Inventory Manager

Description

• We are seeking an experienced Inventory & Warehouse Manager to take ownership of stock accuracy, warehouse organisation and inventory controls across its retail, wholesale and online sales operations.
• We need a hands-on leader who can manage people, strengthen processes and ensure that physical stock matches system records. You should be confident using ERP systems, investigating discrepancies and maintaining control in a busy environment with high order volumes and multiple sales channels.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Control & Accuracy:

• Take responsibility for inventory accuracy across the warehouse, store and other stock locations.
• Ensure all receipts, transfers, sales, returns, damages and approved adjustments are recorded accurately and promptly.
• Establish regular cycle counts and scheduled stocktakes, investigate variances and implement corrective actions.
• Reconcile physical stock with ERP records and relevant sales platforms, working with the e-commerce and finance teams to resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain clear controls over stock movements, with appropriate documentation, approvals and audit trails.

Warehouse Management:

• Manage daily receiving, inspection, storage, replenishment, picking, packing and internal stock transfers.
• Establish clear bin locations, product labelling and storage arrangements that make products easy to locate and count.
• Verify incoming deliveries against purchase orders and delivery documents, escalating shortages, damage or incorrect items.
• Maintain appropriate storage conditions and handling standards for skincare and beauty products.
• Coordinate with order processing and logistics teams to ensure accurate, timely order fulfilment.
• Organise the warehouse to support efficient work, safe handling and controlled access to stock.

ERP & Inventory Systems:

• Use an ERP or warehouse management system to monitor inventory and oversee stock transactions.
• Maintain accurate product records, including SKUs, barcodes, units of measure, storage locations and batch or expiry details where applicable.
• Ensure staff follow system procedures and complete transactions at the correct stage of each stock movement.
• Work with technical and e-commerce teams to investigate stock synchronisation issues between the ERP, POS and website.
• Support system improvements, data cleanup, implementation and staff training.

Stock Planning & Loss Prevention:

• Monitor stock levels, sales patterns and replenishment needs to reduce stockouts and overstocking.
• Track fast-moving, slow-moving, ageing and near-expiry products, recommending appropriate action.
• Apply first-expiry, first-out practices where relevant and maintain controls over expired, damaged, returned and quarantined stock.
• Investigate recurring shortages, picking errors and unexplained adjustments.
• Work with purchasing, finance and management on stock availability, supplier delivery issues and inventory planning.

Team Leadership & Reporting:

• Supervise warehouse and inventory staff, assign responsibilities and monitor performance.
• Develop and enforce practical standard operating procedures for all key inventory activities.
• Train staff on stock handling, counting, documentation and ERP usage.
• Provide regular reports on inventory accuracy, stock variances, stockouts, ageing stock, expiry risks and warehouse performance.
• Work closely with retail sales, e-commerce, customer support, logistics, finance and the auditor to resolve stock-related issues.

What Success Looks Like

• Reliable alignment between physical stock and system records.
• Prompt, traceable recording of every stock movement.
• An organised warehouse with clear product locations and accountable staff.
• Fewer picking errors, unexplained losses and avoidable stockouts.
• Timely reporting that helps management make informed purchasing and operational decisions.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of relevant inventory and warehouse management experience, including at least 2 years leading a team.
• Experience in a busy retail, wholesale, distribution or e-commerce business; skincare, cosmetics, pharmacy or FMCG experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong practical knowledge of ERP-based inventory management. Experience with systems such as ERPNext, Odoo, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics or a comparable ERP is welcome.
• Proven experience managing stock across multiple locations or sales channels.
• Strong understanding of stock reconciliation, cycle counting, stocktakes, replenishment and loss prevention.
• Experience managing batch numbers, expiry dates and product traceability.
• Strong Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookup functions and reconciliation of large stock records.
• Ability to identify the root causes of discrepancies and introduce controls that prevent recurrence.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise staff, enforce procedures and maintain accountability.
• High integrity, attention to detail and the confidence to flag irregularities promptly.
• A relevant qualification in supply chain, logistics, business administration or a related discipline is an advantage.