Stores Operator

Role Purpose

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Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) has an exciting opportunity in the Manufacturing Department. We are looking for a talented individual with relevant skills and experience as Team Leader: Stores based in Elgin. Key Purpose: To lead and support the stores team and to manage and control inventory (raw materials and spares) so that customers receive the right quantity and quality raw materials/spares at the right time.

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Key Duties and Responsibilities

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Raw Material Stores Management

• Oversee all activities in the Raw Materials Stores, ensuring that packaging, ingredients, and consumables are received, stored, and issued accurately and timeously.
• Maintain alignment between material availability and production requirements to prevent line stoppages.
• Implement and enforce First-In-First-Out (FIFO) and First-Expired-First-Out (FEFO) principles.

Inventory Accuracy and Stock Control

• Monitor stock levels and reorder alerts to avoid stockouts or overstocking.
• Ensure daily, weekly, and monthly cycle counts are completed and variances are investigated and resolved.
• Maintain correct ERP transactions including goods receipt (GR), stock transfers, issues to production, and returns.

Quality and Compliance

• Ensure that raw materials are handled and stored according to Coca-Cola’s Food Safety, Quality (FSSC), and SHEQ standards.
• Isolate and report any non-conforming materials and coordinate with Quality and Procurement for resolution.
• Maintain audit readiness at all times through robust documentation and traceability practices.

Data Management

• Oversee accurate and timely ERP system updates for all raw material movements.
• Coordinate with master data teams and central inventory functions to ensure material master accuracy.
• Generate operational reports and highlight trends, risks, or corrective actions needed.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Raw Material Stores Controller and Operator to ensure optimal performance.
• Monitor team performance and support skills development
• Implement and reinforce a culture of discipline, compliance, and accountability within the team.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Collaborate daily with the Production Controller to align material availability with the production schedule.
• Liaise with procurement and suppliers to manage delivery expectations and resolve any inbound issues.
• Escalate critical risks (e.g., stockouts, storage constraints) to the Stores Manager with proposed solutions.

Continuous Improvement

• Support 5S initiatives and warehouse layout optimization for safety, efficiency, and cleanliness.
• Contribute to CI initiatives led by the Continuous Improvement Specialist.
• Drive reduction in material losses and waste through process discipline and performance monitoring

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Skills And Experience And Education ,

Education

• National Diploma or NQF Level 6 in: Supply Chain Management, Logistics/Warehouse Management, Food Technology (advantageous for understanding ingredient handling)
• MM/WM training (preferred)
• Certificate in Inventory or Warehouse Management (advantageous)

Experience

• 3–5 years experience in warehouse/stores operations, preferably within FMCG or food/beverage manufacturing
• Experience managing raw materials (packaging and ingredients) in a high-volume production environment
• At least 2 years’ experience in a supervisory or team leader role
• Strong working knowledge of SAP (MM, WM)

Skills

• Deep understanding of raw materials handling in food/beverage manufacturing
• Proficient in MM/WM for material transactions and reporting
• Ability to manage warehouse operations and implement FIFO/FEFO rigorously
• Strong leadership and communication skills to manage and develop a small team
• High attention to detail with a disciplined and organized work ethic
• Ability to interpret and act on data to improve performance
• Sound knowledge of Food Safety, Quality, and SHEQ compliance standards
• Familiarity with 5S, lean warehouse practices, and CI methodologies

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General

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Internal Candidates must submit a fully approved application form (signed off by the Line Manager and HR) to the talent acquisition specialist before the closing date.