Warehouse Manager

Role purpose

Manage warehouse operations within a busy transport and logistics business, ensuring goods are received, stored, controlled and dispatched accurately and on schedule.

The position requires a hands-on manager who can lead warehouse staff, coordinate closely with transport controllers and drivers, and resolve operational problems while maintaining safety, stock accuracy and customer service.

Key responsibilities

Warehouse operations

• Plan and supervise receiving, storage, picking, staging, loading and dispatch activities.
• Allocate staff and resources according to daily volumes and delivery priorities.
• Coordinate loading and offloading schedules with transport operations.
• Monitor vehicle turnaround times and address delays or congestion.
• Maintain an organised warehouse layout that supports safe and efficient movement of goods.

Stock control and documentation

• Ensure goods received and dispatched match the relevant documentation.
• Maintain accurate records of stock movements and goods held on behalf of customers.
• Oversee stock counts and investigate shortages, overages, damage and discrepancies.
• Ensure consignments are correctly identified, labelled, stored and released.
• Maintain an audit trail for returns, damaged goods and delivery exceptions.

People management

• Supervise warehouse employees, team leaders and equipment operators.
• Allocate duties, monitor attendance and manage productivity.
• Train employees in warehouse procedures and safe working practices.
• Address performance concerns and support disciplinary processes with HR.
• Ensure clear communication and effective shift handovers.

Safety and equipment

• Enforce safe loading, offloading, stacking and materials handling procedures.
• Maintain housekeeping standards and keep access routes clear.
• Ensure equipment checks are completed and faults are reported promptly.
• Monitor the safe use of forklifts and other handling equipment by authorised operators.
• Report incidents and implement corrective measures within the manager's authority.

Service delivery and improvement

• Liaise with transport controllers, customer service teams and customers to resolve operational queries.
• Monitor warehouse performance and provide accurate reports to management.
• Control labour, overtime and operating costs within the agreed budget.
• Identify improvements that reduce handling errors, damage and unnecessary delays.

Proposed qualifications and experience

• Matric or equivalent; a qualification in warehousing, logistics or supply chain management would be advantageous.
• Proven warehouse supervisory or management experience within transport, distribution or third-party logistics.
• Practical knowledge of receiving, dispatch, inventory control and vehicle loading.
• Experience managing operational teams and varying workloads.
• Computer literacy, including Excel and warehouse or stock management systems.
• Strong documentation, reporting and problem-solving skills.
• Sound understanding of warehouse safety and materials handling practices.

Personal suitability

A firm, fair and organised manager who remains calm under pressure, communicates clearly and takes ownership of operational problems. The successful candidate should be comfortable working on the warehouse floor, setting clear expectations and holding the team accountable for safety, accuracy and service delivery.

Proposed performance measures

• Receiving and dispatch accuracy.
• Stock accuracy and timely resolution of discrepancies.
• On-time dispatch and vehicle turnaround.
• Damage and loss control.
• Staff productivity and overtime control.
• Safety, housekeeping and documentation standards.