Stores Operator

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa; Phoenix; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa is seeking a Team Leader: Stores in Elgin to lead the raw materials stores team and manage inventory for packaging and ingredients. The role ensures timely receipt, storage, and issue of materials to support production schedules.

You will drive FIFO/FEFO, maintain cycle counts, and ensure ERP accuracy (GR, stock transfers, production issues). Strong SAP MM/WM and leadership skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years experience in warehouse/stores operations, FMCG or food/beverage manufacturing.
• Experience managing raw materials (packaging and ingredients) in a high-volume production environment.
• At least 2 years’ supervisory or team leader experience.
• Strong working knowledge of SAP MM/WM.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Raw Material Stores operations, ensuring accurate receipt, storage and issue of packaging materials, ingredients and consumables.
• Ensure material availability aligns with production requirements to prevent line stoppages.
• Implement and enforce FIFO and FEFO principles.
• Monitor stock levels and cycle counts; investigate and resolve variances.
• Maintain ERP transactions including GR, stock transfers, production issues and returns.
• Lead and develop the Raw Material Stores Controller and Operator; drive discipline and accountability.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

SAP MM/WM

FIFO/FEFO

Data analysis

5S/Lean

Food safety

SHEQ compliance

Education

National Diploma in Supply Chain Management

MM/WM training

Certificate in Inventory or Warehouse Management

Tools

SAP MM/WM

Job description

Role Purpose,

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) has an exciting opportunity in the Manufacturing Department. We are looking for a talented individual with relevant skills and experience as Team Leader: Stores based in Elgin. Key Purpose: To lead and support the stores team and to manage and control inventory (raw materials and spares) so that customers receive the right quantity and quality raw materials/spares at the right time.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Raw Material Stores Management

• Oversee all activities in the Raw Materials Stores, ensuring that packaging, ingredients, and consumables are received, stored, and issued accurately and timeously.
• Maintain alignment between material availability and production requirements to prevent line stoppages.
• Implement and enforce First-In-First-Out (FIFO) and First-Expired-First-Out (FEFO) principles.

Inventory Accuracy and Stock Control

• Monitor stock levels and reorder alerts to avoid stockouts or overstocking.
• Ensure daily, weekly, and monthly cycle counts are completed and variances are investigated and resolved.
• Maintain correct ERP transactions including goods receipt (GR), stock transfers, issues to production, and returns.

Quality and Compliance

• Ensure that raw materials are handled and stored according to Coca-Cola’s Food Safety, Quality (FSSC), and SHEQ standards.
• Isolate and report any non-conforming materials and coordinate with Quality and Procurement for resolution.
• Maintain audit readiness at all times through robust documentation and traceability practices.

Data Management

• Oversee accurate and timely ERP system updates for all raw material movements.
• Coordinate with master data teams and central inventory functions to ensure material master accuracy.
• Generate operational reports and highlight trends, risks, or corrective actions needed.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Raw Material Stores Controller and Operator to ensure optimal performance.
• Monitor team performance and support skills development
• Implement and reinforce a culture of discipline, compliance, and accountability within the team.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Collaborate daily with the Production Controller to align material availability with the production schedule.
• Liaise with procurement and suppliers to manage delivery expectations and resolve any inbound issues.
• Escalate critical risks (e.g., stockouts, storage constraints) to the Stores Manager with proposed solutions.

Continuous Improvement

• Support 5S initiatives and warehouse layout optimization for safety, efficiency, and cleanliness.
• Contribute to CI initiatives led by the Continuous Improvement Specialist.
• Drive reduction in material losses and waste through process discipline and performance monitoring

Skills and Experience and Education,

Education

• National Diploma or NQF Level 6 in: Supply Chain Management, Logistics/Warehouse Management, Food Technology (advantageous for understanding ingredient handling)
• MM/WM training (preferred)
• Certificate in Inventory or Warehouse Management (advantageous)

Experience

• 3–5 years experience in warehouse/stores operations, preferably within FMCG or food/beverage manufacturing
• Experience managing raw materials (packaging and ingredients) in a high-volume production environment
• At least 2 years’ experience in a supervisory or team leader role
• Strong working knowledge of SAP (MM, WM)

Skills

• Deep understanding of raw materials handling in food/beverage manufacturing
• Proficient in MM/WM for material transactions and reporting
• Ability to manage warehouse operations and implement FIFO/FEFO rigorously
• Strong leadership and communication skills to manage and develop a small team
• High attention to detail with a disciplined and organized work ethic
• Ability to interpret and act on data to improve performance
• Sound knowledge of Food Safety, Quality, and SHEQ compliance standards
• Familiarity with 5S, lean warehouse practices, and CI methodologies