Warehouse Controller

Dreaming big is in our DNA. It’s who we are as a company. It’s our culture. It’s our heritage. And more than ever, it’s our future. A future where we’re always looking forward. Always serving up new ways to meet life’s moments. A future where we keep dreaming bigger. We look for people with passion, talent, and curiosity, and provide them with the teammates, resources and opportunities to unleash their full potential. The power we create together – when we combine your strengths with ours – is unstoppable. Are you ready to join a team that dreams as big as you do?

The key purpose of this role is to manage and optimise Warehouse, Inventory and Logistics Operations across Raw Materials and Finished Goods to ensure service excellence, inventory accuracy, operational efficiency and cost control. The role is accountable for implementing and maintaining AB InBev Safety, Quality, Food Safety and VPO standards, leading people and third-party service providers, and ensuring effective execution of warehouse processes. The incumbent owns the Logistics Pillar, supports the Management & People Pillar, drives continuous improvement, and manages VLC, FLC and ZBB budgets in line with annual business targets.

Key Roles and responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance to 5's Standard within and around Warehouse Operation and show results evolution

• Cascade all Global policies and ensure compliance to them

• Implement and design the management cycle e.g. Business Descriptions, SLA's, Process Maps, KPI Indicators and ensure compliance with all warehouse staff and show results evolution

• Develop and continuously validate SOP's through management routines by using tools and ensure understanding by all warehouse employees (LnA,SCL OWD)

• Team rooms managed and updated through routine meetings to solve problems and drive performance

• Develop and maintain MCRS routines and track adherence there off through MCL/SCL

• Use problem solving tools e.g. 5 WHY, Abnormality Reports, SIC, OPLs, RACI's, OWD's, PDCA's, etc. to develop action plans to show improvement on PI's and KPI’s

• Cascade KPI's and PI's to individual warehouse employee level, standardize the KPI/PI achievements and monitor individual targets

• Insure adherence to best practice generation process and execute approved projects and show result evolution

• Make use of GOP's linked to warehouse KPI's and insure 75% score is achieved

• Utilize GAPA and PDCA for chronic abnormality's and execute actions derived from analysis

Inventory

• Ensure daily compliance of inventory counts

• Ensure compliance to inventory policy and use management tools to close gaps

• Insure compliance to Quality Policy and use management tools to close gaps

• Manage the process on how to destroy and write off obsolete product in compliance with legal/environmental requirements

• Identify the root cause of inventory count variances and put action plans in place through problem solving tools to improve the Inventory accuracy KPI

• Reduce Supply Chain Overheads through the utilization of problem-solving tools and management of stock age KPI’s

• Track and trend operating variances within in the warehouse and utilize management tools to improve results

FG Warehouse Management

• Manage Finished Goods warehouse operations to ensure the safe, accurate, and efficient storage and movement of stock.

• Ensure stock counting activities (cycle counts and stock takes) are completed as per schedule and that inventory accuracy targets are achieved.

• Investigate inventory variances and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

• Ensure compliance with all stacking standards, storage requirements, and warehouse housekeeping standards.

• Maintain adherence to quality standards and ensure products are stored, handled, and dispatched in line with company and regulatory requirements.

• Manage the interface between Packaging and Logistics functions to ensure seamless product flow and minimise operational disruptions.

• Ensure timely receipt, storage, replenishment, and dispatch of finished goods in accordance with production and customer requirements.

• Monitor inventory ageing, product rotation, and stock governance to minimise risk and product write-offs.

• Manage MBFU (Market Beer Forecasting Unit) performance and inventory balancing processes.

• Hold supplying sites accountable for stock availability, inventory accuracy, and service level commitments relating to finished goods supply.

• Resolve stock and supply-related issues with supplying sites to ensure continuity of customer service.

• Ensure compliance with all SAP inventory management processes and controls for finished goods.

• Participate in cross-functional reviews to optimise warehouse capacity utilisation and supply chain performance.

• Ensure all finished goods warehouse activities comply with Safety, Quality, Food Safety, Environmental, and VPO standards.

Key Deliverables

• Finished Goods inventory accuracy.

• Stock count and reconciliation compliance.

• Warehouse stacking and storage compliance.

• Quality and product integrity compliance.

• Effective Packaging-to-Logistics interface management.

• MBFU management and performance.

• Supplying site accountability and service level adherence.

• Warehouse safety, housekeeping, and operational excellence.

Raw Materials Management

• Manage Packaging Raw Materials and Brewing Raw Materials inventory to ensure uninterrupted production.

• Interpret and implement Packaging Production Plans to ensure timely raw material availability.

• Track supplier deliveries and ensure materials are received according to schedule.

• Receive goods and ensure all Goods Receipt Notes (GRNs) are processed and closed out timeously in SAP.

• Maintain stock accuracy through regular cycle counts, stock verification, and reconciliation activities.

• Ensure SAP inventory transactions are accurately processed and maintained.

• Maintain responsibility for SAP master data accuracy relating to raw materials and packaging materials.

• Monitor and ensure compliance with MRP (Material Requirements Planning) KPIs.

• Conduct material stock reconciliation audits and investigate discrepancies.

• Investigate, report, and implement corrective actions to minimize material losses, waste, and overspend.

• Manage promotional packaging material requirements and production runs.

• Support new material introductions, packaging trials, and innovation projects as required.

• Ensure compliance with all internal and external audit requirements.

• Assist with the implementation and sustainment of VPO Pillar initiatives and standards.

• Provide information and actively participate in situational and systemic problem-solving activities.

• Ensure compliance with Food Safety, Quality, and Hygiene standards.

Additional Operational Responsibilities

• Manage the site's FLT (Forklift Truck) fleet to ensure operational readiness, compliance, and maintenance.

• Manage service contractors and suppliers as required to support warehouse operations.

• Track and trend all operating variances within in the warehouse and utilize management tools to improve results

3PL (Third-Party Logistics) Management

• Manage third-party logistics providers to ensure service delivery meets operational requirements.

• Develop, monitor, and enforce Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with service providers.

• Conduct regular performance reviews against agreed KPIs and contractual obligations.

• Ensure appropriate labour and resource planning to support operational requirements.

• Monitor productivity, cost, and service performance of outsourced resources.

• Ensure all contractor personnel comply with site safety, quality, food safety, and environmental standards.

• Conduct regular safety audits and inspections of service provider operations.

• Escalate and resolve service delivery issues to minimise operational disruptions.

• Foster strong working relationships with service providers to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

People Management

• Lead, motivate, and develop the warehouse team to achieve operational objectives.

• Ensure SKAP objectives are implemented, tracked, and reviewed regularly.

• Manage employee performance through regular performance reviews, goal setting, and feedback.

• Ensure team members understand and achieve departmental KPIs and performance standards.

• Identify training needs and coordinate appropriate development interventions.

• Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and support to improve individual and team capability.

• Ensure effective workforce planning and resource allocation within the team.

• Promote employee engagement and a high-performance culture.

• Drive compliance with company policies, procedures, and behavioural standards.

• Support talent development and succession planning initiatives.

• Facilitate effective communication and teamwork across warehouse and supply chain functions.

• Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and housekeeping standards within the team.

Continuous Improvement & VPO

• Implement and sustain VPO (Voyager Plant Optimisation) principles and practices within the Warehouse function.

• Drive VPO Pillar implementation across Packaging Raw Materials, Brewing Raw Materials and Brewlogs management processes.

• Own and lead the Logistics Pillar, ensuring compliance with VPO standards, routines, and scorecard requirements.

• Support the Management & People Pillar through the effective execution of management routines, people development processes, and engagement activities aligned to VPO principles.

• Facilitate and participate in VPO audits, assessments, and benchmarking activities.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to improve warehouse efficiency, inventory management, service levels, cost control, and safety performance.

• Identify, analyse, and eliminate losses within warehouse and logistics operations through structured problem-solving methodologies.

• Utilise VPO tools and routines to drive process stability, standardisation, and operational excellence.

• Ensure action plans arising from VPO assessments, audits, and reviews are implemented and closed out within agreed timelines.

• Lead and facilitate root cause analysis and corrective action implementation for operational losses and performance gaps.

• Drive a culture of continuous improvement through employee involvement, capability building, and ownership.

• Monitor and report VPO performance indicators and ensure achievement of Logistics Pillar objectives.

• Promote best practice sharing and implementation across warehouse, logistics, packaging, and brewing interfaces.

• Support cross-functional teams in delivering sustainable improvement projects aligned to site and supply chain objectives.

• Ensure visual management systems, standards, and operational controls are maintained in accordance with VPO requirements.

Quality & Safety Management

• Champion a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with all company Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) standards.

• Ensure all warehouse activities are conducted in accordance with applicable safety legislation, company standards, and VPO requirements.

• Drive compliance with Food Safety, Hygiene, Quality standards.

• Manage Stock Age Index & Ensure 100% compliance to blocking.

• Conduct regular workplace inspections, safety observations, and risk assessments to identify and mitigate hazards.

• Ensure all incidents, near misses, and non-conformances are reported, investigated, and corrective actions implemented.

• Lead safety and quality routines, meetings, and action plan reviews within the warehouse.

• Ensure safe operation, inspection, and maintenance of warehouse equipment, including FLTs and material handling equipment.

• Monitor contractor and 3PL compliance with all site safety, quality, and food safety requirements.

• Ensure warehouse housekeeping standards are maintained in line with 5S and VPO requirements.

• Support internal and external audits and ensure timely closure of audit findings and corrective actions.

• Ensure product quality is maintained through correct storage, stock rotation, handling, and transportation practices.

• Promote employee awareness and adherence to safety, quality, and food safety standards through coaching and training.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing safety incidents, quality defects, and operational risks.

Key Deliverables

• Zero harm and safety compliance.

• Food Safety compliance.

• Quality and product integrity assurance.

• Audit readiness and compliance.

• Contractor and 3PL safety management.

• Effective incident investigation and action closure.

• Compliance with VPO, SHE, and Quality standards.

• Housekeeping and 5S standard adherence.

Minimum Requirements

• 3 year relevant diploma/degree

• 3+ years Warehouse and or logistics experience advantageous

• Highly level computer user (MS Office, Oasis, Handheld devices)

• SAP proficient

• Good interpersonal skills / builds good relationships

• Superior planning ability

• Ability to work under pressure

• Good verbal and communication skills

• Good self-management practices

• Strong achievement orientation

• Ability to adapt to and implement change effectively

• Excellent coaching capability

Additional Information:

• Band: VII

SAB is an equal opportunity employer, and all appointments will be made in line with SAB employment equity plan and talent requirements. The advert has minimum requirements listed. Management reserves the right to use additional/ relevant information as criteria for short listing.