Job Purpose
As the Inventory & Warehouse Lead, you will manage and oversee the company's inventory to ensure operational efficiency, accurate record-keeping, and alignment with business goals, in line with ensuring the smooth operations and efficient functioning of the warehouse. You will be responsible for leading, motivating and managing a team, overseeing their day-to-day activities, and ensuring that all tasks are completed accurately and in a timely manner, while maintaining a safe and compliant work environment. Your exceptional leadership skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle multiple tasks should contribute to the overall success of the warehouse. This role will report to the Supply Chain Manager
Principal Accountabilities
* Create & pursue a warehouse vision in alignment with the management team.
* Mindset to improve inventory & warehouse processes
* Plan, guide and prioritise work assignments for the team to ensure optimal workflow and productivity thus ensuring high performance and a cohesive team culture.
* Train and develop team members on up-to-date inventory & warehouse procedures, safety protocols, and company policies.
* Resolve any issues or conflicts that arise within the team and address performance concerns through coaching and mentoring.
* Liaise with cross-functional teams like finance, procurement, customer service, operations, quality and logistics and align warehouse activities with broader business objectives & synergies.
* Strong ability to network and understand colleagues' targets, intentions & needs.
* Create, update, monitor and ensure compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain quality control and accuracy of inventory.
* Conduct & facilitate regular stock takes, inspections, audits and implement strategies to optimize stock to ensure inventory accuracy.
* Align WIP reporting, identify & work with operations to ensure accurate outputs to ensure accurate stock counts on a monthly basis
* Maintain comprehensive documentation of inventory & warehouse control processes, inspections, and audit reports.
* Identify areas for process & systems improvement and implement efficient inventory & warehouse practices to enhance productivity and cost-effectiveness.
* Create a comprehensive process for handling Raw Material waste up to and including correct disposal
* Develop & maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) and create & prepare regular reports for management on warehouse performance and goal achievement
* Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and maintain a clean and organised inventory & warehouse environment.
* Facilitate risk assessment and risk elimination where appropriate within the warehouse and associated processes and implement risk mitigation strategies.
* Promote a culture of quality & continuous improvement within the warehouse team.
Qualifications and Experience
* Leaving Certificate or equivalent, with a minimum of 3 years of experience in a warehouse environment.
* Working knowledge of warehouse processes.
* Proven experience in a leadership or supervisory role, preferably in a warehouse or logistics setting.
* Proficiency in using warehouse management systems and software.
* Knowledge of inventory management best practices and experience in conducting cycle counts and audits.
* Familiarity with health and safety regulations and ability to enforce safety protocols.
* Certified Forklift Licence
Specific Skills and Abilities
* Strong leadership abilities that motivate and guide a team towards achieving goals, whilst also working effectively in the team that leads quality improvement efforts.
* The ability to drive & facilitate change with a strategic approach to work
* Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make quick decisions.
* Planning and project management skills.
* Strong knowledge of inventory and warehouse operations & management systems (E.G. VMI, JIT, Consignment Stock) and technology tools for inventory tracking.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively communicate & collaborate with team members and other departments.
* Attention to detail and a commitment to upholding the highest quality standards.
* Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) & experience with other software systems
* Ability to think outside the box and to challenge the thought process in general
* Recognition of team talents and ability to foster team members talents.
* Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities and demands.
* Excellent organizational and time management skills to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
* Ability to delegate effectively for the best outcome whilst maintaining deadlines
* Ability to work well under pressure and handle stressful situations with composure.
* Strong commitment to maintaining high standards of Health & Safety in the warehouse
* Ability to perform physical tasks as required during warehouse operations.