Store Manager

Job Title: Store Manager

Department: Supply Chain / Operations

Reports To: GM – Sales & Marketing

Direct Reports: Storekeepers, Loaders / Warehouse Assistants and other assigned store personnel

Location: Nairobi

1.0 Job Purpose

To efficiently manage the day-to-day store/depot operations, ensuring accurate inventory control, proper storage, timely order fulfillment and dispatch, effective team supervision, and compliance with company procedures, safety and quality standards. Ensure smooth coordination with Sales, Planning & Logistics, Finance, Customer Service and other departments to achieve operational and customer service targets.

2.0 Key Working Relationships

Key Internal Relationships:

• Supply Chain / Planning & Logistics
• Sales & Marketing
• Customer Service
• Finance
• Production
• Technical / Quality
• Management

Key External Relationships:

• Dealers & Distributors
• Transporters / Logistics Partners
• Suppliers / Vendors
• Customers and other approved service providers

3.0 Key Responsibilities of the Job

3.1 Store & Inventory Management

• Manage day-to-day store operations including receipt, unloading, storage, stock rotation, picking, packing and dispatch of finished goods and other materials.
• Ensure all incoming stock is physically checked against delivery documents and discrepancies are reported promptly.
• Maintain accurate stock records and ensure timely updating of ERP/system transactions.
• Ensure products are properly arranged, identified and stored to prevent damage, deterioration, contamination and loss.
• Follow appropriate stock rotation principles, including FIFO where applicable.
• Conduct regular cycle counts and physical stock takes and ensure stock records reconcile with physical quantities.
• Monitor slow-moving, non-moving, damaged and blocked stock and escalate issues for appropriate action.
• Maintain proper segregation and control of damaged, returned and non-conforming stock.

3.2 Order Processing & Dispatch

• Ensure timely and accurate picking, packing, loading and dispatch of customer orders in coordination with the Sales and Customer Service teams.
• Verify quantities, product codes and condition of materials before dispatch.
• Monitor pending orders and coordinate with relevant departments to clear order backlogs.
• Prepare and maintain required dispatch documentation and registers.
• Coordinate with transporters and logistics partners for efficient delivery planning and execution.
• Ensure customer orders are dispatched safely, accurately and within agreed timelines.

3.3 Team Management

• Supervise store personnel including storekeepers, loaders, warehouse assistants, forklift operators and clerks, as applicable.
• Allocate duties and organize work schedules according to daily workload.
• Monitor staff performance and ensure adherence to company SOPs and store procedures.
• Provide on-the-job coaching and identify training needs of store personnel.
• Maintain discipline, teamwork and productivity within the store.

3.4 Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, health & safety requirements and applicable statutory requirements.
• Maintain cleanliness, safety and proper organization of the store/depot premises.
• Ensure safe handling, stacking, movement and storage of paint products and other materials.
• Implement procedures for accident prevention, fire safety, material handling and emergency response.
• Ensure appropriate use and maintenance of material-handling equipment and other store assets.
• Report accidents, damages, losses, stock discrepancies and other incidents promptly to management.

3.5 Reporting & Coordination

• Prepare daily, weekly and monthly reports on stock levels, stock movements, receipts, dispatches, inventory discrepancies and store KPIs.
• Maintain accurate store registers, records and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain, Sales, Finance, Production and Customer Service to maintain appropriate stock levels and meet customer requirements.
• Monitor stock in transit and follow up on delayed receipts with the relevant department, transporter or sending location.
• Provide timely information on stock availability, shortages, excesses, damages and operational issues.
• Support management in identifying process improvements, reducing losses and improving store efficiency.

3.6 Asset & Cost Control

• Safeguard company stock, equipment and other assets under the Store Manager's custody.
• Minimize product damage, stock losses, handling losses and operational wastage.
• Ensure proper maintenance and utilization of forklifts, handling equipment and other store assets.
• Control store-related operating expenses within approved guidelines.

4.0 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Inventory accuracy and stock reconciliation.
• Timely and accurate order fulfillment and dispatch.
• Stock loss, damage and wastage control.
• Proper stock rotation and reduction of slow/non-moving stock.
• Order backlog and dispatch turnaround time.
• Accuracy and timeliness of store records and reports.
• Safety, housekeeping and compliance standards.
• Team productivity and adherence to SOPs.
• Customer service and on-time dispatch performance.
• Effective coordination with Sales, Supply Chain and other departments.

5.0 Job Dimensions

5.1 Financial Responsibilities:

• Control of store-related operating expenses within approved budgets.
• Minimization of stock losses, damages and wastage.

5.2 Nature of Decision Making:

• Routine store and operational decisions within approved company policies, procedures and delegated authority.

5.3 Responsibility of Physical Assets (Custodianship):

• Company stock, warehouse/store equipment, forklifts, handling tools and other assets assigned to the position.

Requirements

6.0 Job Competencies

6.1 Academic and/or Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration or related field.
• Professional qualification in Supply Chain / Logistics will be an added advantage.

6.2 Previous Relevant Work Experience Required:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in store, warehouse or depot operations, preferably in paints, building materials, FMCG or manufacturing.
• Experience in managing store/warehouse personnel and inventory operations.
• Experience with ERP/WMS or computerized inventory systems is an added advantage.

6.3 Job Skills and Attributes:

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Leadership and team supervision skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong inventory control and stock reconciliation skills.
• Good planning, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills.
• Good understanding of warehouse/store procedures and safe material handling.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet operational deadlines.
• High level of integrity, discipline and accountability.
• Good knowledge of MS Office and ERP/inventory reporting systems.