Depot Manager

About Africa Trade Engine (ATE)

Africa Trade Engine (ATE) is a joint venture between TRT and TradeDepot that is building a retail distribution business across Africa. ATE connects leading beverage and FMCG principals to retail and wholesale outlets through an owned, technology-enabled distribution network.

Role Purpose

The Depot Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of an assigned Africa Trade Engine (ATE) depot, combining hands-on warehouse and inventory control with disciplined financial administration.

The successful candidate will ensure the efficient receipt, storage and dispatch of stock while maintaining accurate inventory, cash and sales records that reconcile daily. The role oversees all aspects of depot operations, including inventory management, order fulfilment, stock and cash reconciliation, and the integrity of depot financial records.

This position requires strong leadership, attention to detail, financial discipline, and a commitment to operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Depot & Warehouse Operations

• Plan, coordinate and supervise daily depot operations to ensure the efficient receipt, storage and dispatch of stock.
• Manage depot personnel, including loaders, drivers and support staff, ensuring adherence to operational standards, productivity targets and company policies.
• Oversee the receipt of incoming shipments, ensuring timely verification, documentation and put-away of stock.
• Ensure customer and internal orders are accurately picked, packed and dispatched within agreed service levels.
• Maintain an organised depot layout that promotes efficient storage utilisation, stock movement and operational safety.
• Coordinate vehicle loading, route dispatch and returns to support the field sales team.
• Monitor depot performance metrics and prepare periodic operational reports for management review.

Inventory, Stock & Financial Control

• Maintain accurate inventory and financial records through approved inventory management and accounting systems, ensuring high levels of stock and ledger accuracy.
• Implement and enforce inventory management principles, including FIFO, to optimise stock rotation and minimise product loss, damage and obsolescence.
• Conduct regular stock counts and reconciliations, investigate variances and implement corrective actions to improve accuracy.
• Reconcile daily sales, cash and stock movements so that cash banked and stock on hand tie back to system records.
• Manage depot cash handling, banking and petty cash in line with company financial controls.
• Prepare and verify invoices, credit notes, goods-received notes and delivery documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate replenishment to prevent stock shortages or excess holding.
• Track depot operating costs, assist with budget monitoring, and flag variances against target.
• Support the month-end close by submitting accurate stock, sales and cash reports to Finance on time.

Health, Safety & General Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and policies to maintain a safe and clean depot environment.
• Assist with the implementation of process improvements and operational efficiencies to optimise depot operations.
• Undertake such other duties and responsibilities as may reasonably be assigned from time to time.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years' experience spanning warehouse or inventory management and a finance or stock-control role such as accounting clerk, inventory controller or stock accountant, preferably within the FMCG, retail distribution or e-commerce sectors.
• Demonstrable experience reconciling stock, cash and sales, and maintaining accurate financial and inventory records.
• Experience leading and supervising depot or warehouse teams and managing day-to-day operations.
• Proficiency in warehouse or inventory management systems, accounting or ERP software, and Google Workspace applications.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and numerical skills with the ability to interpret inventory, sales and operational data.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent organisational, planning and time-management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and financial control.
• Achievement Orientation.
• Analytical Thinking.
• Relationship Building for Influence.
• Leading and Developing Others.
• Demonstrable expertise in Microsoft Productivity Tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.).

Additional Requirements

• Must have the legal right to work in South Africa.

How to Apply

Interested candidates may submit their applications to [email protected]

Education:

• Diploma (Required)

Experience:

• warehouse, depot, or inventory management: 3 years (Required)
• FMCG, retail distribution, wholesale, or e-commerce : 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person