Warehouse & Inventory Manager at Highlands Drinks Limited

Job description

Key duties and responsibilities
 Inventory Accuracy and variance management

• Own the accuracy, security and integrity of raw materials, packaging, finished goods, returns, pallets and other inventory across all HDL warehouse locations.
• Lead cycle counts, stocktakes and month-end reconciliations; investigate and resolve discrepancies with Finance.
• Identify root causes of recurring variances and implement preventive and corrective actions.
• Report shrinkage, losses, adjustments, ageing and stock exposure to management.

End-to-End Warehouse Operations, Capacity & Service Delivery

• Own and direct all warehouse operations: receiving, offloading, put-away, storage, replenishment, picking, staging, loading, dispatch, returns and shift handovers; deliver accurate and timely orders.
• Own warehouse layout, capacity, bin discipline, space utilisation, stock rotation (FEFO/FIFO as appropriate), peak-volume planning and efficient product flow.
• Own the interface with Production, Planning, Quality and Distribution, including documented material/finished-goods transfers, dispatch load plans, truck turnaround and service continuity.
• Ensure all inbound, internal and outbound stock movements are accurately recorded in ERP/WMS, supported by documentation and reconciled at shift/day end.

 Material-Handling Equipment and asset Reliability

• Oversee safe, productive use of electric reach trucks, LPG forklifts and other handling assets.
• Monitor equipment uptime, inspections, preventive maintenance, failure trends and operational risks.
• Review repair scopes and quotations, evaluate repair-versus-replace options and recommend capital expenditure.
• Coordinate equipment vendors and maintenance teams to minimise service disruption.

​​​​​​​Data Analytics

• Analyse inventory accuracy, order fulfilment, picking/loading accuracy, warehouse throughput, truck turnaround, labour productivity, space utilisation, equipment uptime and operating cost.
• Maintain accurate ERP/WMS transactions, master-data controls and supporting documentation.
• Provide monthly dashboards and Excel-based analysis with clear actions and owners.

​​​​​​​Process Improvement and operational controls

• Standardise receiving, storage, picking, dispatch, returns and stock-adjustment procedures.
• Implement root-cause analysis, process audits and preventive controls to reduce waste, handling errors and delays.
• Drive continuous improvement in productivity, turnaround times and storage efficiency.

​​​​​​​People Leadership and Accountability

• Own warehouse staffing, shift rosters, workforce deployment, productivity, attendance and overtime within approved plans and budgets; align labour to daily volumes.
• Lead, coach and assess warehouse and inventory employees against clear performance standards.
• Investigate control failures and stock losses fairly, escalating accountability or disciplinary recommendations through approved procedures.
• Build skills in stock control, safe equipment operation and warehouse systems.

​​​​​​​Financial Control, Audit and Governance

• Safeguard inventory value and minimise write-offs, obsolescence and unauthorised adjustments.
• Validate inventory records, support valuation and reconciliations with Finance, and maintain audit trails.
• Own warehouse operating budgets and control labour, overtime, equipment, maintenance, fuel and handling costs within approved authority limits.
• Support internal and external audits and close control findings promptly

Risk Management, Safety & Business Continuity

• Identify and mitigate stock, equipment, safety, fire, security and operational continuity risks.
• Ensure compliant warehouse housekeeping, food safety, product traceability, FEFO, stacking, forklift/pedestrian segregation and occupational health and safety practices.
• Develop contingency arrangements for equipment breakdown, stock shortages, system outages and peak demand.

Internal Relationships:

• Manufacturing / Production: To coordinate finished goods receipts, production handovers, stock availability and timely movement of products into warehouse storage.
• Warehousing & Distribution: To coordinate order fulfilment, dispatch planning, vehicle loading, delivery schedules and efficient movement of stock across warehouse and distribution operations.
• Procurement: To coordinate warehouse supplies, material-handling equipment, maintenance requirements and service provider support.
• Planning & Demand: To align warehouse capacity, stock replenishment, inventory levels and product availability with production plans and business demand.
• Finance: To ensure accurate inventory valuation, stock reconciliations, variance investigations, inventory adjustments, cost control and audit compliance.
• Commercial & Customer Service: To support order fulfilment, product availability, timely dispatch and resolution of stock-related customer service issues.
• People & Culture: To support workforce planning, employee performance, training, discipline and compliance with people policies.
• Safety, Health & Environment (SHE): To ensure warehouse safety, equipment compliance, risk management and implementation of corrective actions.
• External Relationships:
• Transporters & Logistics Service Providers: To coordinate vehicle loading, dispatch operations, collection schedules and timely movement of goods while ensuring compliance with warehouse procedures and safety standards.
• Material Handling Equipment Vendors & Maintenance Contractors: To coordinate servicing, repairs, inspections and maintenance of forklifts, reach trucks and other warehouse equipment to ensure operational reliability.
• Suppliers & Service Providers: To coordinate delivery of warehouse consumables, equipment and operational supplies, ensuring compliance with agreed service standards.
• External Auditors: To facilitate stock verification, inventory audits, reconciliation reviews and compliance with inventory control requirements.
• Regulatory Authorities & Inspectors: To facilitate statutory inspections and ensure compliance with applicable warehouse safety, occupational health and operational requirements.

Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Warehouse Operations Management
• Inventory Control & Stock Reconciliation
• Warehouse Planning & Space Optimisation
• Material Handling Equipment & Asset Management
• Warehouse Safety & Compliance
• Budget Management & Cost Control
• Data Analytics, ERP/WMS & Microsoft Excel
• Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

Behavioural Competencies

• Results Orientation
• Leadership & People Management
• Accountability & Integrity
• Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Planning & Organising
• Decision Making
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication