Warehouse Manager

JOB PURPOSE:

The Warehouse Manager oversees and drives end-to-end warehouse operations for a high-volume FMCG environment. This role ensures speed, accuracy, and efficiency in the storage, handling, and distribution of fast-moving products while maintaining cost control, compliance with quality standards, and alignment with business goals. The position requires expertise in inventory accuracy, demand-driven distribution, and continuous process optimization to support sales and customer service excellence.

Job Dimensions:

Number Of Staff Supervised:

Direct Reports:

12

Total Reports:

180

Financial Responsibility:

Warehouse operating budget, utilities, manpower, and consumables.

KEY Accountabilities:

Strategic

• Develop and execute warehouse strategies aligned with FMCG supply chain and sales objectives.
• Monitor and optimize cost per case/carton and overall logistics costs.
• Present operational KPIs and shrinkage reports; highlight opportunities for improvement.
• Partner with commercial, procurement, and finance to forecast demand and manage vendor contracts.

Operational

• Ensure high-speed throughput of goods to meet sales demand and customer SLAs.
• Maintain inventory accuracy through cycle counts, audits, and system-driven reconciliations.
• Implement and optimize WMS / ERP systems for real-time inventory visibility.
• Manage temperature-controlled storage for perishable goods (if applicable).
• Drive continuous improvement (lean, 5S, automation) to enhance productivity.

People

• Lead, coach, and develop warehouse teams to achieve performance and safety targets.
• Enforce safety, hygiene, and compliance protocols aligned with FMCG standards.
• Build a high-performance culture focused on speed, accuracy, and accountability.

Communication & Working Relationships:

Internal Communication: Supply Chain, Sales, Finance, Trade Marketing, Customer Service, Procurement, Planning.

External Communication: 3PL providers, transporters, landlords, auditors, consultants, and regulatory authorities.

Qualifications, Experience, & Skills:

Education: Bachelor’s / master’s in supply chain, Industrial Engineering, Operations, or related field.

Experience: 8+ years in FMCG warehousing, logistics, or distribution with proven people leadership.

Technical Skills:

• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), ERP, and analytics tools.
• Cold chain and perishable goods handling (if applicable).
• Cost optimization and KPI-driven operations.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Effective Communication & Collaboration
• Accountability & Results Orientation
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
• Resilience under pressure
• Driving Continuous Improvement

PERFORMANCE MEASURES:

Operational Excellence:

On-time dispatch, order accuracy, inventory accuracy.

Cost Management:

Adherence to budget, cost per carton/pallet, shrinkage

People:

Staff productivity, training compliance, turnover rate

Safety & Compliance:

Zero major safety incidents, adherence to regulations

Core Competencies:

• Strategic & forward Thinking
• Driving Result & Continuous improvement
• Business Acumen in FMCG
• Effective Communication & collaborations
• Accountability
• Customer & Service Orientation.

Behavioural Attributes:

• Resilience & Stress Management
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving ·
• Attention to Detail & Accuracy ·
• Developing & Empowering People ·
• Adaptability & Change Agility ·
• Innovation & Entrepreneurial Mindset

Technical Skills:

• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) & ERP Proficiency
• Inventory Management & Demand Planning
• Cold Chain & Perishable Goods Handling ·
• Lean, 5S & Process Optimization ·
• Logistics Cost Control & Financial Acumen ·
• Health, Safety & Regulatory Compliance