Fulfillment Manager Operations South Africa
Job Description
TL;DR (because attention spans are real):
We are looking for a Fulfillment Manager who can take full ownership of our logistics, forecasting, inventory planning, supplier coordination, and global shipping operations - splitting their time 80% logistics and 20% admin and operations. You will run the backbone of Manta Sleep's supply chain, making sure we have the right stock in the right place at the right time, without tying up unnecessary cash. This role has a direct impact on revenue, customer experience, and company stability. The ideal candidate has already managed the full supply chain for a global ecommerce company with $50M - $150M in revenue, is confident in making high stakes decisions, and knows how to modernize and optimize operations across multiple regions.
Proficiency in English as a first language is essential for this role.
Time zone: Full-time within Asia, Europe orSouth Africa (GMT0 - GMT+8 time zone)
Salary: Negotiable
Trial Period: All candidates will complete a paid trial assignment - more details below.
WHO WE ACTUALLY NEED (and who we don't)
This isn't for freelancers moonlighting or wanting a side hustle.
It's not for someone who only managed a small slice of supply chain in a big corporation.
It's not for someone who waits to be told what to do or reacts once the problem is there.
It's not for someone who avoids decisions or does not feel urgency until a problem is visible.
This is however for someone who:
Has 7+ years in ecommerce logistics, operations, or supply chain, ideally in companies selling across multiple countries.
Possesses full end-to-end experience in inventory forecasting, planning, supplier coordination, multi-warehouse management, and international shipping.
Has hands on experience with suppliers and manufacturers in Asia, and with importing/exporting into the US, UK, EU, CA, and AU.
Is experienced with Shopify, Amazon, WMS, ERP systems (e.g., Cin7/Dear), 3PLs, and other logistics tools; tech savvy and quick to adapt.
Has strong analytical and numerical skills, confident working with KPIs, cash flow, inventory turnover, fulfillment metrics, and operational data.
Is risk aware, detail oriented, and composed under pressure, capable of managing stockouts, delays, and other operational challenges.
Has a process improvement mindset: replaces spreadsheets with scalable systems, develops SOPs, and optimizes workflows.
Brings global logistics expertise, including customs compliance, multi warehouse coordination, 3PL management, and last mile optimization.
Has leadership and coaching experience, supporting teams while holding them accountable and fostering operational excellence.
Communicates clearly and collaborates across functions, aligning suppliers, internal teams, and partners with company goals.
Has experience managing operations at ecommerce scale ($50-150M revenue) and thinks like an owner, understanding the operational and financial impact of decisions.
Is a curious problem solver, able to tackle non standard challenges and adapt to both startup unpredictability and structured corporate environments.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
Forecasting and Inventory Planning
Run monthly and quarterly demand forecasts with marketing and finance.
Maintain accurate stock visibility across all warehouses and adjust forecasts based on sales trends, events, and real performance.
Prevent stockouts and overstock while balancing marketing expectations with financial limits on inventory and cash flow.
Supplier and Production Coordination
Plan reorder cycles with suppliers and manufacturers in Asia.
Track reorder timelines and flag risks early.
Manage order documentation, cost breakdowns, purchase orders, and production follow ups.
Logistics and Shipping Management
Plan shipping timelines based on company demand.
Select shipping methods, and routing.
Work directly with freight forwarders, carriers, and 3PL partners.
Handle customs requirements and ensure smooth passage into multiple regions.
Support new fulfillment flows for emerging channels like TikTok Shop and other marketplaces.
Cost Control and Optimization
Monitor logistics spend across freight, warehousing, storage, duties, and packaging.
Audit cost data, find savings through routing and negotiation, and track cash exposure tied to logistics and inventory.
Always be aware of stress/risk on cash flow tied to logistics/inventory.
Warehouse and Fulfillment Systems
Manage WMS data accuracy across internal and external systems.
Monitor 3PL's performance to ensure fulfillment speed, accuracy, and operational quality are on track.
Lead warehouse expansion, transition, or multi location setup.
Troubleshoot system issues and coordinate fixes with internal and external partners.
Sales Channel Operations
Maintain channel integrations across Shopify, Amazon and new storefronts.
Set up new marketplace fulfillment workflows and troubleshoot any sync or routing problems.
Ensure product listings, shipping rules and inventory availability stay aligned across all platforms.
Process and System Improvement
Replace manual trackers with scalable systems.
Build and update SOPs, improve workflows to cut delays and manual work, and drive automation where possible.
Own operational tech integrations, including marketplace fulfillment setups, WMS or 3PL connections and API driven tools.
Identify issues inside any operational systems and coordinate technical fixes.
Reporting and Analysis
Produce key operational reports such as inventory on hand, turnover, forecasting, and discrepancy reports.
Present clear data insights to support decision making across logistics and general operations.
Team Leadership
Develop and support team members in Ops and Supply Chain.
Delegate appropriately, manage risk, coach for skill growth, and maintain a calm, steady environment under pressure.
General Operations
Own traditional operations and administrative tasks outside of supply chain.
Oversee wholesale order processing, coordinate payments and support tax related calculations before submission.
Manage operational admin that keeps the business running smoothly, including compliance checks, vendor paperwork and account maintenance.
Expect 10 to 20 percent of your role to cover these non logistics operational responsibilities.
WHAT YOU GET
Bonus Program - Paid quarterly to the entire team when we hit our objectives
Fully remote with async flexibility
Unlimited vacation and sick leave days
Paid courses, coaching, and personal growth budget to help you level up
We trust you to own your work and drive results
HOW WE HIRE
We believe in being clear and respectful of your time. Here's exactly what to expect:
Application form: a few short questions to get a feel for your thinking and experience.
HR Screening interview: This is a 30 - 45 minute interview to determine initial culture and role fit.
Technical Interview: a 60-minute conversation with the hiring team to dig deeper into your experience, mindset, and fit.
Paid trial assignment: a realistic task (2-3 days to complete) that reflects the kind of work you'd actually do here.
Final Interview: Usually with our CEO, as a final seal of approval.
Offer + onboarding: if it's a match, we move quickly.
If we've interviewed you, we won't ghost you.
No five-round interview circus.
Just a fair, focused process designed to find the right fit for both sides.