Departmental Manager _ Montague Gardens

Job category: Other: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain

Location: Cape Town

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: Yes

Clicks Group

We are seeking an experienced Departmental Manager to oversee operational performance within our Distribution Centre, with responsibility for supporting inventory processes. This role focuses on leading the team to deliver efficient operations, adherence to SOPs, and accurate reporting, while ensuring a safe and productive working environment. The successful candidate will have operational experience in a Distribution Centre and basic knowledge of inventory management processes.

• Operational & Process Leadership: Lead and direct the department to ensure full compliance with company SOPs, operational cut-offs, audit standards, and reporting requirements.
• Oversee receiving, put-away, bin maintenance, replenishment, picking validation, dispatch, returns, and reverse logistics processes.
• Ensure accurate, on-time deliveries with minimal damages and effective communication across the supply chain.
• Analyse operational data to identify trends, drive efficiencies, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

• Inventory Management & Stock Accuracy: Lead all inventory control processes, including PERP (cycle counting), variance investigations, exception management, and corrective actions.
• Ensure high levels of stock accuracy through structured daily, weekly, and monthly controls.
• Monitor and validate system-to-physical variances, ensuring accurate adjustments and strong audit trails.
• Maintain integrity of WMS/WCS parameters (min/max levels, replenishment triggers, automation interfaces).
• Manage shrinkage, damages, ageing stock, dormant stock, and unexplained losses through root-cause analysis and preventative controls.
• Achieve agreed financial and operational targets, including shrinkage reduction, damage control, and productivity improvement.
• Ensure effective labour utilisation to meet budget requirements.
• Control and safeguard company assets (scanners, equipment, racking, machinery).
• Drive cost containment through reduced rework, improved accuracy, and prevention of write-offs.
• Lead, develop, and manage the Inventory and Operations teams to deliver high performance.
• Manage performance reviews, talent development, disciplinary processes, and employee wellness.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and workforce planning.
• Conduct weekly engagements with labour brokers to address performance, scheduling, labour shortages, damages, and cost approvals.
• Coach teams on compliance, accuracy disciplines, system usage, and operational best practices.
• Embed and promote the Company's Values in all leadership practices.

• Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement: Identify and resolve systemic operational and inventory issues including mis-picks, bin discrepancies, replenishment errors, automation failures, and stock variances.
• Lead daily exception reviews and implement corrective actions.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Receiving, Replenishment, Dispatch, Automation, QA, Buying, and Supply Planning teams.

• Reporting & Governance: Produce structured operational and inventory reports covering KPIs, shrinkage trends, cycle count performance, high-risk SKUs, and compliance metrics.
• Present insights and recommendations to senior management.
• Ensure audit readiness at all times.
• Enforce strict adherence to pharmaceutical wholesale standards and internal governance requirements.

• Stakeholder & External Engagement: Engage internal stakeholders (Stores, Buying, Supply Planning, QA, Automation) to resolve discrepancies and improve service delivery.
• Liaise with suppliers, vendors, labour brokers, and service providers regarding damages, credits, returns, and stock issues.
• Maintain strong working relationships to support business performance and service excellence.

• Safety & Compliance: Enforce all health, safety, and emergency procedures. Maintain a safe, clean, and compliant working environment. Ensure adherence to all regulatory and hazardous stock handling requirements.

• Job Related Skills: Strong operational planning, coordination, and organisational skills; Team leadership, coaching, and people development skills; Analytical ability to interpret operational statistics and KPIs; Problem-solving and decision-making skills; Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines; Computer literacy, including intermediate Excel and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS/WCS); Stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.

• Job Knowledge: Distribution Centre operations: receiving, replenishment, picking, dispatch, returns; Basic inventory control processes (cycle counting, stock movements, reporting); Standard operating procedures (SOPs) and compliance requirements; Health & Safety regulations and safe working practices; Labour management principles, performance management, and workforce planning.

• Minimum Qualifications: Essential: Matric (Grade 12); Desirable: Relevant Tertiary Qualification; Essential: 3 - 5 Years in a Distribution Centre; Minimum 3 years in a supervisory or management role; Delivering Results and Meeting Expectations; Leading and Supervising; Planning and Organising; Analysing and Interpreting Data; Applying Expertise and Technology; Decision-Making and Initiating Action; Adhering to Principles and Values; Relating and Networking.