Operations Manager - Dar Es Salaam Tanzania at MAL Consultancy

JOB SUMMARY

• This Operations Manager will be in charge of overseeing smooth and efficient operations, optimizing resources, and delivering value to customers while ensuring profitability and compliance with regulations. S/he will be responsible for the warehousing, distribution, inventory management, clearing forwarding and team leadership of the operations function in Tanzania. S/he will play a crucial role in overseeing all aspects of warehouse operations to ensure efficiency, accuracy, safety, and cost-effectiveness in the logistics chain of the Country office. The Operations Manager will oversee all aspects of distribution, ensuring that goods are efficiently and effectively distributed to customers while optimizing cost and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction. S/he will oversee the efficient movement of goods from suppliers or manufacturers to customers or retail outlets. The Operations Manager will also facilitate trade by managing the complexities of customs clearance and logistics operations. S/he will have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to effectively manage relationships with various stakeholders in the supply chain.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning

• Develop warehousing distribution inventory management and operations strategies to optimize the supply chain and meet customer requirements.
• Align operational plans with overall business/country objectives and growth targets

Inventory Management

• Monitoring inventory levels, conduct regular stock counts, and implement strategies to minimize stock discrepancies
• Ensure optimal stock levels to meet operational needs while minimizing storage costs
• Implement and maintain systems for organizing inventory and optimizing picking routes.

Warehousing

• Oversee the receipt, inspection, storage, and dispatch of goods to and from the warehouse
• Coordinate logistics activities including transportation, warehousing, and distribution.
• Ensure accurate picking, packing, and shipping of orders to customers or other destinations
• Implement and maintain quality control standards to ensure products meet specifications
• Optimize warehouse layout for efficient space utilization and streamlined workflow.

Safety and Security

• Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations and promoting a safe working environment
• Implement security measures to protect warehouse assets and inventory from theft or damage

Team Leadership

• Supervise operations staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management.
• Promote a positive work culture and motivate team members to achieve operational goals
• Provide training and development opportunities to enhance team skills and capabilities.

Operational Excellence & Quality Control

• Negotiate contracts with suppliers and carriers to ensure competitive rates and service levels
• Monitor the performance of suppliers and carriers and address any issues that arise
• Identifying opportunities for process improvement and implement changes to enhance operations efficiency and productivity
• Utilize warehouse management systems (WMS) and other technology to improve operations and tracking capabilities
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to streamline distribution processes and enhance efficiency
• Implementing and maintaining quality control processes to ensure products meet quality standards
• Address quality issues and coordinate with suppliers and internal teams for resolution
• Manage customs clearance processes for imported and exported goods
• Coordinate logistics activities related to transportation and distribution of goods
• Arrange transportation and warehousing as per customer requirements
• Stay informed about changes in customs regulations, industry trends and best practices in distribution and logistics.

Customer Service

• Liaising with customers and other departments to ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment and resolve any issues
• Identify opportunities for cross selling and upselling to drive revenues and customer retention upwards
• Establish the operations NPS and customer satisfaction index and ensure achievement of the same
• Drive adherence to laid out customer service policies, procedures and service level agreements
• Providing excellent customer service by addressing inquiries and resolving issues related to shipping and customs clearance
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and service providers
• Monitor customer interactions with systems and technologies provided and ensure sensitization and capacitation as required
• Communicate with suppliers and clients to coordinate shipment details and resolve logistics issues
• Providing updates on shipment status and expected delivery times.

Budget & Cost Management

• Assist in the development of annual budgets and manage expenditures within budgetary constraints
• Monitor operations expenditure and implement cost-saving initiatives where possible
• Manage costs associated with customs clearance, transportation, and warehousing
• Negotiate rates with service providers to optimize costs and maintain profitability.

Risk Management

• Identify potential risks in the operations processes of warehouse distribution, C&F and inventory management and implement risk mitigation strategies
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements related to warehousing transportation customs, distribution and safety

Regulatory Compliance & Ethics

• Ensuring adherence to all relevant regulatory requirements, such as transportation, safety, and environmental standards
• Ensure adherence to set policies and regulations to reduce risk and mitigate penalties and or negative occurrences within country operations
• Upholding integrity in all dealings with customs authorities, clients, and suppliers.

Reporting and Documentation

• Maintain accurate records of inventory, transactions, and all operations activities
• Generate regular operations reports on warehouse performance, distribution, inventory levels, and other relevant metrics for management review.
• Oversee the preparation and processing of shipping documentation, including invoices, packing lists, and customs declarations
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of all documentation to facilitate smooth clearance.

Any other duties as required.

SKILS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Finance, Economics, Commerce or Business Administration and Management
• 7 years’ relevant work experience in logistics, transport or supply chain management, 5 years of which must be in managing operations teams in a busy and highly commercial logistics business
• Certification in Supply Chain Management and planning from a recognized institution
• Deep understanding of logistics principles, supply chain networks, and transportation modes
• Ability to optimize logistics operations, manage inventory, and coordinate the movement of goods efficiently
• Strong leaderships skills with ability to lead and motivate teams to achieve operational goals
• Good analytical skills with ability to analyze complex logistics issues and propose effective solutions
• Excellent decision-making skills with ability to quickly resolve operational challenges
• Strong communicator with excellent negotiation skills
• Strong cost management skills with the ability to manage budgets, forecast costs, and optimize spending in logistics operations
• Customer and partnerships focused with strong customer and partner relationship management ability
• Familiarity with logistics management software, transportation management systems (TMS), and ERP systems with strong data analytics skills
• Understanding of international trade regulations, customs procedures, and compliance requirements
• Skills in planning and organizing logistics projects, ensuring deadlines are met and resources are allocated effectively
• Ability to identify and mitigate risks associated with logistics operations
• Resilient, adaptable and an innovative thinker with a high level of learning agility.