A new and exciting opportunity opened up for an
Inventory and Risk Manager to join our Sales Team in Gauteng.
The purpose of the job for the ideal candidate will be
- To play a crucial role in managing and optimising overall Company stock inventory processes and planning for all manufacturing units.
- To take full responsibility for reducing overall stock returns in the retail operations network, to 2%.
- Overseeing the efficient handling of product returns, ensuring customer satisfaction, implementing strategies to minimise returns, constant engagement with the internal sales team and other departments within the Company.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field (preferred)
EXPERIENCE:
- 4-6 years proven experience in a similar role, preferably in a manufacturing or retail environment.
SKILLS:
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Collaborate effectively internally and with cross-functional teams.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
KNOWLEDGE:
- Strong understanding of returns management processes and best practices.
- Strong understanding of inventory management processes.
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:
1. Returns Process Management
- Develop and implement efficient processes for analysing, controlling and reporting on all returns/waste nationally.
- Ensure close collaboration with The SRC Luminate team and Clover/Vector to implement strategies to control waste and returns by region and store.
- Coordinate with various departments, including customer service, sales agents, and quality control to streamline the returns processes and resolve issues promptly.
- Maintain accurate records of returned items, reasons for return, and strategies by region and banner.
- Conduct thorough inspections of returned products to determine their condition and identify any defects or damages in collaboration with Clover and Vector.
- Develop and implement a returns management process in collaboration with Clover/Vector and SRC/Luminate to ensure sign off on store returns.
- Collaborate with the quality control team and Clover/Vector sales team to assess the root causes of returns and implement corrective actions to prevent the recurrence.
2. Stock Optimisasion
- Develop a robust plan to optimize the correct stock holding in all direct and indirect Distribution Centres nationally.
- Manage weekly forecasting with relevant parties.
- Manage and resolve all near dated stock items with the sales teams.
3. Customer Communication and Resolution
- Serve as the primary point of contact of authorising returned products, determine their condition, and identify any defects or damages.
- Communicate return policies and procedures clearly and effectively to consumers, helping and guiding them as needed.
- Set up weekly communication sessions to discuss and manage all returns/waste related problems and implement fixes.
- Work closely woth customer service representatives to address customer concerns and facilitate the resolution of return-related issues in a timely manner.
4. Data Analysis and Reporting
- Analyse return trends and patterns to identify areas for implementation and opportunities to reduce return rates.
- Optimize all SKU stock levels in all customer outlets and Distribution Centres.
- Generate regular reports on return metrics, including return rates, reasons for return and disposition outcomes.
- Use data-driven insights to recommend strategies for minimising returns and improving overall customer satisfaction.
5. Supplier and Vendor Management
- Implement strategies to minimise waste/returns with all vendors and track progress daily.
- Collaborate with customers and vendors to address product quality issues and facilitate the return of defective or non-conforming items.
- Negotiate return agreements and terms with suppliers to ensure favourable outcomes for the Company.
- Monitor supplier performance and adherence to return KPIs, taking corrective action as necessary.