Operations Manager

The Career Network SA; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Career Network SA is recruiting an Operations Manager - Distribution and Warehousing to oversee daily warehouse, inventory, and distribution operations. This hands-on leadership role ensures stock is received, stored, picked and dispatched accurately while maintaining service levels, cost control and a safe working environment.

You will lead the warehouse and logistics team, collaborate with Sales, Procurement and Finance to continuously improve performance, optimize processes, and ensure

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Operations Management or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in warehousing, logistics or distribution, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Experience within technology distribution, wholesale, FMCG or similar high-volume distribution advantageous.
• Working knowledge of ERP and warehouse management systems.
• Understanding of OHSA and relevant South African labour legislation.
• Valid driver’s licence and reliable transport.

Responsibilities

• Manage all warehouse activities, including receiving, storage, picking, packing and dispatch.
• Maintain high levels of inventory accuracy through cycle counts, stock takes and ERP/WMS reconciliation.
• Minimise stock losses, damages and discrepancies while improving warehouse layout and workflow.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound deliveries, fleet scheduling, couriers and 3PL providers.
• Monitor OTIF delivery performance and resolve operational or delivery issues.
• Lead and develop warehouse, dispatch and driver teams, including shift planning, training and performance management.
• Ensure compliance with OHSA and maintain appropriate safety procedures, audits and incident reporting.
• Manage operational costs across labour, transport, consumables and equipment.
• Monitor and report on key operational KPIs, including stock accuracy, delivery performance, turnaround times and costs.
• Support the effective use and ongoing improvement of ERP, WMS and order management systems.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Planning & organisation

Data & KPI literacy

Cost control

Education

Diploma or degree in Logistics/ Supply Chain/ Operations Management

Tools

ERP/WMS

Job description

Operations Manager - Distribution and Warehousing

Role Overview

The Operations Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the organisations Distribution warehouse, inventory and distribution operations. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on ensuring stock is received, stored, picked and dispatched accurately and efficiently, while maintaining excellent service levels, cost control and a safe working environment.

The role will lead the warehouse and logistics team and work closely with Sales, Procurement and Finance to continuously improve operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all warehouse activities, including receiving, storage, picking, packing and dispatch.
• Maintain high levels of inventory accuracy through cycle counts, stock takes and ERP/WMS reconciliation.
• Minimise stock losses, damages and discrepancies while improving warehouse layout and workflow.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound deliveries, fleet scheduling, couriers and 3PL providers.
• Monitor OTIF delivery performance and resolve operational or delivery issues.
• Lead and develop warehouse, dispatch and driver teams, including shift planning, training and performance management.
• Ensure compliance with OHSA and maintain appropriate safety procedures, audits and incident reporting.
• Manage operational costs across labour, transport, consumables and equipment.
• Monitor and report on key operational KPIs, including stock accuracy, delivery performance, turnaround times and costs.
• Support the effective use and ongoing improvement of ERP, WMS and order management systems.

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Operations Management or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in warehousing, logistics or distribution, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Experience within technology distribution, wholesale, FMCG or a similar high-volume distribution environment would be advantageous.
• Working knowledge of ERP and warehouse management systems.
• Understanding of OHSA and relevant South African labour legislation.
• Valid driver's licence and reliable transport.
• Strong hands-on leadership and people-management skills.
• Excellent planning, organisation and problem-solving ability.
• Strong understanding of warehouse and distribution processes.
• Comfortable working with operational data, KPIs and budgets.
• Commercially aware with a strong focus on efficiency and cost control.
• Able to perform effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• High levels of accountability, accuracy and attention to detail.

Key Performance Measures

Success will be measured against stock accuracy, OTIF delivery, warehouse efficiency, order turnaround times, health and safety compliance, cost management and team performance.