Senior Specialist DC Operations Inventory and Inbound - EM South

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organisation: Responsible and accountable for the end-to-end Inventory Control, Inbound Operations Governance, and B2B Returns Management within the South Africa Distribution Centre.   The role ensures inventory accuracy, system integrity, stock visibility, control compliance, and operational efficiency across all warehouse activities. The incumbent acts as the custodian of inventory accuracy and operational controls, ensuring alignment between physical inventory, 3PL WMS, and SAP S/4HANA systems.   The role is responsible for driving inventory governance through robust inventory controls, system integration monitoring, reconciliation activities, audits, compliance reporting, stakeholder alignment, and continuous improvement initiatives.   In addition, the incumbent oversees inbound receiving performance and B2B returns processes to ensure service level compliance, timely stock availability, accurate system updates, effective stakeholder communication, and cost-efficient warehouse operations.   The position serves as a key liaison between the DC, 3PL partner, Finance, Customer Service, IT, Internal Controls, Supply Chain stakeholders, and commercial teams to ensure end-to-end stock integrity and business continuity.     Role emphasis and accountability split

Primary accountability: Inventory control, inventory accuracy, system integrity, integrations, controls, governance, audits, and stock visibility. Secondary accountability: Inbound receiving governance and B2B returns management, with clear SLA, query, reporting, and integration responsibilities. Expected operating posture: Proactive control owner who leads cross-functional alignment, holds stakeholders accountable, and drives continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:   1. Inventory Management & Control (Primary Responsibility): Inventory Accuracy & Integrity:

Own and drive overall inventory accuracy across the Distribution Centre, maintaining physical-to-system accuracy of greater than 99%. Ensure all system interfaces and integrations between the 3PL WMS and SAP S/4HANA are monitored and validated regularly. Perform formal system-to-system stock match checks at least twice per week and document reasons for all mismatches. Lead all inventory reconciliation activities and investigate variances to determine root causes, owners, and corrective actions. Monitor inventory movements and ensure all transactions are accurately and timeously reflected in the relevant systems. Provide documented root cause analysis, corrective actions, owners, and timelines for stock mismatches and integration failures. Drive action plans that correct recurring inventory mismatches and improve end-to-end system accuracy. Conduct regular inventory health reviews to identify risks impacting stock accuracy, availability, customer service, or financial control. Coordinate with IT, Supply Chain Systems, 3PL, and operational teams to ensure failed transactions are corrected and prevented from recurring.

Own and maintain inventory control processes to ensure compliance with company policies, internal control requirements, audit standards, and operational SOPs. Ensure adherence to all inventory control checks and provide monthly reporting on control execution, exceptions, and closure status. Lead monthly inventory control review sessions with relevant stakeholders to discuss control performance, risks, gaps, and corrective actions. Hold the DC and relevant operational stakeholders accountable for process misalignment, unresolved variances, and non-compliance. Drive closure of all identified control gaps, audit findings, and inventory-related process deviations within agreed timelines.

Lead and coordinate all inventory-related audits, including preparation, evidence gathering, stakeholder alignment, and audit closure. Maintain