Job Summary
A National Hotel Group requires a Warehouse Manager for their central distribution warehouse in the East London, Eastern Cape region. Responsible for the overall management and efficient operation of the warehouse and distribution function, including the safe receipt, storage, stock control, picking, packing and dispatch of goods to hotels and properties nationwide. The role oversees warehouse staff, fleet and delivery operations, supplier coordination, inventory accuracy, butchery and meat distribution, health and safety, food safety, security and compliance, while ensuring high service levels,operational efficiency and effective cost control. KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS: 1. Warehouse Operations & Distribution Manage the overall day-to-day operations of the central warehouse and distribution function. Ensure all orders are accurately picked, checked, packed and dispatched according to individual property requirements. Ensure goods are dispatched within agreed timelines and in accordance with approved orders. Coordinate the efficient distribution of goods to hotels and other properties nationwide. Ensure that all deliveries are properly documented and acknowledged by the receiving property. Monitor and resolve discrepancies relating to orders, deliveries, shortages, damages and incorrect items. Continuously review warehouse processes to improve efficiency, productivity and service levels. Ensure the warehouse is organised, clean and maintained to an appropriate operational standard. 2. Stock Control & Inventory Management Maintain accurate stock levels for all warehouse commodities, including non-perishable food, consumables, cleaning products, paper products, serviettes and other supplies. Ensure effective stock rotation using appropriate stock rotation principles, including FIFO where applicable. Conduct regular stock counts and investigate and resolve stock variances. Maintain stock levels in accordance with business requirements and approved minimum/maximum stock levels. Monitor slow-moving, obsolete, damaged and excess stock and report accordingly. Ensure all stock movements are accurately recorded and properly authorised. Implement measures to minimise stock losses, wastage, damage and shrinkage. Ensure adequate and appropriate storage of all goods to prevent contamination, damage, deterioration or loss. Maintain accurate inventory records and provide regular stock reports to Management. 3. Butchery & Meat Distribution Oversee the effective operation of the warehouse butchery/meat supply function. Ensure meat orders are accurately prepared and dispatched according to property requirements. Ensure appropriate storage, handling, temperature control and rotation of meat and other temperature sensitive products. Monitor stock levels, wastage, yield and stock variances within the butchery. Ensure all applicable food safety, hygiene and handling procedures are consistently followed. Ensure appropriate cleaning and sanitation standards are maintained within the butchery and associated storage areas. Escalate any food safety, quality or product concerns to Management immediately. 4. Procurement & Supplier Management Assist Management with supplier negotiations and the sourcing of products where required. Monitor supplier performance in respect of pricing, quality, availability and delivery times. Ensure orders placed with suppliers are aligned with business requirements and approved purchasing procedures. Monitor shortages, back orders, price changes and supplier-related issues. Build and maintain professional relationships with key suppliers. Identify opportunities to improve purchasing efficiency and control costs. 5. Fleet & Delivery Management Plan and maintain an efficient delivery schedule for all warehouse vehicles. Coordinate daily delivery routes and ensure vehicles are allocated appropriately. Ensure delivery vehicles are roadworthy, clean, maintained and serviced according to required schedules. Monitor vehicle maintenance, licensing, inspections, repairs and related documentation. Monitor fuel usage and vehicle-related operating costs. Ensure drivers comply with company policies, road safety requirements and delivery procedures. Monitor delivery performance and address delays, missed deliveries and vehicle-related disruptions. Ensure appropriate procedures are followed in the event of accidents, breakdowns or other vehicle incidents. 6. Staff Management & Performance Manage; supervise and provide leadership to all warehouse, dispatch, butchery and relevant distribution staff. Ensure appropriate staffing levels to meet operational requirements. Participate in recruitment, selection, induction and training of employees. Allocate duties and responsibilities effectively and monitor staff productivity. Conduct regular performance discussions and formal performance appraisals. Address absenteeism, misconduct, poor performance and disciplinary matters in accordance with company procedures and applicable legislation. Identify training and development requirements. Promote teamwork, accountability, professionalism and a service-focused culture. Ensure employees comply with company policies, procedures and operational standards. 7. Hotel & Property Service Delivery Maintain effective working relationships with General Managers, Operations Managers, Chefs, Finance and other relevant Management at the properties. Maintain an up-to-date understanding of the operational requirements and purchasing needs of the hotels. Ensure properties receive accurate and timely deliveries in accordance with agreed requirements. Respond promptly to property queries, complaints and delivery-related concerns. Monitor service levels and identify recurring issues affecting properties. Work closely with property Management to improve the efficiency of the central distribution function. 8. Financial & Administrative Control Ensure accurate invoicing and allocation of goods supplied to each property. Ensure all supporting documentation is accurate, complete and properly filed. Monitor warehouse-related costs and identify opportunities for cost savings. Ensure purchase orders, delivery notes, invoices, stock records and other relevant documentation are properly maintained. Provide Management with accurate and timely operational, stock, delivery and other reports as required. Ensure all warehouse transactions and documentation comply with company procedures and internal controls. 9. Health, Safety, Food Safety & Compliance Maintain a safe working environment throughout the warehouse, loading areas, cold storage areas, butchery and dispatch areas. Ensure compliance with applicable Health and Safety requirements and company policies. Conduct regular inspections and ensure identified hazards are addressed promptly. Ensure appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided and used where required. Ensure employees are appropriately trained in safe working practices. Maintain appropriate food safety, hygiene, temperature control and handling standards for all applicable products. Ensure incidents, accidents and safety concerns are reported and managed appropriately. Maintain appropriate security procedures to minimise theft, unauthorised access and stock losses. 10. Facilities, Equipment & Warehouse Maintenance Ensure all warehouse equipment, storage facilities, refrigeration/cold storage equipment and operational areas are properly maintained. Report and follow up on maintenance requirements promptly. Maintain appropriate housekeeping standards throughout the warehouse. Ensure racking, shelving, storage areas and loading facilities are safe and fit for purpose. Coordinate preventative maintenance where applicable. Ensure breakdowns or equipment failures are escalated and addressed with minimal disruption to operations. 11. Reporting, Communication & Management Support Submit accurate and timely reports as required by Management. Provide regular updates on stock levels, stock variances, deliveries, fleet, supplier issues, operational challenges and staffing matters. Attend relevant Management and operational meetings. Communicate operational issues promptly and recommend appropriate corrective action. Keep Management informed of risks, shortages, delays, losses, incidents and other matters that may impact hotel operations. Carry out reasonable instructions and additional duties as assigned by Management. 12. Continuous Improvement & Cost Control Identify opportunities to improve warehouse efficiency, stock accuracy, delivery performance and service levels. Monitor and control operational costs without compromising service, quality or safety. Review warehouse procedures regularly and recommend improvements. Implement appropriate controls to reduce wastage, stock losses, unnecessary transport costs and operational inefficiencies. Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy, efficiency and continuous improvement. SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES REQUIRED High level of integrity, honesty and accountability. Strong leadership and people management skills. Excellent organisational, planning and time-management skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with employees, Management, hotel properties, suppliers and service providers at all levels. Strong stock control and inventory management skills. Strong analytical and numerical skills with attention to detail. Financial awareness and ability to manage and control operational costs. Good reporting, record-keeping and administrative skills. Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Ability to prioritise tasks and manage multiple operational requirements simultaneously. Ability to anticipate operational requirements and plan accordingly. Strong negotiation and supplier management skills. Ability to manage and coordinate delivery schedules, fleet requirements and logistics. Ability to identify operational inefficiencies and implement practical solutions. Reliable; dependable and able to take ownership and accountability for responsibilities. Ability to lead, motivate, coach and develop employees. Ability to handle conflict and manage employee relations matters professionally. Customer-service focused, with the ability to maintain positive relationships with hotel properties. Physically capable of working in a warehouse environment and able to meet the operational demands of the position. Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to respond effectively to changing operational requirements. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Grade 12 / Matric. Diploma or qualification in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Warehousing, Operations Management or a related field will be advantageous. Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a warehouse, logistics, distribution or supply chain environment. Minimum 2–3 years’ experience in a supervisory or management position. Experience managing warehouse staff and daily warehouse operations. Experience in stock control, stock taking, stock rotation and inventory management. Experience coordinating deliveries, logistics and vehicle/fleet operations. Experience working with food, FMCG, hospitality supplies or a similar environment will be advantageous. Good working knowledge of Google workspace REVIEW CRITERIA Stock accuracy and control. Order accuracy and timely dispatch. On-time delivery performance. Stock losses, wastage and variances. Fleet and vehicle maintenance. Staff performance, attendance and productivity. Warehouse; food safety, Health & Safety and housekeeping standards. Accuracy and timeliness of reporting and administration. Supplier and hotel/property service levels. Cost control and operational efficiency.