Operations Manager at ALARA

Job description
Inventory Management

•     Manage a vast array of stock items from over 200 suppliers worldwide.
•     Develop and monitor the Company’s inventory and warehousing facilities.
•     Evaluate and select information technology solutions (ERP, manual cross check systems) to improve tracking, storage and inventory.
•     Oversee the activities of the Inventory Supervisor and stock controllers.
•     Ensure zero or minimal inventory loss.
•     Champion and train operations team on quality control.

Supply Chain and Logistics

•     Develop processes and procedures for coordination of supply chain management with other functional areas, such as the Buyers (fashion and home goods), Restaurant Manager and Finance.
•     Negotiate prices and terms with freight forwarders and monitor freight forwarders’ performance to assess ability to meet delivery requirements.
•     Implement new or improved supply chain processes.
•     Document physical supply chain processes, such as workflows, cycle times, position responsibilities, or system flows for Inventory Supervisor and Stock Controllers.
•     Analyse inventories to determine how to increase inventory turns, reduce waste, or optimize customer service.
•     Design or implement supply chains that support business strategies and adapt it to changing market conditions, new business opportunities, or cost reduction strategies.
•     Coordinate packing notes and liaise with Finance to ensure timely payments of charges and duties.
•     Communicate with suppliers on missing or damaged goods.
•     Proactive Contract Management with 3rd Party Logistics providers.
•     Oversight responsibility for the day to day management of Logistics providers.

Facility Management

•     Manage and maintain the facility management of concept store and office block.
•     Selecting and Managing the 3rd party contracts with Facility Management companies for cleaning, landscaping, plumbing and electrical maintenance etc.
•     Ensuring that the standards around the concept store are kept to international best practice standards.

Information Technology:

•     Ensure the regular maintenance of the Company’s ICT infrastructure.
•     Put structures in place such as CCTV and security systems to ensure minimal stock loss.
•     Oversee the activities of the ICT team.

Budget Management:

•     Work alongside other members of management to develop, annual operations budget
•     Ensure that the Company maintains annual shipping/clearing/inventory and warehousing budget by engaging in sound negotiations with contractors.

Operations

•     Provide operational support to the restaurant and retail business.
•     Influence third parties on their standards requiring them to deliver best in class service.
•     Identify root causes of logistics/supply issues - and actively proffer solutions to solve them.
•     Drive the operations agenda with the entire business.

Project Management

•     Implement and manage change within the commercial teams and the supplier base.
•     Deliver and support projects that would improve the Company’s IT infrastructure and processes, to aid operational efficiencies.

People Development

•     Manage and motivate the operations team by training and orienting team to ensure efficiency.
•     Manage staff job results by coaching and counselling operations team as well as conducting appraisals and performance reviews.
•     Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks and participating in professional societies.
•     Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITES

•     Day to day management of logistics providers.
•     Manage all company stock and inventory across the retail and restaurant business.
•     Implement computerised inventory management and stock control systems.
•     Implement cost cutting measures in order to improve the Company’s operational efficiencies.
•     Ensure accurate in depth product knowledge for the operations team by training new and existing staff.
•     Drive operation agenda for the entire business.

SKILLS

•     Knowledge of logistics and supply chain processes and quality control.
•     Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and coordination of people and resources.
•     Knowledge of principles and methods for moving goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
•     Proven track record of delivering tangible business results through the effective application of Project Management methodologies and Continuous Improvement techniques (Kaizen, LEAN, Six Sigma, PM).
•     Experience of stock control and inventory management and logistics.
•     Comprehensive knowledge of admin processes and standards.
•     Excellent communication, team working and leadership skills.
•     Ability to prioritise workload and delegate effectively.
•     Strong attention to detail.
•     Ability to multi-task and work under pressure.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

•     A first degree from a reputable university.
•     Minimum of 5 years supply chain/logistics experience preferably within the FMCG, Retail or Hospitality space.