Inventory Manager - Head Office - Edenvale at Signature Cosmetics

What is the purpose of this job?

• Manage, direct, and monitor stock control for the organisation including the development, performance and maintenance of stock control procedures ensuring the accuracy of stock levels and the optimisation of inventory software functionality and reporting.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Draft and ensure that the Stock Take Audit Calendar is in place and effectively communicated.
• Effectively manage stock take cycles and the stock reconciliation process in retail outlets and address actions required.
• Effectively manage cycle counts and the identification of items to be counted, including but not limited to high volume items, and results from stock takes.
• Complete a trend analysis per store to identify stock variances and highlight areas of concern.
• Conduct investigation into stock variances and identify whether the cause of the shrinkage is known or unknown.
• Address incidences of process non-compliance and capturing errors with relevant parties
• Handover shrinkage cases where further investigation is required to Risk and Compliance
• Ensure the optimisation of inventory software and reporting functionality to ensure stock optimisation and that no out-of-stocks occur.
• Ensure the effective utilisation of the stock take app and available reports including but not limited to Stock-On-Hand, Write-Offs, Variance Report
• Work closely with other departments including but not limited to BI, IT, Marketing, Warehouse and Retail outlets to effectively manage stock levels including the return of stock from closed stores.
• Ensure that stock control procedures are designed, communicated, utilised and reviewed across all locations
• Ensure processes are in place and systems effectively utilised to optimise stock levels across all locations
• Review all stock management procedures and provide guidance and advise on their effectiveness
• Ensure that the stock take prepping countdown schedule is provided and address any non-adherence by Regional, Area Managers and or store management to the stock take prepping countdown schedule prior to each stock take cycle
• Assess and where identified, improve the stock take preparation procedures and discuss with the National Operations and Sales Manager and Risk Compliance Manager prior to implementation.
• Conduct regular audits of stock take procedures to improve the accuracy of stock takes at stores, the warehouse and Autograph, advise the relevant manager of any irregularities and discuss recommendations.
• Ensure relevant training on all stock take procedures is conducted.
• Setup and review the bimonthly stock take and reconciliation process and monitor retail outlet and warehouse shrinkage and identified irregular stock movement.
• Address reoccurring inventory or system queries to reduce variances and improve the accuracy of stock take results and system SOHs.
• Ensure the accuracy of user reports drawn from Retail and or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and actively seeks ways to improve visibility of data, utilising for example, dash boards, charts, reports etc.
• Ensure that the stock take reconciliation reporting deadlines are strictly adhered to, and all queries are resolved by the required dates.
• Utilise trends and conduct surprise counts in problematic retail outlets and work with the National Sales and Operations Manager and Risk and Compliance Manager on investigations into stock irregularities.
• Constantly assess and implement new technologies that can be used to simplify and improve efficiencies in the stock take and reporting process.  

COMPETENCIES

What competencies do you require?

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES/COMPETENCIES

What behaviours are you required to display in this role?

• Commitment to the customer (internal and external), the brand and the organisation
• High performance, delivery focused, and goal driven
• Analytical and logical thinking
• Numerical skills
• Decision making and problem-solving skills
• Attention to details and strong organisation skills
• Able to identify operational obstacles and opportunities
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances and requirements
• Leadership skills and ability to work with diverse teams

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
Systems, processes, and technical competencies:

• Knowledge of relevant computer packages (e.g., F&O, MS Office), able to capture information and produce reports based on the ERP and WMS systems
• Knowledge of and process understanding of warehouse, inventory processes, financial, shipping processes
• Understanding of process compliance

Finance and Business:

• Understanding of business measures and targets directly relating to own role
• Ability to analyse and interpret finance and performance indicators.
• Able to scrutinize and interpret written and inventory documentation, identify mistakes and problems.

Health and Safety:

• Understanding of relevant legislation and own role in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment

Customer:

• Understanding of the impact of own role on service delivery to internal and external customers
• Customer service mindset

People:

• (Only utilised for positions with direct reports)
• Understanding of relevant legislation, Human Resource Policies and Procedures
• Knowledge of Performance Appraisal System
• Knowledge of Employee Relations Procedures

Self:

• Able to work flexible hours in line with business requirements
• Able to travel within South Africa and cross border
• Valid Passport
• Driver’s License: code 10

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS

What theoretical knowledge (e.g. degree / diploma) does the job require?

• Grade 12 required.
• A BSc, BA or related Degree or Diploma in Supply Chain, Logistics, Warehouse Management, Business Administration, or related is required.

What experience (e.g. previous exposure) does the job require?

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar role in a retail environment is required
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience managing a team
• Organising stock takes, end to end, experience is required.
• Working experience with demand forecasting is required.
• Solid knowledge of data analysis, inventory management systems is required.
• Experience working with Warehouse and or Inventory Management systems and computer applications is required.
• Experience with cost analytics and quality assurance is required.