Stock Controller / Warehouse Manager

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POSITION INFO:
Our client, a well-established manufacturer based in Gqeberha, is seeking an experienced and hands-on Stock Controller \/ Warehouse Manager to oversee all warehouse, inventory, purchasing, and logistics functions. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring accurate stock control, efficient warehouse operations, timely procurement of production and non-production materials, and effective coordination of logistics. This role plays a critical part in supporting uninterrupted production while maintaining high standards of operational efficiency, inventory accuracy, and customer service. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader with strong organisational skills, sound commercial awareness, and proven experience managing warehouse operations within a manufacturing environment. Key Responsibilities Stock Control Maintain accurate inventory records for raw materials, finished goods, consumables, and packaging materials. Ensure stock transactions are processed accurately and timeously. Perform daily, weekly, monthly, and annual stock counts. Investigate, reconcile, and resolve stock variances. Monitor stock levels and implement effective inventory control measures. Maintain optimal stock levels to support uninterrupted production. Ensure FIFO (First In, First Out) stock rotation principles are adhered to. Assist with internal and external stock audits. Warehouse Management Manage the day-to-day operations of the warehouse. Supervise receiving, storage, picking, packing, and dispatch activities. Ensure all incoming and outgoing stock is accurately recorded. Optimise warehouse layout and storage utilisation. Maintain a clean, organised, and safe warehouse environment. Ensure compliance with company procedures and warehouse best practices. Monitor equipment and arrange maintenance where required. Purchasing Production Purchasing Purchase raw materials required for manufacturing. Monitor production stock levels and replenish materials proactively. Liaise with production planning to ensure material availability. Source alternative suppliers where necessary. Obtain quotations and negotiate competitive pricing. Non-Production Purchasing Purchase maintenance items, consumables, office supplies, PPE, and general operational requirements. Maintain approved supplier databases. Process purchase orders and follow up on deliveries. Ensure purchasing is completed within approved budgets. Logistics Coordinate all incoming and outgoing deliveries. Schedule customer deliveries and supplier collections. Liaise with transport companies and courier services. Ensure on-time dispatch of customer orders. Monitor transport costs and identify opportunities for savings. Resolve logistics-related issues promptly. Production Support Work closely with the Production Department to ensure continuous availability of raw materials. Assist with production planning through accurate inventory forecasting. Ensure production downtime due to stock shortages is minimised. Monitor inventory consumption trends and recommend stock adjustments. Team Management Lead, supervise, and motivate a warehouse team of approximately 10 employees. Allocate daily workloads and monitor productivity. Conduct staff training and development. Manage attendance, leave, overtime, and performance. Conduct performance reviews and disciplinary processes where required. Promote teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement. Administration & Reporting Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly inventory reports. Maintain accurate warehouse documentation. Ensure purchase orders, goods received notes, delivery notes, and stock records are correctly processed. Monitor warehouse KPIs and report on operational performance. Assist with budgeting and cost control initiatives. Health, Safety & Compliance Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations. Maintain safe warehouse operating procedures. Ensure housekeeping standards are consistently maintained. Conduct regular safety inspections. Promote a strong culture of safety and compliance. Minimum Requirements Grade 12 (Matric). Diploma or qualification in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Warehouse Management, Procurement, or a related field will be advantageous. Minimum of 5 years' experience in warehouse management within a manufacturing environment. Proven experience in stock control and inventory management. Experience with production and non-production purchasing. Strong logistics and distribution coordination experience. Previous supervisory or management experience. Valid driver's licence and own reliable transport. Knowledge & Experience Manufacturing warehouse operations. Inventory management systems. Purchasing and supplier management. Logistics and transport coordination. Stock reconciliation and variance investigations. ERP systems (Syspro, Sage, SAP, Palladium or similar). Microsoft Excel (Intermediate to Advanced). Health & Safety regulations. Budget control and cost management. Key Skills & Competencies Strong leadership and people management skills. Excellent organisational and planning ability. High level of attention to detail and accuracy. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Negotiation and supplier relationship management. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Sound commercial and financial awareness. Decision-making and accountability. Strong administrative and reporting skills. Continuous improvement mindset. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Inventory accuracy. Stock variance percentage. Warehouse efficiency and productivity. On-time supplier deliveries. On-time customer dispatch performance. Production downtime due to material shortages. Purchasing cost savings. Warehouse housekeeping and safety compliance. Staff productivity and attendance. Budget adherence. Salary Market-related and dependent on qualifications and experience. Ideal Candidate Profile The successful candidate will be a practical, hands-on warehouse professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. They will possess strong inventory control and purchasing expertise, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to lead a warehouse team effectively. The ideal individual will be proactive, detail-oriented, commercially aware, and committed to maintaining efficient warehouse operations while supporting uninterrupted production and exceptional customer service.