Warehouse Manager

Job Title: Warehouse Manager KZN, South Africa

Reporting to: Warehouse and Logistics Manager, Africa

Location: Canelands - South Africa

ABOUT UPL:

UPL is focused on emerging as a premier global provider of total crop solutions designed to secure the world’s long-term food supply. Winning farmer's hearts across the globe, while leading the way with innovative products and services that make agriculture sustainable, UPL is the fastest-growing company in the industry.

Role Summary

The Manager plays a pivotal role in optimizing the performance of our own warehouse and third-party logistics (3PL) warehouses, ensuring that the company’s own and outsourced warehousing operations deliver on both efficiency and effectiveness. This role is essential for identifying inefficiencies, driving cost reduction initiatives, and ensuring operational excellence across all 3PL-managed sites including own warehouses.

Role Responsibilities

Process Optimization:

1. Analyse warehouse operations to identify inefficiencies in processes.
2. Utilise Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
3. Implement warehouse best practices to ensure optimal material flow.
4. Support the integration and optimization of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) with the 3PL provider.

Performance Measurement and Reporting:

1. Develop, track, and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) for 3PL warehouses.
2. Establish continuous improvement goals for the 3PL based on KPI performance.
3. Provide detailed reports on the performance of 3PL warehouse operations.

Collaboration with 3PL Providers:

1. Work closely with 3PL providers to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
2. Collaborate with 3PL teams to design and implement improvement initiatives.
3. Lead regular performance review meetings with 3PL partners.

Cost Reduction Initiatives:

1. Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities within the 3PL warehouse operations.
2. Analyse cost drivers to reduce waste and maximize resource efficiency.
3. Support 3PL providers in optimizing their use of resources.

Lean and Six Sigma Implementation:

1. Lead Lean and Six Sigma projects to enhance productivity.
2. Provide training and guidance to 3PL staff on Lean principles.
3. Facilitate workshops with cross-functional teams.

Warehouse Layout and Capacity Planning:

1. Conduct analyses of warehouse layout and space utilization.
2. Collaborate with 3PL providers on layout redesign projects.
3. Use capacity planning tools to forecast demand.

Change Management and Process Standardization:

1. Lead change management initiatives for new processes.
2. Standardize warehouse processes across all 3PL sites.
3. Work with supply chain and logistics teams for alignment.

Compliance and Risk Mitigation:

1. Ensure compliance with industry regulations and safety standards.
2. Identify and mitigate operational risks.
3. Work with the 3PL to implement safety practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required

Technical Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or related field.
2. Minimum of 7 years of experience in warehouse operations.
3. Certified in Lean Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt preferred).
4. Proven experience in driving process improvements.
5. Strong proficiency in data analysis tools.

Behavioural Requirements:

1. Strong knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
2. Ability to analyse operational data and provide actionable recommendations.
3. Strong project management skills.
4. Ability to quickly diagnose operational inefficiencies.
5. Strong collaboration and teamwork skills.