Durban: Fabric warehouse manager posted by Talent Scout Recruitment

JOB DESCRIPTION

FABRIC WAREHOUSE MANAGER

Company: Maytex
Department: Raw Materials / Warehouse Operations
Reports To: Operations Manager
Location: Mobeni, Durban

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

POSITION SUMMARY

The Fabric Warehouse Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the raw materials warehouse operations at Maytex. This role requires a highly system-driven and process-oriented professional who will manage fabric inventory, coordinate with the cutting room, implement and maintain warehouse management systems (WMS), and ensure efficient fabric flow from receiving to production. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with warehouse management software and a proven track record of implementing systematic processes in a textile or manufacturing environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Warehouse Operations Management

• Oversee all daily warehouse operations including receiving, storage, picking, and issuing of fabric and raw materials
• Manage the physical layout and organization of the warehouse to optimize space utilization and efficiency
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of all incoming and outgoing materials
• Coordinate fabric allocation and issuance to the cutting room based on production requirements
• Maintain optimal stock levels to prevent shortages or overstocking
• Implement and maintain 5S or similar warehouse organization methodologies

Systems & Technology Management

• Lead the implementation, maintenance, and optimization of the Warehouse Management System (WMS)
• Ensure all warehouse transactions are accurately captured in the WMS in real-time
• Generate and analyze system reports for inventory accuracy, turnover, and operational efficiency
• Integrate WMS with existing systems (Sync or other ERP platforms)
• Identify opportunities for system improvements and automation
• Train staff on proper system usage and data entry protocols
• Troubleshoot system issues and coordinate with IT/software vendors as needed

Process Development & Documentation

• Develop, document, and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all warehouse processes
• Create process maps and workflow documentation for receiving, storage, picking, and dispatch
• Establish quality control checkpoints throughout warehouse operations
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives using Lean or Six Sigma methodologies
• Regularly review and update processes to improve efficiency and accuracy
• Ensure compliance with company policies and industry best practices

Inventory Management & Control

• Maintain accurate inventory records through systematic cycle counts and stock audits
• Implement inventory control measures to minimize fabric damage, loss, and obsolescence
• Manage fabric roll tracking including roll numbers, meterage, and quality ratings
• Coordinate with procurement on fabric receipts and quality inspections
• Handle fabric returns from cutting room and manage stock adjustments
• Prepare and analyze inventory reports including aging, turnover, and variance analysis

Documentation & Compliance

• Ensure proper documentation for all fabric movements including:
  • Purchase receipts and GRNs (Goods Received Notes)
  • Issue slips and picking slips
  • PPOs (Production Purchase Orders)
  • Return slips and transfer notes
• Maintain accurate filing systems for all warehouse documentation
• Ensure traceability of all fabric batches from receipt to production
• Comply with any quality management system requirements (ISO standards if applicable)

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, supervise, and develop the warehouse team
• Create work schedules and allocate resources effectively
• Conduct regular training on systems, processes, and safety procedures
• Set performance objectives and conduct performance evaluations
• Foster a culture of accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement
• Ensure adherence to health and safety regulations

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the cutting room to understand fabric requirements and timing
• Collaborate with procurement/purchasing on supplier performance and receiving schedules
• Coordinate with production planning to align inventory with production schedules
• Support Operations Manager with data and insights for decision-making
• Liaise with external suppliers and logistics providers as needed

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field
• Alternatively, relevant diploma with substantial practical experience

Experience

• Minimum 5-7 years experience in warehouse or inventory management
• Minimum 3 years in a supervisory or management role
• Essential: Proven experience implementing and managing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
• Essential: Hands-on experience with inventory management software and ERP systems
• Experience in textile, apparel, or manufacturing industry highly preferred
• Demonstrated success in process improvement and system implementation projects

Technical Skills

• Expert level: Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) – implementation and daily operations
• Advanced: Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis, reporting)
• Proficient: ERP/inventory management software (experience with Sync system is advantageous)
• Proficient: Database management and reporting tools
• Working knowledge of barcode/scanning systems and RFID technology
• Familiarity with process mapping and workflow documentation tools

Core Competencies

• System-driven mindset: Natural inclination toward systemizing processes and using technology
• Process orientation: Ability to design, document, and implement structured processes
• Analytical thinking: Strong data analysis skills and ability to derive insights from reports
• Attention to detail: Exceptional accuracy in documentation and inventory control
• Problem-solving: Systematic approach to identifying and resolving operational issues
• Project management: Ability to lead system implementations and process improvement projects
• Change management: Experience driving organizational change and system adoption

Additional Requirements

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Understanding of fabric types, specifications, and handling requirements (preferred)
• Valid driver’s license (if applicable)
• Proficiency in English (additional languages advantageous)