Warehouse / DC Manager

Pro Select Consulting; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Pro Select Consulting is seeking a Warehouse / Distribution Centre Manager to lead the retailer's warehouse and DC operations in Durban. You will drive productivity, cost control and service levels, ensuring accurate stock receipt, storage and timely distribution to stores.

The role requires hands-on leadership with a strong focus on inventory accuracy, process improvements and effective collaboration with buying, merchandising and store operations teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–8 years in warehouse or distribution centre management, preferably in retail.
• Strong knowledge of stock control, replenishment and distribution processes.
• Experience leading large teams across multiple shifts and driving KPI targets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day warehouse and distribution centre operations.
• Manage receiving, put-away, storage, picking, packing and dispatch of stock.
• Ensure stock flow from suppliers to DC and from DC to retail stores.

Skills

Retail warehousing

Team management

Inventory accuracy

Education

Supply Chain/Logistics degree

Tools

WMS

ERP systems

Job description

Our client, is recruiting for a Warehouse / Distribution Centre Manager will be responsible for the overall management and operational performance of the retailer's warehouse and distribution centre, ensuring the efficient, accurate and cost-effective receipt, storage, picking, packing and distribution of stock to retail stores and other designated locations.

The successful candidate will have strong experience in retail warehousing and distribution, with a proven ability to manage large teams, optimise stock movement, maintain inventory accuracy and implement operational processes that support the retailer's supply chain and store replenishment requirements.

This role requires a hands-on, commercially minded leader who can drive productivity, control costs, improve service levels and ensure that stock is available and delivered to stores accurately and on time.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the warehouse and distribution centre.
• Manage the receiving, unloading, checking, put-away, storage, picking, packing, dispatching and distribution of stock.
• Ensure efficient stock flow from suppliers into the DC and from the DC to retail stores.
• Develop and implement operational procedures to improve warehouse productivity and efficiency.
• Ensure store replenishment requirements and delivery schedules are consistently achieved.
• Manage warehouse capacity, storage utilisation and the effective layout of the distribution centre.
• Ensure operational targets and service-level agreements are met.
• Maintain high levels of inventory accuracy through effective stock control procedures.
• Oversee cycle counts, stocktakes, stock reconciliations and investigation of stock discrepancies.
• Minimise stock losses, damages, shrinkage and inventory write-offs.
• Ensure accurate recording and movement of stock through the warehouse management system.
• Implement controls to manage returns, damaged goods, obsolete stock and stock adjustments.
• Work closely with buying, merchandising, planning and store operations teams to ensure effective stock availability.
• Lead, manage and develop warehouse supervisors, team leaders, permanent employees and temporary staff.
• Establish clear performance expectations, productivity targets and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Manage workforce planning, shift scheduling, overtime and resource allocation.
• Drive accountability, discipline, productivity and a performance-driven culture.
• Identify training needs and implement development initiatives to strengthen operational capability.
• Manage employee performance, attendance, conduct and industrial relations matters in line with company policies and applicable labour legislation.
• Oversee outbound distribution to retail stores, ensuring accurate and timeous deliveries.
• Coordinate transport schedules, loading plans, route planning and delivery priorities.
• Monitor transport costs, vehicle utilisation and delivery performance.
• Liaise with third-party logistics providers, transport contractors and internal fleet teams where applicable.
• Resolve delivery discrepancies, delays and distribution-related issues.
• Ensure effective communication between the DC, transport operations and retail stores.
• Ensure effective utilisation of warehouse management systems (WMS), ERP systems and inventory management technology.
• Monitor operational data and use reporting to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
• Implement lean warehousing principles and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Improve picking accuracy, order turnaround times, stock throughput and overall warehouse productivity.
• Ensure warehouse processes, stock movements and operational records are accurate and properly maintained.
• Support the implementation of new systems, technologies and operational procedures.
• Manage the warehouse and distribution centre operating budget.
• Control labour, overtime, equipment, consumables, handling and distribution costs.
• Monitor cost per unit, cost per order and other relevant operational performance indicators.
• Identify opportunities to reduce operational expenditure without compromising service delivery.
• Provide regular operational and financial performance reports to senior management.
• Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety requirements and company policies.
• Maintain a safe, clean and organised warehouse environment.
• Ensure appropriate use and maintenance of material-handling equipment, including forklifts and pallet jacks.
• Manage risk assessments, incident reporting, safety training and corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with relevant operational, fire safety and security procedures.

Personal Attributes:

• Relevant qualification in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Warehouse Management or Business Management would be advantageous.
• Minimum 5-8 years' experience in warehouse or distribution centre management, preferably within the retail sector.
• Proven experience managing a high-volume warehouse or distribution operation.
• Experience managing large operational teams across multiple shifts.
• Strong knowledge of inventory control, stock movement, store replenishment and distribution processes.
• Experience working with warehouse management systems (WMS), ERP platforms and stock control systems.
• Proven experience managing operational budgets, labour costs and productivity targets.
• Strong understanding of warehouse health and safety requirements.