Warehouse Controller

Dreaming big is in our DNA. It's who we are as a company. It's our culture. It's our heritage. And more than ever, it's our future. A future where we're always looking forward. Always serving up new ways to meet life's moments. A future where we keep dreaming bigger. We look for people with passion, talent, and curiosity, and provide them with the teammates, resources and opportunities to unleash their full potential. The power we create together - when we combine your strengths with ours - is unstoppable. Are you ready to join a team that dreams as big as you do?

The Key Purpose of this role is to ensure the efficient management of warehouse operations, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and governance standards. This role oversees inbound and outbound logistics to meet internal and external stakeholder service levels. The position requires effective KPI management through robust reporting and problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 5 WHY, Abnormality Reports, SIC, OPLs, RACI, OWD, PDCA). The Warehouse Controller will implement standard operating procedures in line with DPO standards and manage VLC, ZBB, and FLC budgets according to annual targets.

Key Responsibilities:

Excellence Programmes

• Implement and ensure compliance with the DPO Excellence Program.

Safety

• Ensure full compliance with OSHA and all relevant safety regulations.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation plans.
• Collaborate with Fleet & Safety Supervisor to maintain forklift schedules.
• Analyse safety performance, identify trends, and drive improvements.
• Lead by example to foster a culture of shared safety responsibility.
• Investigate incidents, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Develop CAPEX plans to enhance warehouse safety.
• Oversee onboarding and training for all warehouse staff.
• Ensure emergency preparedness and conduct monthly safety reviews with DC management.
• Complete annual risk reviews and implement mitigation strategies.

Quality

• Ensure adherence to DPO quality standards, including GOPs.
• Conduct product quality induction programs for all staff.
• Maintain quality standards for all inbound and outbound logistics (FEFO, BB date, batch management).
• Ensure proper stock storage and compliance with freshness and rotation policies.
• Collaborate with quality teams to quarantine, inspect, and release goods.
• Track and analyse quality issues, working cross-functionally to improve KPIs.
• Manage warehouse cleanliness, pest control, cross-contamination, temperature control, and product exposure.
• Achieve at least 75% compliance with Global Warehouse GOP.
• Implement and maintain a location-based inventory system.
• Execute action plans to address Stock Age Index KPIs.
• Ensure adherence to blocking standards for non-conforming inventory.
• Track and improve sorting productivity and reduce breakage costs.
• Ensure 100% compliance with quality induction training for warehouse staff.
• Manage distribution returns and repacking operations in line with quality standards.

Contractor/3PL Management

• Manage third-party contractors in line with SLAs and local legislation.
• Ensure contractor alignment with business strategy and foster strong business partnerships.
• Monitor contractor productivity and compliance with safety requirements.

Statutory Compliance

• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Maintain site housekeeping and comply with all relevant legislation.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage budgets and forecasts.
• Control expenditures and minimise overtime and temporary staff usage.
• Authorise expenditures and ensure compliance with procurement policies.
• Identify and implement financial optimisation opportunities.
• Monitor general ledger accounts and analyse monthly financial performance.
• Optimise SCOH management through problem-solving.

People Management

• Enhance team capability through coaching, training, and development programs such as SKAP, One on Ones, IDP)
• Manage employee performance, attendance, and leave in line with company policies.
• Foster a positive industrial relations climate and support cross-functional learning.
• Ensure all employees are informed about business policies and procedures.

Inventory Management

• Ensure daily stock counts and investigate variances between ERP and physical inventory count.
• Conduct monthly counts of all materials and SKUs as per MICs requirements.
• Mitigate risks of obsolescence write-offs.
• Manage inventory KPIs (e.g., stock posting time, inventory accuracy, OOR, DOI).
• Ensure compliance with inventory policies and close gaps using management tools.

Inbound & Outbound Logistics

• Address escalations in delivery schedules and inbound plans promptly.
• Monitor outbound plans to manage warehouse capacity and ensure OTIF.
• Manage KPIs related to inbound and outbound processes.
• Ensure reliable supply of returnable containers to prevent production stoppages.
• Oversee bin card processes and resolve discrepancies.
• Implement returnable asset management strategies and hold customers accountable for sorting standards.
• Drive process improvements in picking, sorting, decanting, overpacking, and repacking.

Loss and Overhead Management

• Ensure ERP transactions accurately reflect all loss points in logistics operations.
• Implement routines to ensure losses are correctly recorded and drive problem-solving.
• Reduce supply chain overheads through effective use of problem-solving tools.

Forklift and Warehouse Management

• Oversee permit-to-work management and supplier performance against SLAs.
• Ensure 5S compliance and proper warehouse layout for all activities.
• Track and manage warehouse management tools for ABC compliance.

Audit and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with LCA and DPO audit requirements.
• Manage procure to pay (PTP) processes and resolve GRIR/VIM queries.

General

• Liaise with internal and external customers to support team goals.
• Ensure routines are in place for finished goods warehousing and KPI management.
• Oversee site security and conduct random verifications.
• Drive productivity and effective customer service delivery.
• Manage stakeholder engagement and relationships.

Minimum Requirements:

• 3-year relevant diploma or degree required.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in warehouse and/or logistics operations (preferred).
• Advanced computer proficiency, including MS Office, Oasis, and handheld devices.
• Proficient in SAP.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Superior planning and organisational abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Strong self-management and time management practices.
• High achievement orientation and results-driven mindset.
• Proven ability to adapt to and implement change effectively.
• Excellent coaching and mentoring capabilities.

Additional Information:

• Band: VII

SAB is an equal opportunity employer, and all appointments will be made in line with SAB employment equity plan and talent requirements. The advert has minimum requirements listed. Management reserves the right to use additional/ relevant information as criteria for short-listing. In accordance with South African Breweries Pty (ltd) duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is safe for of our employees and their families, our customers and visitors, and the community at large from infectious diseases that may be reduced by vaccinations, we require all new appointments to be vaccinated as a condition of employment at our company