Inventory Manager

SUMMARY:

Inventory Manager
Location: Cornubia, Durban

Role Purpose

POSITION INFO:

Work Experience Required

• 7–10 years’ experience in Inventory Management within a warehousing and distribution environment, preferably in QSR and FMCG sectors
• 8–10 years’ experience in Warehousing and Distribution
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Stock Management
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in People Management

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric) – compulsory
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Supply Chain Management or similar
• Strong knowledge of Warehousing & Distribution, Transport, FMCG, and QSR operations
• Intermediate to advanced computer literacy (MS Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Advanced Warehouse Management System (WMS) and GP system experience

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Ensure all costs (labour, MHE repairs & maintenance, stock losses) are captured in the month incurred
• Accrue unprocessed costs within the relevant period
• Maintain inventory department expenditure within approved budget
• Analyse and explain variances between budget and actual expenditure
• Investigate cost overruns and implement corrective actions
• Provide input into the annual inventory budget

Operational Management

• Ensure stock replenishment is completed before picking commences
• Verify correct stock placement according to WMS
• Maintain adherence to stock rotation principles

• Ensure all inventory is correctly labelled prior to storage
• Confirm all receipted stock is put away daily in the correct location

Inventory Control

• Support product recall processes when required
• Maintain WMS master data (new SKUs, warehouse slots, pick slot assignments)
• Ensure timely transaction posting affecting stock (e.g., adjustments)
• Conduct daily stock accuracy checks, including pick slot counts and empty bin verification
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies promptly

• Manage expired, damaged, or short shelf-life products through proper segregation and disposal
• Ensure all adjustments are recorded immediately in the system

• Manage supplier returns effectively
• Monitor expiry dates across all stock locations
• Reconcile inter-DC transactions within 48 hours
• Control stock movement between local and export locations
• Ensure accurate reconciliation of consignment stock

Stock Counts & Reporting

• Develop and implement a monthly stock count plan
• Communicate stock count schedules to relevant stakeholders
• Maintain accurate record-keeping of stock count documentation
• Investigate and resolve stock variances within 48 hours

Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of inventory flow and its operational impact
• In-depth knowledge of stock control systems and data integrity
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (English)
• High level of accountability and attention to detail
• Strong time management and organisational skills
• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Analytical and problem-solving mindset
• Strong numerical accuracy
• Effective planning and team leadership abilities
• Excellent people management and communication skills