About the client
Our client is a fast-growing company operating in Uganda’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG)sector. With an expanding footprint across retail, wholesale, and distribution channels, the company is committed to strengthening its internal systems and building a high-performance workforce to support continued growth in a competitive and price-sensitive market.
Job Summary
The Stores Manager is responsible for end-to-end warehouse and inventory control operations supporting the client’s FMCG distribution across Uganda and regional markets.
The role ensures high inventory accuracy, minimal stock losses, efficient dispatch operations, and strict compliance with food safety and regulatory standards, enabling uninterrupted product availability and cost-efficient distribution.
Key Responsibilities
Inventory & Stock Control
- Oversee receipt, inspection, storage, and issuance of all raw materials, packaging, and finished goods.
- Maintain inventory accuracy ≥ 98% through disciplined stock control processes.
- Enforce FIFO and FEFO principles, especially for perishable food products.
- Conduct cycle counts and monthly stock takes; investigate and resolve variances promptly.
- Actively manage near-expiry, damaged, and obsolete stock to minimize write-offs.
- Monitor reorder levels and coordinate replenishment to prevent stock-outs or overstocking.
Warehouse Operations Management
- Plan and optimize warehouse layout to support high-volume FMCG throughput.
- Ensure proper zoning (finished goods, returns, damaged stock, quarantine areas).
- Supervise all loading/offloading activities ensuring accuracy against documentation.
- Maintain high standards of hygiene, pest control, and food safety compliance.
- Ensure proper handling and storage conditions for temperature-sensitive products where applicable.
- Drive operational efficiency in picking, packing, and dispatch processes.
Cost Control & Loss Prevention
- Monitor and control warehouse-related costs (labor, damages, shrinkage).
- Implement measures to reduce stock losses, pilferage, and operational inefficiencies.
- Track and report inventory write-offs and their financial impact.
- Continuously improve processes to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
Team Leadership & Workforce Management
- Lead and supervise store personnel including clerks, loaders, and supervisors.
- Develop staff schedules and manage shifts in line with dispatch volumes.
- Set clear performance targets and conduct regular evaluations.
- Train staff on SOPs, safety standards, and inventory management practices.
- Enforce discipline, accountability, and a high-performance culture.
Supply Chain Coordination
- Work closely with procurement, production, sales, and logistics teams to align stock availability with demand.
- Coordinate inbound deliveries and outbound distribution to meet service level targets.
- Provide accurate stock data to support demand planning and forecasting.
- Ensure on-time order fulfillment ≥ 95%.
Compliance, Food Safety & Regulatory Requirements
- Ensure compliance with Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) and food safety regulations.
- Adhere to Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) requirements, including bonded warehouse procedures where applicable.
- Maintain full traceability of stock for audit and recall purposes.
- Enforce health & safety standards and ensure proper use of PPE.
- Maintain audit-ready documentation at all times.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Commerce, or related field
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in warehouse/stores management in FMCG, preferably food products
- Proven experience managing high-volume distribution environments
- Strong working knowledge of ERP/inventory systems
- Advanced MS Excel and reporting skills
- Added Advantage
- Professional certification (e.g., CIPS)
- Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems
- Experience in food manufacturing or distribution environments
Key Competencies
- Strong grasp of inventory management principles (FIFO, FEFO, ABC analysis)
- High attention to detail and operational discipline
- Leadership and team management in fast-paced environments
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Knowledge of Ugandan regulatory environment (UNBS, URA)
- Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration
- Work Environment
- Fast-paced FMCG warehouse and distribution setting
- Requires flexibility to manage peak dispatch periods and extended working hours when necessary