Operations Manager – Distribution Centre Bellville, Cape Town

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational & Cost Management

• Manage warehouse and transport operations within approved budgetary parameters.
• Control labour, equipment, maintenance, and operational expenditure against KPIs.
• Monitor and investigate cost overruns and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure accurate recording of all expenditure within the correct financial periods.
• Maintain accurate operational and financial reporting.

2. Warehouse Operations (Receiving & Picking)

• Ensure picking and receiving accuracy consistently meets agreed performance targets.
• Allocate appropriate resources according to operational plans.
• Maintain proper pallet identification, traceability, and warehouse organisation.
• Ensure the warehouse floor is prepared and organised before operational activities commence.

3. Process Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure full compliance with company policies, procedures, and operational standards.
• Maintain warehouse quality standards in line with internal and external requirements.
• Ensure successful completion of internal and external audits.
• Address and close all audit findings within required timeframes.
• Conduct regular on-the-job assessments to ensure staff compliance and competence.

4. Continuous Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in productivity, cost efficiency, service levels, and quality.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement sustainable improvements.

5. Facilities, Equipment & Maintenance

• Oversee maintenance of warehouses, buildings, racking, refrigeration systems, MHE, and fleet equipment.
• Ensure preventative maintenance schedules are adhered to.
• Maintain assets in clean, safe, and operational condition at all times.
• Ensure a clean, organised, and well-maintained warehouse environment.

6. Health, Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and food safety regulations.
• Maintain operational readiness of fire systems, sprinklers, refrigeration, and generators.
• Conduct regular inspections of equipment, racking, and safety systems.
• Lead food safety compliance in line with FSSC 22000 standards.
• Act as Food Safety Team leader and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure full audit readiness and compliance with all regulatory requirements.

7. Planning & Reporting

• Develop and manage daily and weekly operational plans.
• Ensure effective resource allocation aligned to operational requirements.
• Provide accurate daily and weekly performance reports (plan vs actual).
• Analyse and explain variances against budget and operational plans.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes.

8. Risk Management

• Ensure fire protection, sprinkler systems, and emergency equipment are fully operational.
• Maintain refrigeration systems, generators, and critical infrastructure.
• Conduct routine rack inspections and safety checks.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and industry standards.

9. People Management

• Lead, manage, and develop warehouse and transport teams.
• Conduct monthly team meetings and one-on-one performance reviews.
• Ensure staff training, competence, and certification requirements are maintained.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and performance excellence.

Minimum Requirements

• 10-12 years’ experience in Warehousing and Distribution Management within FMCG or QSR environments.
• Grade 12 plus a tertiary qualification (Logistics Management or related field - Degree / Honours / Postgraduate Diploma compulsory).
• Advanced MS Office skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Strong financial, operational, and people management capability.