Warehouse & Distribution Controller

Company Description Metabo Power Tools SA (Pty) Ltd is a leading supplier and distributor of professional power tools, accessories, and spares in Southern Africa, representing the global brands Metabo and HiKOKI. The company serves construction, manufacturing, engineering, metalworking, mining, and broader industrial sectors with high-performance, durable, and safety-focused solutions. Combining German and Japanese engineering excellence, Metabo Power Tools SA offers advanced cordless and corded technology designed to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Role Description A hands-on controller role responsible for the overall effective, efficient, and controlled operation of the Johannesburg warehouse, ensuring the accurate receiving, storage, picking, packing, invoicing, and distribution of inventory.

The incumbent will be responsible for safeguarding company inventory through the implementation, maintenance, and consistent enforcement of internal control procedures , while ensuring operational efficiency, inventory accuracy, and compliance with company policies and safety regulations.

This is a key operational role requiring strong leadership, organisational and planning abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to manage a demanding warehouse environment while maintaining high standards of accuracy, accountability, and productivity.

The successful candidate must demonstrate sound judgement, proactively identify operational and inventory-related risks, and maintain effective communication with the Finance Director and other relevant departments.

Key Responsibilities

1. Warehouse Operations & Inventory Management

• Oversee and coordinate all daily warehouse activities, including stock receiving, receipting, storage, picking, packing, invoicing, and dispatch.
• Manage the efficient receiving and processing of weekly airfreight and seafreight consignments, ensuring a quick turnaround without compromising accuracy or internal controls.
• Ensure all incoming stock is physically checked against relevant documentation, with discrepancies, shortages, damages, or irregularities promptly identified and reported.
• Oversee the accurate receipting and recording of inventory on the company's ERP system.
• Ensure inventory is correctly identified, labelled, stored, and organised to facilitate efficient stock handling and retrieval.
• Maintain appropriate stock handling and storage practices to minimise loss, damage, misplacement, and unnecessary handling.
• Coordinate warehouse activities to ensure efficient workflow, timely order fulfilment, and optimal utilisation of available resources.

2. Order Fulfilment, Invoicing & Distribution

• Oversee the warehouse order fulfilment process, ensuring sales orders received through the ERP warehouse module are processed accurately and efficiently.
• Ensure picking slips are generated, correctly actioned, and that all picked goods are checked against the relevant order documentation.
• Ensure the accurate conversion of completed picking transactions into invoices, in accordance with company procedures and internal controls.
• Supervise the packing and labelling of customer orders to ensure goods are adequately protected, correctly identified, and prepared for distribution.
• Coordinate closely with the in-house distribution team to ensure timely and accurate dispatch of customer orders.
• Ensure accurate dispatch records and supporting documentation are maintained.
• Monitor order processing turnaround times and proactively address delays, bottlenecks, or operational inefficiencies.
• Liaise with the Sales Department and other relevant departments to resolve order discrepancies and fulfilment-related queries.

3. Internal Controls, Stock Accuracy & Risk Management

• Implement, maintain, and consistently enforce the company's warehouse policies, procedures, and internal control requirements.
• Take responsibility for safeguarding inventory against loss, theft, damage, unauthorised movement, and inaccurate recording.
• Ensure all inventory receipts, movements, adjustments, and dispatches are properly authorised, accurately recorded, and supported by relevant documentation.
• Perform regular inventory accuracy checks and investigate discrepancies between physical stock and ERP system records.
• Work closely with the Procurement Department to ensure the accuracy and integrity of live inventory information.
• Identify weaknesses in existing warehouse processes or internal controls and recommend practical improvements.
• Proactively identify and communicate potential operational, inventory, financial, and control-related risks to the Finance Director.
• Ensure inventory discrepancies, recurring errors, unusual transactions, and control failures are investigated, documented, and escalated promptly.
• Maintain accurate records and an appropriate audit trail for warehouse and inventory transactions.

4. Stock Counts & Inventory Verification

• Plan, prepare, and coordinate the company's bi-annual physical stock counts.
• Ensure appropriate stock count procedures, preparation activities, warehouse organisation, and documentation are completed ahead of each count.
• Coordinate warehouse staff and resources to facilitate accurate, efficient, and controlled stock counting.
• Perform regular cycle counts, spot checks, and inventory verification procedures throughout the year.
• Investigate stock count variances, identify root causes, and recommend corrective measures.
• Ensure stock count results, discrepancies, and proposed adjustments are accurately documented and submitted for the required review and approval.
• Implement preventative measures to minimise recurring inventory discrepancies and improve stock accuracy.

5. Team Leadership & People Management

• Supervise, coordinate, and provide clear daily instructions to warehouse employees.
• Plan and allocate workloads effectively to ensure operational priorities and deadlines are met.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, discipline, and a positive working environment.
• Maintain team morale through effective communication, consistent leadership, and fair treatment of employees.
• Provide practical guidance, training, and support to employees to ensure they understand and consistently follow company procedures.
• Monitor employee performance, productivity, accuracy, and adherence to internal controls.
• Address performance concerns, operational challenges, and workplace issues promptly and professionally.

6. Warehouse Housekeeping, Safety & Compliance

• Maintain a clean, organised, safe, and efficient warehouse environment.
• Ensure appropriate housekeeping standards are consistently maintained across receiving, storage, picking, packing, and dispatch areas.
• Ensure compliance with applicable occupational health and safety regulations and company safety policies.
• Promote safe stock handling, equipment usage, storage practices, and general warehouse operations.
• Identify and promptly address potential workplace hazards, unsafe practices, and operational risks.
• Ensure warehouse equipment and working areas are maintained in a safe and functional condition.

7. Planning, Communication & Continuous Improvement

• Plan and prioritise warehouse activities in accordance with incoming shipments, customer order volumes, and distribution requirements.
• Communicate effectively with the Finance Director, Procurement, Sales, and Distribution departments regarding operational performance, stock discrepancies, delays, and potential risks.
• Provide timely and accurate feedback on matters affecting inventory integrity, warehouse productivity, and customer service.
• Identify opportunities to improve warehouse processes, operational efficiency, stock handling, and internal control