DC Operations Manager - Midrand DC

Description
The DC Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all distribution center activities to ensure efficient, accurate, and compliant operations. They manage inventory control, lead operational teams, and implement process improvements to optimize workflow and reduce costs. Additionally, they monitor performance metrics, enforce safety standards, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to support operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily distribution center operations to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. 
• Lead and manage all operational activities within the Distribution Centre, ensuring the efficient flow of goods from receipt through to dispatch.
• Drive operational excellence by delivering productivity, service, quality, and cost targets in line with business objectives.
• Oversee inbound, inventory, fulfilment, outbound, and returns operations to ensure seamless execution across the DC.
• Ensure the safe, accurate, and efficient receipt, storage, picking, packing, and distribution of inventory.
• Monitor and manage operational performance through the effective use of KPIs, reporting, and data analysis.
• Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives to optimise processes, reduce costs, and improve service delivery.
• Manage inventory accuracy through effective stock control, cycle counting, reconciliation, and governance processes.
• Drive labour planning and resource allocation to ensure optimal productivity and operational efficiency.
• Lead and develop operational teams, creating a high-performance culture focused on accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, company policies, operational standards, and audit requirements.
• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support operational objectives and service delivery.
• Oversee Warehouse Management System (WMS) processes and ensure effective utilisation of operational systems.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve warehouse layout, storage utilisation, workflow efficiency, and capacity management.
• Prepare and present operational reports, performance reviews, and improvement recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support strategic projects, business growth initiatives, and operational scalability within the Distribution Centre network.
   

Qualifications

• Relevant Degree or Diploma in a related field 

• Degree or Diploma in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management, Business Management would be advantageous. 

• 5 years' experience within Outbound Distribution Centre Operations.

•  Minimum 5 years people management experience.

•  Experience managing teams of 30+ employees within a high-volume distribution centre environment.

• Strong experience working with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including reporting and operational analysis.

• Proven experience managing operational budgets, labour planning, and productivity targets.

• Experience within an eCommerce fulfilment environment would be advantageous.

• Understanding of health, safety, and compliance regulations within a distribution environment.

Skills:

• Outbound Operations Management
• Distribution Centre Operations
• Warehouse Operations
• Picking, Packing & Dispatch Management
• Workforce Planning & Labour Management
• Budget Management & Cost Control
• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
• Microsoft Excel
• KPI & Performance Management
• Productivity Management
• Operational Reporting & Data Analysis
• Continuous Improvement
• Process Optimisation
• Stakeholder Management

 

Behaviours:

• Being Resilient - rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.
• Building Effective Teams - forms, develops and leads a group of individuals toward the achievement of a common team objective
• Builds Networks - establishes and nurtures internal and external relationships in order to create robust, and mutually beneficial, partnerships
• Cultivates Innovation - creates an environment that fosters and nurtures a culture of creativity which drives success
• Decision Quality - consistently makes timely, well-rounded and informed decisions
• Decision Quality - consistently makes timely, well-rounded and informed decisions
• Ensures Accountability - takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets
• Manages Complexity - interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems
• Organisational Savvy - understands and navigates dynamics created by processes, systems, and people
• Situational Adaptability - effectively adjusts their behaviour, approach, and decision-making based on the situation
• Strategic Mindset - thinks and plans strategically, focusing on the long-term goals and objectives of the organisation

 

Preference will be given, but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.