
• Any audit findings are addressed and closed within the prescribed deadlines.
• Conduct weekly on-the-job procedure assessments for staff to ensure compliance and competence.
• Shift expenditures are managed within the approved budget; any cost overruns are investigated, and appropriate corrective actions are implemented to prevent recurrence.

Continuous Improvement:

• Process, quality, service level and cost improvements are actively pursued through the QSP process

Picking:

• Picking accuracy is consistently achieved in line with the agreed targets.
• Ensure the provision of adequate resources in accordance with the pick plan.

Receiving:

Receiving accuracy is consistently maintained in line with agreed targets.

Ensure adequate resources are allocated to meet the receiving plan.

The floor is cleared and organized prior to the commencement of picking.

All pallets are correctly labelled to ensure traceability and efficiency.

Facility and equipment maintenance (buildings, racks, plant, MHE’s, delivery equipment ) Assets are well maintained, clean and good working order.

Warehouse must be maintained, neat and

Health and safety repairs are completed timeously.

Preventative maintenance is conducted according to

Everything has a place, every place is labelled, and everything is in its place

Attend and contribute to daily Max sessions

Planning:

Activities are effectively planned in advance to ensure operational efficiency.

• Required resources are allocated in line with the activity plan.
• Weekly plans are reviewed and signed off to confirm readiness and alignment.
• Daily plans are reviewed to monitor progress and adjust as necessary.
• Support the preparation of the Distribution Centre budget, contributing relevant operational insights and forecasts.

Reporting

• Provide daily and weekly plan versus actual
• Reports are
• Reporting deadlines are met
• Variance vs budget/plans are accurate

Risk management:

• Ensure that sprinkler and fire protection systems are fully operational at all times.
• Conduct regular rack inspections in line with established procedures.
• Maintain refrigeration plant and equipment according to specified standards.
• Ensure the generator is serviced and maintained as per manufacturer specifications.
• Comply fully with all relevant health, safety, and industry legislation.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of the FSSC 22000 food safety management system.
• Lead the Food Safety Team, keeping members informed of all relevant changes and improvements.
• Promote and uphold food safety and quality protocols throughout the Distribution Centre.
• Actively participate as a member and improvement custodian within the Food Safety Team.
• Take full accountability for internal and external audits, ensuring the audit process runs smoothly and effectively.

People management:

• Conduct monthly team meetings to ensure alignment and open communication.
• Hold formal one-on-one meetings with direct reports at least once per month to support performance and development.
• Ensure all staff consistently maintain valid QSP certification at all times.

Minimum Requirements:

• 10 - 12 Years in Warehousing & Distribution Management role within a QSR / FMCG environment.
• Grade 12 with Tertiary degree, Hons, or Post Graduate Diploma in Logistics Management or similar., is compulsory.
• MS Office PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and Advanced MS Excel Skills
• Advanced Warehouse Management System’s experience