Inventory Manager

Purpose of the Role

The Inventory Manager will take overall responsibility for stock governance, stock control processes, and inventory integrity across the business. The role is responsible for implementing and maintaining robust stock management systems, procedures, and controls to minimize stock losses, improve stock accuracy, and ensure timely and accurate reporting across South Africa and other operating countries.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Governance & Control

• Develop, implement, and maintain standardized stock control policies and procedures across all operations.
• Ensure accurate recording and tracking of all stock movements.
• Monitor inventory accuracy and investigate stock variances.
• Implement controls to reduce stock losses, theft, damage, and administrative errors.
• Ensure regular cycle counts and annual stock counts are conducted effectively.

Process Improvement

• Identify weaknesses in current stock management practices and implement corrective actions.
• Improve operational discipline relating to stock movements and documentation.
• Introduce practical controls suitable for businesses operating with limited resources.
• Ensure stock processes are scalable across multiple countries and warehouses.

Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare regular stock variance and inventory performance reports.
• Analyze stock trends, slow-moving items, obsolete stock, and shrinkage.
• Report key inventory risks and recommendations to management.
• Assist finance with month-end stock reconciliations and audit requirements.

Oversight of Warehouses & Consignment Stock

• Ensure proper controls exist over all warehouses and consignment stock depots.
• Monitor stock held by third-party agents and distributors.
• Ensure consignment stock balances are accurate and regularly reconciled.

Team Management

• Supervise stock administrators and stock control personnel.
• Train staff on stock procedures and inventory discipline.
• Foster accountability and ownership over stock-related activities.

Minimum Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in stock/inventory management.
• Strong ERP and inventory systems experience.
• Strong analytical and reconciliation skills.
• Experience managing stock across multiple locations advantageous.
• Strong leadership and process implementation capability.