Lead Warehouse & Outbound Logistics

Job Purpose

• The Lead Warehouse & Outbound Logistics is accountable for the overall leadership, management, and performance of the Ruiru Distribution Centre. The role provides strategic and operational oversight of warehouse operations, dispatch, transport coordination, market returns, weighbridge activities, safety, compliance and team leadership to ensure accurate inventory management, efficient distribution execution, regulatory compliance, and achievement of service level targets. The candidate must have managed a large, high-volume warehouse or distribution operation within an FMCG or manufacturing environment
• The successful candidate will be accountable for inventory accuracy, FIFO and batch controls, warehouse productivity, dispatch accuracy, OTIF delivery performance, transport coordination, RMA processing, weighbridge compliance, operational cost efficiency and continuous improvement. Practical experience with SAP ERP, HighJump WMS or a comparable warehouse management system is essential

Key Responsibilities

Warehouse Operations Management

• Provide overall leadership and supervision of warehouse operations including receiving, put-away, inventory management, picking, packing, and dispatch activities.
• Ensure inventory accuracy through effective stock control processes and periodic cycle counts.
• Enforce FIFO principles, batch traceability, and warehouse inventory governance standards.
• Monitor warehouse productivity and address operational bottlenecks that may impact service delivery.
• Optimize warehouse layouts, storage utilization, housekeeping, and material flow processes.

Dispatch & Outbound Logistics Leadership

• Oversee outbound dispatch operations to ensure timely, accurate, and safe loading of customer orders.
• Monitor loading plans and prioritize dispatch activities based on business requirements.
• Resolve dispatch-related escalations impacting customer service levels or OTIF performance.
• Ensure product integrity and compliance with transport loading procedures.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving dispatch productivity and delivery execution.

Transport Coordination & Fleet Performance

• Check the Transporter Invoices along with approved rates, PODs and supporting documentation.
• Supervise the activities of Deputy Lead – Transport
• Work closely with transport leadership to ensure availability of suitable transport resources.
• Support vehicle allocation, route planning, fleet scheduling, and transporter performance management.
• Resolve transport escalations affecting customer deliveries and distribution efficiency.
• Monitor transport service levels and implement corrective actions to address performance gaps.
• Promote cost-effective transport utilization and route optimization initiatives.

Weighbridge Operations Oversight

• Ensure effective management and control of weighbridge operations.
• Review weighbridge records to ensure accuracy, compliance, and completeness.
• Investigate and resolve weighing discrepancies that may affect dispatch and inventory records.
• Maintain compliance with company policies and applicable regulatory requirements.

Market Returns & RMA Management

• Review and approve Return Merchandise Authorizations (RMAs) before processing.
• Ensure returned stock is accurately documented and processed according to established procedures.
• Coordinate with Finance to facilitate timely processing of credit notes.
• Monitor clearance of warehouse returns and ensure proper disposition of returned inventory.
• Maintain controls that minimize return-related losses and inventory variances.

Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead, coach, and develop direct reports including Deputy Leads and operational coordinators.
• Set performance objectives and conduct regular performance reviews.
• Drive employee engagement, accountability, safety awareness, and operational discipline.
• Identify capability gaps and implement development plans to strengthen team effectiveness.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer focus.

Compliance, Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with company policies, warehouse SOPs, and health and safety standards.
• Promote a safe working environment through proactive risk identification and corrective actions.
• Support internal and external audit requirements and ensure timely closure of audit findings.
• Maintain regulatory compliance relating to warehousing, inventory handling, and transportation activities.

Continuous Improvement & Systems Optimization

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and service levels.
• Lead implementation of warehouse process improvement initiatives.
• Support integration and optimization of warehouse management and ERP systems including SAP and HighJump.
• Drive cost-saving initiatives while maintaining operational effectiveness and service standards.

Reporting & Performance Management

• Review operational performance reports from warehouse, dispatch, transport, returns, and weighbridge functions.
• Monitor and manage key performance indicators including:
• OTIF Delivery Performance
• Inventory Accuracy
• Stock Variance
• Dispatch Accuracy
• RMA Processing Efficiency
• Weighbridge Compliance
• Warehouse Productivity Metrics
• Prepare management reports and implement corrective actions where performance falls below target.

Requirements

Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in Supply Chain, Logistics, Warehousing, or Operations Management will be an added advantage.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 7-8 years' experience in warehousing, logistics, and distribution centre operations within a manufacturing or FMCG environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing large warehouse and outbound logistics operations.
• Proven leadership experience in supervising multidisciplinary operational teams.
• Experience managing transport operations, warehouse control