Warehouse Controller at The South African Breweries (SAB)

Key Roles and responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance to 5's Standard within and around Warehouse Operation and show results evolution
• Cascade all Global policies and ensure compliance to them
• Implement and design the management cycle e.g. Business Descriptions, SLA's, Process Maps, KPI Indicators and ensure compliance with all warehouse staff and show results evolution
• Develop and continuously validate SOP's through management routines by using tools and ensure understanding by all warehouse employees (LnA,SCL OWD)
• Team rooms managed and updated through routine meetings to solve problems and drive performance
• Develop and maintain MCRS routines and track adherence there off through MCL/SCL
• Use problem solving tools e.g. 5 WHY, Abnormality Reports, SIC, OPLs, RACI's, OWD's, PDCA's, etc. to develop action plans to show improvement on PI's and KPI’s
• Cascade KPI's and PI's to individual warehouse employee level, standardize the KPI/PI achievements and monitor individual targets
• Insure adherence to best practice generation process and execute approved projects and show result evolution
• Make use of GOP's linked to warehouse KPI's and insure 75% score is achieved
• Utilize GAPA and PDCA for chronic abnormality's and execute actions derived from analysis

Inventory

• Ensure daily compliance of inventory counts
• Ensure compliance to inventory policy and use management tools to close gaps
• Insure compliance to Quality Policy and use management tools to close gaps
• Manage the process on how to destroy and write off obsolete product in compliance with legal/environmental requirements
• Identify the root cause of inventory count variances and put action plans in place through problem solving tools to improve the Inventory accuracy KPI
• Reduce Supply Chain Overheads through the utilization of problem-solving tools and management of stock age KPI’s
• Track and trend operating variances within in the warehouse and utilize management tools to improve results

FG Warehouse Management

• Manage Finished Goods warehouse operations to ensure the safe, accurate, and efficient storage and movement of stock.
• Ensure stock counting activities (cycle counts and stock takes) are completed as per schedule and that inventory accuracy targets are achieved.
• Investigate inventory variances and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Ensure compliance with all stacking standards, storage requirements, and warehouse housekeeping standards.
• Maintain adherence to quality standards and ensure products are stored, handled, and dispatched in line with company and regulatory requirements.
• Manage the interface between Packaging and Logistics functions to ensure seamless product flow and minimise operational disruptions.
• Ensure timely receipt, storage, replenishment, and dispatch of finished goods in accordance with production and customer requirements.
• Monitor inventory ageing, product rotation, and stock governance to minimise risk and product write-offs.
• Manage MBFU (Market Beer Forecasting Unit) performance and inventory balancing processes.
• Hold supplying sites accountable for stock availability, inventory accuracy, and service level commitments relating to finished goods supply.
• Resolve stock and supply-related issues with supplying sites to ensure continuity of customer service.
• Ensure compliance with all SAP inventory management processes and controls for finished goods.
• Participate in cross-functional reviews to optimise warehouse capacity utilisation and supply chain performance.
• Ensure all finished goods warehouse activities comply with Safety, Quality, Food Safety, Environmental, and VPO standards.

Key Deliverables

• Finished Goods inventory accuracy.
• Stock count and reconciliation compliance.
• Warehouse stacking and storage compliance.
• Quality and product integrity compliance.
• Effective Packaging-to-Logistics interface management.
• MBFU management and performance.
• Supplying site accountability and service level adherence.
• Warehouse safety, housekeeping, and operational excellence.

Raw Materials Management

• Manage Packaging Raw Materials and Brewing Raw Materials inventory to ensure uninterrupted production.
• Interpret and implement Packaging Production Plans to ensure timely raw material availability.
• Track supplier deliveries and ensure materials are received according to schedule.
• Receive goods and ensure all Goods Receipt Notes (GRNs) are processed and closed out timeously in SAP.
• Maintain stock accuracy through regular cycle counts, stock verification, and reconciliation activities.
• Ensure SAP inventory transactions are accurately processed and maintained.
• Maintain responsibility for SAP master data accuracy relating to raw materials and packaging materials.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with MRP (Material Requirements Planning) KPIs.
• Conduct material stock reconciliation audits and investigate discrepancies.
• Investigate, report, and implement corrective actions to minimize material losses, waste, and overspend.
• Manage promotional packaging material requirements and production runs.
• Support new material introductions, packaging trials, and innovation projects as required.
• Ensure compliance with all internal and external audit requirements.
• Assist with the implementation and sustainment of VPO Pillar initiatives and standards.
• Provide information and actively participate in situational and systemic problem-solving activities.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety, Quality, and Hygiene standards.

Additional Operational Responsibilities

• Manage the site's FLT (Forklift Truck) fleet to ensure operational readiness, compliance, and maintenance.
• Manage service contractors and suppliers as required to support warehouse operations.
• Track and trend all operating variances within in the warehouse and utilize management tools to improve results

3PL (Third-Party Logistics) Management

• Manage third-party logistics providers to ensure service delivery meets operational requirements.
• Develop, monitor, and enforce Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with service providers.
• Conduct regular performance reviews against agreed KPIs and contractual obligations.
• Ensure appropriate labour and resource planning to support operational requirements.
• Monitor productivity, cost, and service performance of outsourced resources.
• Ensure all contractor personnel comply with site safety, quality, food safety, and environmental standards.
• Conduct regular safety audits and inspections of service provider operations.
• Escalate and resolve service delivery issues to minimise operational disruptions.
• Foster strong working relationships with service providers to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

People Management

• Lead, motivate, and develop the warehouse team to achieve operational objectives.
• Ensure SKAP objectives are implemented, tracked, and reviewed regularly.
• Manage employee performance through regular performance reviews, goal setting, and feedback.
• Ensure team members understand and achieve departmental KPIs and performance standards.
• Identify training needs and coordinate appropriate development interventions.
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and support to improve individual and team capability.
• Ensure effective workforce planning and resource allocation within the team.
• Promote employee engagement and a high-performance culture.
• Drive compliance with company policies, procedures, and behavioural standards.
• Support talent development and succession planning initiatives.
• Facilitate effective communication and teamwork across warehouse and supply chain functions.
• Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and housekeeping standards within the team.

Continuous Improvement & VPO

• Implement and sustain VPO (Voyager Plant Optimisation) principles and practices within the Warehouse function.
• Drive VPO Pillar implementation across Packaging Raw Materials, Brewing Raw Materials and Brewlogs management processes.
• Own and lead the Logistics Pillar, ensuring compliance with VPO standards, routines, and scorecard requirements.
• Support the Management & People Pillar through the effective execution of management routines, people development processes, and engagement activities aligned to VPO principles.
• Facilitate and participate in VPO audits, assessments, and benchmarking activities.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to improve warehouse efficiency, inventory management, service levels, cost control, and safety performance.
• Identify, analyse, and eliminate losses within warehouse and logistics operations through structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Utilise VPO tools and routines to drive process stability, standardisation, and operational excellence.
• Ensure action plans arising from VPO assessments, audits, and reviews are implemented and closed out within agreed timelines.
• Lead and facilitate root cause analysis and corrective action implementation for operational losses and performance gaps.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement through employee involvement, capability building, and ownership.
• Monitor and report VPO performance indicators and ensure achievement of Logistics Pillar objectives.
• Promote best practice sharing and implementation across warehouse, logistics, packaging, and brewing interfaces.
• Support cross-functional teams in delivering sustainable improvement projects aligned to site and supply chain objectives.
• Ensure visual management systems, standards, and operational controls are maintained in accordance with VPO requirements.

Quality & Safety Management

• Champion a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with all company Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) standards.
• Ensure all warehouse activities are conducted in accordance with applicable safety legislation, company standards, and VPO requirements.
• Drive compliance with Food Safety, Hygiene, Quality standards.
• Manage Stock Age Index & Ensure 100% compliance to blocking.
• Conduct regular workplace inspections, safety observations, and risk assessments to identify and mitigate hazards.
• Ensure all incidents, near misses, and non-conformances are reported, investigated, and corrective actions implemented.
• Lead safety and quality routines, meetings, and action plan reviews within the warehouse.
• Ensure safe operation, inspection, and maintenance of warehouse equipment, including FLTs and material handling equipment.
• Monitor contractor and 3PL compliance with all site safety, quality, and food safety requirements.
• Ensure warehouse housekeeping standards are maintained in line with 5S and VPO requirements.
• Support internal and external audits and ensure timely closure of audit findings and corrective actions.
• Ensure product quality is maintained through correct storage, stock rotation, handling, and transportation practices.
• Promote employee awareness and adherence to safety, quality, and food safety standards through coaching and training.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing safety incidents, quality defects, and operational risks.

Key Deliverables

• Zero harm and safety compliance.
• Food Safety compliance.
• Quality and product integrity assurance.
• Audit readiness and compliance.
• Contractor and 3PL safety management.
• Effective incident investigation and action closure.
• Compliance with VPO, SHE, and Quality standards.
• Housekeeping and 5S standard adherence.

Minimum Requirements

• 3 year relevant diploma/degree
• 3+ years Warehouse and or logistics experience advantageous
• Highly level computer user (MS Office, Oasis, Handheld devices)
• SAP proficient
• Good interpersonal skills / builds good relationships
• Superior planning ability
• Ability to work under pressure
• Good verbal and communication skills
• Good self-management practices
• Strong achievement orientation
• Ability to adapt to and implement change effectively
• Excellent coaching capability