Operations Manager

SET Consulting SA; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

SET Consulting SA is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the Distribution Centre, including warehouse and transport operations. The role focuses on operational efficiency, cost control, service excellence, quality and people performance.

You will manage warehouse processes, drive improvements, and ensure compliance with food safety standards and audits. A strong background in QSR/FMCG logistics and leadership is essential for success.

Qualifications

• 10–12 years' experience in Warehousing & Distribution Management.
• Experience within QSR and/or FMCG environments.
• Tertiary qualification in Logistics Management or a related field (Degree, Honours or Postgraduate Diploma is compulsory).
• Advanced MS Excel skills.
• Proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Advanced Warehouse Management System (WMS) experience.
• Strong experience in warehouse and distribution operations.
• Proven experience in cost, budget and KPI management.
• Experience managing teams and operational resources.
• Strong understanding of quality, food safety, DQSP and audit requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage overall warehouse and transport operations and performance.
• Control warehouse and transport expenditure within budget.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, quality, service and cost.
• Lead, develop and manage warehouse and transport teams.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and relevant industry legislation.
• Lead and support the Food Safety Team.
• Audit findings are closed within agreed timelines.
• Conduct regular on-the-job procedure assessments.
• Ensure staff maintain valid DQSP certification.

Skills

Warehouse management

Cost management

Leadership

Budgeting

Quality & food safety

DQSP

Team management

Planning & reporting

Process improvement

Education

Degree or higher in Logistics Management

Grade 12 + tertiary qualification

Honours or Postgraduate Diploma

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

WMS

Job description

Our client, a leading multi-temperature logistics and supply chain organisation is looking for an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the overall performance of its Distribution Centre, including warehouse and transport operations.

The successful candidate will be responsible for driving operational efficiency, cost control, service excellence, quality, food safety and people performance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational & Cost Management

• Manage overall warehouse and transport operations and performance.
• Control warehouse and transport expenditure within budget.
• Manage labour, stock damages, repairs, maintenance and machinery costs against agreed KPIs.
• Investigate cost overruns and implement corrective action.
• Ensure expenditure and accounts are accurately recorded within the correct period.
• Provide operational input into budgets, forecasts and resource planning.

Warehouse Operations

• Ensure picking accuracy and appropriate resources against the picking plan.
• Manage receiving accuracy and resource allocation.
• Ensure the warehouse floor is cleared and organised before picking.
• Ensure pallets are correctly labelled and fully traceable.
• Maintain a clean, organised and efficient warehouse environment.
• Ensure everything has a designated place and is correctly labelled.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures and warehouse quality standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, quality, service and cost.
• Ensure successful internal and external quality audits.
• Ensure audit findings are closed within agreed timelines.
• Conduct regular on-the-job procedure assessments.
• Ensure staff maintain valid DQSP certification.

Facilities, Equipment & Maintenance

• Ensure buildings, racking, plant, MHE and delivery equipment are maintained, clean and operational.
• Ensure preventative maintenance programmes are implemented.
• Ensure repairs and maintenance are completed timeously.
• Monitor refrigeration plant/equipment, generators and other critical infrastructure.
• Ensure sprinkler and fire protection systems remain operational.
• Conduct and ensure required rack inspections.

Planning & Reporting

• Develop and manage daily and weekly operational plans.
• Allocate resources effectively to meet operational requirements.
• Review and sign off weekly plans and monitor daily execution.
• Report daily/weekly performance against plan and actual.
• Analyse and explain budget and operational variances.

Risk, Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with health, safety and relevant industry legislation.
• Lead and support the Food Safety Team.
• Ensure compliance with FSSC 22000 food safety requirements.
• Drive food safety and quality protocols across the operation.
• Take accountability for internal and external audits.
• Act as an improvement custodian for operational and food safety initiatives.

People Management

• Lead, develop and manage warehouse and transport teams.
• Conduct monthly team meetings and one-on-one sessions with direct reports.
• Drive employee performance, accountability and adherence to operational standards.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 10–12 years' experience in Warehousing & Distribution Management
• Experience within QSR and/or FMCG environments
• Grade 12 + tertiary qualification in Logistics Management or a related field (Degree, Honours or Postgraduate Diploma is compulsory)
• Advanced MS Excel skills
• Proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Advanced Warehouse Management System (WMS) experience
• Strong experience in warehouse and distribution operations
• Proven experience in cost, budget and KPI management
• Experience managing teams and operational resources
• Strong understanding of quality, food safety, DQSP and audit requirements