Purpose of the role

Oversee and optimize the entire Inventory Supply Chain, developing and implementing strategies to ensure efficient and accurate Inventory management. This role involves managing inventory, while driving process improvements and leading a team of logistics professionals

Role and responsibilities

Inventory Planning

• Developing and implementing inventory strategies that align with business goals, optimizing the supply chain, and managing all aspects of Inventory operations.

Inventory Analysis

• Analyses on current inventory holding verses historical, in conjunction with stock takes, cycle counts, movements, problem solving and identifying areas of improvement.

Inventory Management

• Monitoring and measuring inventory levels, ensuring timely and accurate stock availability, and minimizing inventory costs.

Staff Management

• Responsible for managing Inventory department employees and communication flow links between the DC and Head office.

Team Leadership

• Leading and managing a team of logistics professionals, providing guidance, training, and performance management.

Health & Safety Compliance:

• Ensuring storage compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.

Collaboration

• Collaborating with other departments, such as Merch, Planning and Operations, to ensure seamless Inventory control.

Technical Competencies

• Strong understanding of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and warehouse operational processes.
• Ability to analyze transaction flows and identify process or system failures.
• Experience working with RF scanning devices, inventory control processes, and warehouse system reporting.
• Ability to interpret system-generated reports and investigate stock variances and operational exceptions.
• Advanced problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills.

WMS (Warehouse Management System) Responsibilities:

• Serve as the first line of support for operational and user-related WMS issues within the Distribution Centre.
• Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve WMS queries affecting Receiving, Put-away, Picking, Packing, Dispatch, Stock Transfers, and Cycle Counts.
• Monitor system transactions to ensure inventory accuracy and identify root causes of stock discrepancies.
• Assist users with WMS navigation, transaction processing, RF scanner issues, and system-related operational challenges.
• Escalate technical WMS defects, integration failures, and system performance issues to the IT or system support teams, while tracking resolution progress.
• Validate and maintain the integrity of warehouse master data, including locations, storage bins, cartons, pallets, and stock statuses.
• Ensure all warehouse transactions are processed accurately and timeously within the WMS to maintain stock visibility and traceability.
• Analyze WMS exception reports and transaction logs to identify trends, recurring issues, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Support the implementation, testing, and user acceptance of new WMS functionality, enhancements, and process changes.
• Train and coach warehouse staff on correct WMS procedures and enforce adherence to system controls and standard operating procedures.
• Collaborate with IT, Planning, Inventory Control, and Operations teams to resolve cross-functional system and process issues.
• Monitor user compliance with WMS processes and recommend corrective actions to improve operational efficiency and inventory accuracy.
• Produce and analyze (and suggest new reports) WMS operational reports and KPIs relating to productivity, inventory accuracy, picking performance, receiving performance, and user activity.

Qualifications and experience

• Grade 12 (essential)
• Tertiary qualification relevant to the role
• 5-7 years of experience in logistics, supply chain management, or a related field, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership or management role.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills (essential)
• Strong knowledge of logistics