Warehouse Manager - Manufacturing
Overview
Manufacturing Warehouse Managers coordinate the flow of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods within production facilities, ensuring seamless supply to production lines while managing inventory accuracy and optimizing storage capacity.
- 1Manage raw material receiving and quality inspection processes
- 2Coordinate just-in-time (JIT) material supply to production lines
- 3Oversee finished goods storage, staging, and dispatch operations
- 4Implement FIFO, FEFO, and batch tracking for inventory management
- 5Manage dangerous goods handling and compliance (if applicable)
- 6Coordinate with production planning for material requirements
- 7Maintain inventory accuracy through perpetual cycle counting
- 8Optimize warehouse layout for efficient material flow
- 9Supervise warehouse staff, forklift operators, and material handlers
- 10Ensure compliance with ISO, HACCP, or industry-specific standards
- 11Manage warehouse equipment maintenance and safety programs
- 12Implement 5S and lean manufacturing warehouse principles
Education
National Diploma in Operations/Supply Chain Management or related field
Experience
4-6 years warehouse management in manufacturing environment
Skills
- ✓Manufacturing supply chain understanding
- ✓ERP system proficiency (SAP, Oracle, etc.)
- ✓JIT and lean manufacturing principles
- ✓Inventory control and accuracy methodologies
- ✓Production planning coordination
- ✓Quality management systems (ISO 9001)
- ✓Dangerous goods regulations (if applicable)
- ✓Forklift and materials handling equipment knowledge
Setting
Factory warehouse environment, potentially with temperature or safety controls
Hours
May include shift work or weekend coverage to support production
Travel
Minimal - on-site operations
Physical Demands
Moderate to high - warehouse floor presence and inspection
Salary Range
R26,000 - R48,000 per month
Structure
Salary plus annual bonuses based on operational performance
Benefits
Medical aid, pension/provident fund, shift allowances, production bonuses
Challenges
- •Coordinating with unpredictable production schedules
- •Managing specialized or hazardous material requirements
- •Space constraints in existing manufacturing facilities
- •Balancing inventory investment with production needs
Opportunities
- •Career progression to plant manager or operations director
- •Cross-functional moves into production or supply chain planning
- •Specialization in lean manufacturing or continuous improvement
- •International manufacturing operations exposure
Industry Trends
- •Industry 4.0 and smart warehouse integration
- •Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in material handling
- •Real-time inventory visibility systems
- •Sustainable and circular economy warehouse practices