Departmental Manager _ Montague Gardens at Clicks Group

Introduction

• We are seeking an experienced Departmental Manager to oversee operational performance within our Distribution Centre, with responsibility for supporting inventory processes.
• This role focuses on leading the team to deliver efficient operations, adherence to SOPs, and accurate reporting, while ensuring a safe and productive working environment.
• The successful candidate will have operational experience in a Distribution Centre and basic knowledge of inventory management processes.

Job description

Operational & Process Leadership

• Lead and direct the department to ensure full compliance with company SOPs, operational cut-offs, audit standards, and reporting requirements.
• Oversee receiving, put-away, bin maintenance, replenishment, picking validation, dispatch, returns, and reverse logistics processes.
• Ensure accurate, on-time deliveries with minimal damages and effective communication across the supply chain.
• Analyse operational data to identify trends, drive efficiencies, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Inventory Management & Stock Accuracy

• Lead all inventory control processes, including PERP (cycle counting), variance investigations, exception management, and corrective actions.
• Ensure high levels of stock accuracy through structured daily, weekly, and monthly controls.
• Monitor and validate system-to-physical variances, ensuring accurate adjustments and strong audit trails.
• Maintain integrity of WMS/WCS parameters (min/max levels, replenishment triggers, automation interfaces).
• Manage shrinkage, damages, ageing stock, dormant stock, and unexplained losses through root-cause analysis and preventative controls.

Financial & Asset Control

• Achieve agreed financial and operational targets, including shrinkage reduction, damage control, and productivity improvement.
• Ensure effective labour utilisation to meet budget requirements.
• Control and safeguard company assets (scanners, equipment, racking, machinery).
• Drive cost containment through reduced rework, improved accuracy, and prevention of write-offs.

People Management & Leadership

• Lead, develop, and manage the Inventory and Operations teams to deliver high performance.
• Manage performance reviews, talent development, disciplinary processes, and employee wellness.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and workforce planning.
• Conduct weekly engagements with labour brokers to address performance, scheduling, labour shortages, damages, and cost approvals.
• Coach teams on compliance, accuracy disciplines, system usage, and operational best practices.
• Embed and promote the Company’s Values in all leadership practices.

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and resolve systemic operational and inventory issues including mis-picks, bin discrepancies, replenishment errors, automation failures, and stock variances.
• Lead daily exception reviews and implement corrective actions.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Receiving, Replenishment, Dispatch, Automation, QA, Buying, and Supply Planning teams.

Reporting & Governance

• Produce structured operational and inventory reports covering KPIs, shrinkage trends, cycle count performance, high-risk SKUs, and compliance metrics.
• Present insights and recommendations to senior management.
• Ensure audit readiness at all times.
• Enforce strict adherence to pharmaceutical wholesale standards and internal governance requirements.

Stakeholder & External Engagement

• Engage internal stakeholders (Stores, Buying, Supply Planning, QA, Automation) to resolve discrepancies and improve service delivery.
• Liaise with suppliers, vendors, labour brokers, and service providers regarding damages, credits, returns, and stock issues.
• Maintain strong working relationships to support business performance and service excellence.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce all health, safety, and emergency procedures.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and compliant working environment.
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory and hazardous stock handling requirements.

Minimum requirements

Job Related Skills

• Strong operational planning, coordination, and organisational skills
• Team leadership, coaching, and people development skills
• Analytical ability to interpret operational statistics and KPIs
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Computer literacy, including intermediate Excel and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS/WCS)
• Stakeholder engagement and influencing skills

Job Knowledge

• Distribution Centre operations: receiving, replenishment, picking, dispatch, returns
• Basic inventory control processes (cycle counting, stock movements, reporting)
• Standard operating procedures (SOPs) and compliance requirements
• Health & Safety regulations and safe working practices
• Labour management principles, performance management, and workforce planning

Minimum Qualifications

• Essential: Matric (Grade 12)
• Desirable: Relevant Tertiary Qualification

Minimum Experience

• Essential: 3 - 5 Years in a Distribution Centre 
• Minimum 3 years in a supervisory or management role

Key Competencies

• Delivering Results and Meeting Expectations
• Leading and Supervising
• Planning and Organising
• Analysing and Interpreting Data
• Applying Expertise and Technology
• Decision-Making and Initiating Action
• Adhering to Principles and Values
• Relating and Networking