Role Purpose:

The Operations Manager will oversee and manage the Distribution Centre. This role is responsible for ensuring operational efficiency, service excellence, compliance, and cost-effectiveness across all facilities. The incumbent will drive operational performance, optimise processes, manage people, and ensure that customer satisfaction, productivity, and profitability targets are consistently achieved.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Management:

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the warehouse.
• Ensure effective planning, execution, and monitoring of warehouse activities (receiving, storage, order fulfilment, dispatch, returns, and reverse logistics).
• Drive operational excellence through implementation of best practices, process improvements, and performance standards.
• Manage stock accuracy, shrinkage, and ensure adherence to inventory control policies.

Strategic & Financial Management:

• Develop and implement  operational strategies aligned with business goals.
• Monitor and manage operational budgets, cost controls, and resource allocations.
• Track and report on KPIs including OTIF (On Time In Full), turnaround times, cost per unit, and productivity.
• Identify opportunities to reduce operational costs and increase profitability.

People Leadership:

• Lead, motivate, and manage Warehouse Managers and operational staff across the warehouse.
• Build capability through coaching, mentoring, and training initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with labour legislation, company policies, and health & safety regulations.
• Drive a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Compliance & Risk Management:

• Ensure adherence to company policies, health & safety standards, and statutory requirements.
• Implement risk management and contingency plans for operational disruptions.
• Oversee compliance with customer SLAs, service standards, and quality requirements.

Stakeholder Management:

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders (sales, procurement, transport, finance) and external service providers.
• Ensure customer satisfaction through timely communication, service delivery, and issue resolution.
• Represent the region at executive meetings and contribute to group-wide operational strategies.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Management, or related field (Postgraduate qualification advantageous).
• Minimum 7–10 years’ experience in warehouse/distribution Centre management, with at least 3–5 years at a regional or multi-site management level.
• Proven track record in managing high-volume, fast-paced warehouse operations.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain processes, WMS (Warehouse Management Systems), and logistics solutions.
• Solid financial acumen and experience in budgeting, cost management, and reporting.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• High-level communication and negotiation skills.
• Analytical and data-driven mindset with strong reporting abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities across diverse sites.
• Resilient, adaptable, and able to perform under pressure.

Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Achievement of operational efficiency targets (e.g., OTIF, inventory accuracy, order turnaround time).
• Budget adherence and cost control within region.
• Employee retention, engagement, and development.
• Customer satisfaction and SLA compliance.
• Continuous improvement initiatives implemented successfully.