Warehouse & Distribution Manager

Job Summary

The Warehouse & Distribution Manager is responsible for the strategic oversight and day-to-day operations of the warehouse and distribution network, ensuring efficient, accurate, and safe handling of all inventory. This role manages the receiving, storage, order fulfillment, and dispatch of products to support retail operations, e-commerce, and wholesale channels. The Manager will lead a team, maintain high standards of productivity and service quality, and optimize end-to-end processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

This position is vital to ensuring that the fashion retail company maintains a streamlined, responsive, and cost-effective supply chain.

• Warehouse Operations Management:
• Oversee daily operations, including receiving, storing, picking, packing, and dispatching of fashion products, ensuring accurate inventory levels are maintained.
• Implement and monitor effective storage, picking, packing, and distribution processes to optimize space utilization, labor productivity, and order accuracy.
• Maintain proper documentation and tracking of all stock movements to ensure traceability and compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Ensure the physical condition of the warehouse and its equipment (e.g., racks, forklifts) is maintained through regular inspections and preventive maintenance schedules.

• Inventory Control:
• Ensure accuracy in inventory records through regular cycle counts and semi-annual/biannual full inventory audits.
• Collaborate with the inventory control and finance teams to reconcile discrepancies, investigate variances, and adjust ledger records.
• Develop and implement inventory management strategies to minimize stock losses, shrinkage, and obsolescence, particularly for seasonal fashion items.

• Skills
• • Team Leadership & Development:
  • Train, mentor, and supervise warehouse staff, including warehouse associates, supervisors, and coordinators.
  • Set clear performance objectives, conduct regular performance reviews, and provide coaching and development opportunities for team members.
  • Foster a culture of teamwork, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement (Kaizen) among the warehouse team.
  • Manage weekly work schedules, shift patterns, and labor allocation to meet operational demands efficiently.

• Safety & Compliance:
• Ensure that all warehouse operations adhere to local health, safety, fire, and environmental regulations.
• Conduct regular safety audits, toolbox talks, and training sessions, and enforce safety protocols to maintain a zero-accident working environment.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all safety-related matters and official inspections.

• Process & Cost Optimization:
• Analyze and identify opportunities for improving warehouse processes, including layout optimization, workflow efficiency, automation, and technology upgrades.
• Implement lean practices (e.g., 5S) and warehouse management best practices to reduce costs, improve productivity, and enhance scalability.
• Work closely with the IT team to leverage, configure, and optimize warehouse management systems (WMS), barcode scanners, and other material handling technologies.
• Prepare and manage the warehouse operational budget, controlling costs related to labor, equipment, and consumables

• Logistics & Coordination:
• Coordinate inbound and outbound shipments with suppliers, distribution centers, retail stores, and third-party logistics (3PL) providers to ensure timely and accurate deliveries.
• Manage relationships with transport providers and negotiate contracts and rates to optimize shipping costs and service levels.
• Oversee reverse logistics processes, including returns, refurbishment, and damaged goods management, ensuring efficient reintegration into stock or disposal.
• Collaborate closely with the retail, procurement, and customer service departments to align warehouse activities with sales forecasts and promotional plans.

• Reporting & Data Analysis:
• Track, analyze, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as order accuracy, pick rate, inventory accuracy, and on-time delivery.
• Prepare and present weekly/monthly reports on warehouse performance, identifying trends, areas for improvement, and implementing corrective actions.
• Use data analysis to support strategic decision-making, budgeting, forecasting, and improve overall warehouse operations.