Warehouse & Logistics Manager (Tobacco & Commodities)
Job Summary
Key Responsibilities
Warehouse & Collateral Management
- Take full operational responsibility for warehouse facilities in Kabwe and Lusaka ensuring efficient secure and well-organised operations at all times.
- Manage the storage handling preservation and protection of tobacco commodities in line with industry standards and collateral management requirements.
- Ensure strict control and accuracy of stock held under collateral arrangements including oversight of warehouse receipts and controlled stock movements.
- Implement and maintain robust stock control systems to ensure real-time visibility and traceability of all inventory.
- Supervise warehouse staff collateral controllers and support personnel ensuring clear task allocation and performance accountability.
- Ensure all inbound and outbound goods are properly recorded authorised and supported by accurate documentation.
- Conduct regular physical stock counts and reconciliations to validate system records and warehouse receipts.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness order and operational compliance within all warehouse facilities.
Tobacco Industry Knowledge & Quality Control
- Apply strong working knowledge of Burley and Flue-Cured tobacco throughout all warehouse and logistics operations.
- Understand and apply tobacco grading systems and classifications during intake storage and dispatch.
- Verify tobacco grades weights and quantities during receiving and release processes to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Monitor storage conditions to preserve tobacco quality and minimise loss damage or deterioration.
- Ensure that all handling practices align with quality standards and industry best practices.
- Accurately calculate tobacco quantities weights and commercial values for reporting and reconciliation purposes.
Logistics & Commodity Movement
- Coordinate the movement of goods between Kabwe Lusaka and Ndola ensuring efficient scheduling and execution.
- Support logistics coordination for the transportation of copper concentrates from Ndola to Tanzania ensuring alignment with operational and documentation requirements.
- Liaise closely with transporters clearing agents warehouse teams and other stakeholders to ensure smooth execution of logistics activities.
- Monitor delivery timelines and proactively resolve delays disruptions or operational challenges.
- Support sales coordination and key account requirements related to stock availability and movement where necessary.
Documentation Banking & Financial Coordination
- Manage and control documentation related to bank releases warehouse receipts and collateralised stock.
- Prepare accurate and timely stock reconciliation reports for internal management and external stakeholders.
- Ensure all financial banking and collateral documentation complies with agreed procedures and regulatory requirements.
- Liaise with banks and financial institutions regarding collateral stock positions releases and reporting obligations.
Reporting & Administration
- Prepare detailed weekly and monthly stock warehouse and movement reports.
- Investigate stock discrepancies variances and losses and implement corrective actions where required.
- Maintain well-organised filing systems for physical and electronic records.
- Support internal audits inspections and third-party reviews when required.
Health Safety & Compliance
- Participate fully in Safety Health and Environmental (SHE) training programmes.
- Enforce compliance with health and safety regulations across all warehouse operations.
- Ensure correct and consistent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by all staff and visitors.
- Conduct routine safety inspections and identify potential hazards within warehouse facilities.
- Promote a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to company policies and procedures.
Qualifications
- Diploma or Degree in Logistics Supply Chain Management Business Administration or a related field.
- Formal training in Warehouse Management Commodity Logistics or Collateral Management is an advantage.
- Additional certification or training related to commodity trading or stock control systems will be beneficial.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong numerical and analytical skills with the ability to calculate stock volumes weights and values accurately.
- Proven ability to manage stock control systems warehouse receipts and reconciliation processes.
- Solid understanding of warehouse reporting documentation and audit requirements.
- Strong leadership and people-management skills with experience supervising operational teams.
- Ability to operate effectively across multiple locations and manage competing priorities.
- Strong coordination and stakeholder management skills including interaction with banks transporters and clearing agents.
- High attention to detail accuracy and integrity when managing high-value commodities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and warehouse or stock management systems.
- Ability to work under pressure meet deadlines and respond effectively to operational challenges.