Inventory Manager

Key Functional Responsibilities Financial Responsibility: ensure costs are captured in the month incurred (Labour, MHE R&M, Stock Losses). Accrued unprocessed costs in the month incurred. Maintain monthly inventory department expenditure within budget; discuss budget with manager. Explain variance between budget and actual; investigate cost overruns and institute countermeasures. Compile input for all inventory expenditure to be used in the annual distribution centre budget. Operational Replenishment: complete stock replenishment before picking commences. Put stock into correct locations as per WMS and in line with stock rotation principles. Label inventory correctly before put away; put all receipted stock away daily in correct location. Recalls – assist in the recall process. Master data management of WMS: add new SKUs, create new warehouse slots, manage pick slot assignments. Transaction posting: ensure stock ledger transactions are posted timeously, including stock adjustments. Daily stock accuracy: complete pick slot count and empty bin verification, investigate variances. Non‑conforming product management: segregate and dispose expired, short‑shelf‑life and damaged products, record adjustments immediately. Manage supplier returns effectively. Daily expiry date checks on all stock items in pick slots and reverse warehouse master records. Manage variance letters according to the process. Inter‑DC transactions: reconcile and clear in‑transit sites within 48 hours after receipt. Export transactions: control stock movement between local and export locations. Reconcile consignment stock from suppliers. Develop monthly stock count plan and communicate dates to the business, particularly supply chain. Maintain stock count records according to company procedures. Investigate and resolve stock variances within 48 hours. People Management Host monthly staff meetings with minutes. Ensure all staff maintain certification. Implement succession plan for career levels. Liaise with HR on development needs, overtime, absenteeism, recruitment, training, mentoring, coaching, and performance appraisals. Maintain a stable HR climate in the workplace. Develop and manage a high‑performance multidisciplinary team to solve problems within the distribution centre. Coach and support team members to achieve objectives. Uphold the company’s disciplinary code of conduct, ensuring fairness. Customer Run inventory efficiently to meet client contractual KPIs. Service all internal stakeholders per internal rules, e.g., supply chain adjustments and shelf‑life on hand. Service all external stakeholders, e.g., daily stock reports. Process Compliance & Continuous Improvement Maintain warehouse quality standards in accordance with internal and external audits. Close audit gaps within prescribed due dates. Develop, improve, and pursue human capital, processes, and procedures in process, quality, service level, and cost improvements. Asset Management Maintain facility and equipment (buildings, MHE, racks). Ensure assets are clean, well‑maintained, and in good working order. Plan and execute equipment maintenance with the Assets Manager. Identify and resolve H&S repairs and maintenance immediately. Conduct preventative maintenance per plan. Stock consumables adequately for operations. Reporting Provide daily and weekly reports (stock adjustment, shelf‑life, etc.). Ensure all reporting documents are complete and within deadlines. Submit monthly financial reporting. Attend all relevant meetings (planning, max, management). Risk Management Address all operational risk matters, including health & safety checklists and PPE requirements. Ensure inventory compliance with laws and legislative requirements. Mitigate financial risks such as stock losses, damages, and facility damage. Personal Skills and Competencies Required Excellent knowledge of inventory flow in the warehouse and its impact on stock balances. Strong responsibility, attention to detail, and exceptional time‑management skills. Planning, organisational, and problem‑solving skills. Results‑driven, disciplined approach and logical thinking. Numerical accuracy and great communication and people‑management skills. Work Experience Required 7–10 years’ experience required as Inventory Manager within a warehousing distribution industry, QSR and FMCG environment; 5 years Stock Management Experience; 5 years People Management Experience. Minimum Requirements Grade 12 compulsory with a relevant tertiary degree (Supply Chain Management or similar). Good knowledge of warehousing & distribution, transport, FMCG, QRS management. Intermediate to advanced computer literacy: MS Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Advanced WMS skills, and GP skills. #J-18808-Ljbffr