Distribution Centre Operations Support Manager at Truworths

The operations support area is relatively complex, encompassing a diverse set of activities. The operations support team is seen to be the “thinkers and analysts” of the wider DC operation. They ensure operations comply with the set standards established for all DC processes and systems. Therefore, the operations support team must fully understand all elements pertaining to the proper functioning of operations.

Desired characteristics of candidate:

• Highly analytical
• High numeracy
• Highly ethical and trustworthy, especially as it relates to supplier and expense management
• Proficient in statistics
• Working understanding of IT systems and architecture,  and technology in general such as scanners
• Good understanding of methods used to optimise and streamline operations
• Need to have a passion for continuous improvement of operations and processes
• Accurate and organised
• Great administration skills
• Financial acumen, specifically cost accounting, budgeting and expense control
• Hard worker, takes pride in their work
• Proactive and takes initiative
• Inquisitive Mind
• Mature in leading people
• Demonstrates authentic leadership behaviours (Self-awareness, internalised moral perspective, balanced processing, relational transparency).
• Good at influencing and persuasion
• Can communicate and explain clearly
• A rational thinker, logical and thoughtful
• Resource planning and scheduling
• Good negotiation and inter-personal skills as it relates to vendor management
• High level of proficiency in Excel
• Professional conduct at all times
• Loves “shop floor” Distribution centre operations! 

Role content:

• Member of the DC management team.
• Lead a team of 5 direct reports.
• Areas of responsibility:

Warehouse Management System

• Monitor and report on move tasks, drive operations to remain current with all move tasks.
• Monitor and report on stock ageing, drive operations to account for all inventory systematically located in staging areas.
• Monitor and report on health of purchase orders and store orders. Drive operations to remain current with both.
• Ensure valid SOP's pertaining to the use of WMS are kept up to date and are being applied.
• Monitor WMS logged calls and ensure timeous and effective resolution.

DC Administration and Finance

• Manage and present monthly expenditure of all DC's (Actual vs. Budget).
• Manage Capex budget for DC and the presentations for approval of Capex approved projects.
• Ensuring that all expenses are correctly and timeously captured and allocated. Complete reconciliations when necessary e.g. transport. Ensure that monthly financials are complete and accruals are accurately processed when required.
• Ensure consumables and staff-related services are procured and supplied on time and to the desired quality. (e.g. stationery, canteen, staff transport, clinic services etc.)
• Manage relationships and service levels with DC suppliers. Ensure materials are delivered on time, in full and to the desired specifications. Ensure the correct pricing as per agreement.
• Compile routine management reports (e.g. daily dashboard, weekly report, monthly report, and quarterly board report). Ensure the reports are timeous and accurate and include meaningful and complete interpretation/commentary.
• Perform ad hoc analysis when required. Ensure this is done timeously and accurately.
• Initiate and manage cost saving projects / sustainability projects / supplier price negotiations and DC process improvements.
• Effectively facilitate the bi-annual tender process for the key suppliers.
• Ensure that time and attendance is accurately recorded. Publish deviations from policy to operations.
• Ensure petty cash is managed correctly as per company policy.

Inventory control, Continuous Improvement and Health and Safety

• Overall management of the audit function within TDC. Ensure audit percentage of 10%.
• Manage the cycle counting activity. Ensure that the targeted numbers of locations are counted when required. Report effectively on deviations and aid in identifying root causes.
• Provide feedback to operations (picking) on picking accuracy and aid in identifying root causes.
• Actively drive the implementation and sustainability of 5S standards in admin and audit areas specifically.
• Identify and pursue performance improvement opportunities using the various focused improvement methodologies.

Health and Safety

• Drive the implementation of the DC Health and Safety Roadmap
• Ensure the necessary legislative training is conducted on time (e.g. licenses, health and safety representatives, fire marshals, first aiders etc.)
• Oversee the reporting on health and safety matters to management using the prescribed metrics and ratios e.g. IOD's (Injury on duty) and incidents etc.
• Attend monthly/quarterly Health and Safety meetings
• Oversee that Risk Assessments are completed and appropriate corrective action is taken.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and company policies and do on-going monitoring of relevant legislation, evaluation and recommend appropriate response
• Be a responsible appointed TDC key holder and assist in callouts when required

Required Experience:

• 8 years in Distribution Centre operations within the retail industry essential
• 3 years managing a team essential
• Warehouse management systems
• Planning and scheduling, administration, financials.
• General Administration.
• Procurement of materials, vendor management.

Required Qualifications:

• Degree: B Com, Supply Chain/Logistics or Industrial  Engineering or equivalent with statistics and accounting essential
• Advanced computer and specifically excel literacy
•  Strong mathematical and statistical skills