Outbound DC Manager

takealot.com; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African online retailer is seeking an Outbound DC Manager to lead warehousing operations at their KZN Warehouse. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in supply chain operations, proven leadership skills, and the ability to drive process improvements in a fast-paced e-commerce environment. This role requires strong analytical skills, a hands-on management style, and the capacity to motivate a diverse team to achieve operational excellence. Flexibility to work weekends and/or overtime is essential.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years’ experience in Supply Chain Operations.
• 5 years’ experience in operational project management.
• 5+ years’ experience in managing teams to deliver continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Overall management and coordination of warehousing functions in the outbound area.
• Ensure daily, weekly and monthly planning for all outbound operations.
• Manage resources to be effective and efficient at lowest cost.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Customer service orientation

Education

Bachelor’s degree / National Diploma in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain or Logistics

Tools

ERP systems knowledge

Job description

takealot.com, a leading South African online retailer, is looking for a highly talented Outbound DC Manager to join our team at Our KZN Warehouse.

We are a young, dynamic, hyper‑growth company seeking smart, creative, hard‑working people with integrity. We offer a market‑related, Total Remuneration Package allowing full flexibility according to your experience.

Role Overview

The Outbound DC Manager will overall manage and coordinate all warehousing functions in the outbound area. The role requires proven ability to drive process improvements and keep pace with TAKEALOT’s explosive growth while motivating others to meet the challenges of a deadline‑driven, fast‑moving e‑commerce environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Overall management and coordination of all warehousing functions in the outbound area.
• Operate an efficient Distribution Centre by identifying, implementing and managing optimal processes and procedures to minimise costs and maximise working capital.
• Efficiently manage all aspects of stock handling from picking stock orders to shipping and dispatching of parcels and associated processes.
• Ensure daily, weekly and monthly planning is done for all outbound operations including resource planning, departmental design, relief planning, seasonal planning and adherence to plans.
• Effective management of housekeeping, including engagement with the OHS Officer, design, implementation and audit of departmental standards.
• Manage resources to be effective and efficient at lowest cost and according to changing needs.
• Effective leadership and direction for the operations team through involvement and communication to deliver on key business drivers.
• Manage customer liaison process and resolve outbound queries time‑tightly, addressing exception trends.
• Optimise warehouse space, equipment and flow, and plan future requirements.
• Ensure stock accuracy through disciplined stock control and implement stock accuracy improvement initiatives.
• Measure and manage staff through formal staff appraisals, development, coaching and disciplinary procedures.
• Assert and drive accountability at all staff levels.
• Document, update and communicate all business processes, procedures and job profiles.
• Management reporting in terms of operational performance, productivity, stock control and budgets.
• Participate in annual budget process and long‑term planning, controlling monthly operational costs to stay within budget.
• Efficient and safe operation of DC automation systems.
• Manage projects according to stipulated time frames.
• Liaise and negotiate with suppliers where required.
• Conform to all HSE standards and legislation as set out by the business and the OHS Act.
• Drive continuous improvement measures within your department.
• Engage with internal stakeholders including national operations, human resources, risk & security and relevant support functions.

Minimum Required Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree / National Diploma in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain or Logistics.
• 8‑10 years’ experience in Supply Chain Operations.
• 5 years’ experience in operational project management.
• 5+ years’ experience in directly managing people to deliver continuous improvement (Lean principles, 5S, multi‑skilling, cost saving drives).
• Self‑starter with high energy levels.
• Well‑developed business and operational acumen.
• Analytically minded and able to find and use data to inform decision making.

Preferred Experience

• Fast‑paced environment.
• E‑commerce experience (preferable).
• Fine picking experience.
• ERP systems knowledge.
• Experience working with budgets and cost analysis.
• Lean or continuous improvement.
• Performance management skills – knowledge of Industrial Relations and practices.
• Strong financial acumen.
• Flexible to work weekends and/or overtime regularly. Night shift during peak months may be required.

Attributes

• Proven track record of successfully implementing operational best practices in a distribution and warehousing environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• A structured and disciplined management style.
• Ability to motivate and inspire others.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure with strict deadlines.
• Strong customer service orientation – goal‑oriented and motivated to succeed.
• Dynamic individual with proven experience in delivering change and innovative solutions.

Environment & Culture

• We like to work hard but also enjoy ourselves. We love what we do and what we are creating.
• You must possess a sense of urgency with the ability to manage multiple duties simultaneously with various deadlines.
• We are entrepreneurial, dynamic, smart, customer‑centric, fun and share the ambition of TAKEALOT.com being the leading e‑commerce company in Africa.
• We are short on ego and high on output.
• We are doers, not only thinkers – it’s all in the execution after all.

Hours

• Shift work when required.
• Flexible to work weekends and/or overtime regularly.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Takealot Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from the previously disadvantaged groups and people with disabilities to apply.