Cold Store Manager

About the role

Our client, a leading South African meat wholesaler, is seeking a Cold Store Manager to oversee the operations of its cold storage facilities. The role involves ensuring safe storage, stock control, product integrity and efficient dispatch while complying with food safety and temperature standards.

Key responsibilities

• Manage receiving, put‑away, picking and dispatch of frozen and chilled products.
• Ensure FIFO/FEFO rotation, conduct regular stock takes and reconcile data with the Meat‑Matrix system.
• Monitor storage capacity, slotting and organization of cold rooms.
• Maintain required temperature ranges, temperature logs and cleaning schedules.
• Enforce HACCP, food‑safety and PPE compliance and keep audit records.
• Lead, schedule and train the cold‑store team, forklift drivers and loaders.
• Report stock variances, damages and productivity; liaise with dispatch, production, telesales and QA.
• Control packaging, racking and equipment maintenance; assist with load planning.

Required profile

• Grade 12 / Matric; diploma or certificate in Cold Chain Management, Logistics or Food Safety is advantageous.
• 3‑5 years’ experience as a cold‑store supervisor or manager in an FMCG or meat facility.
• Valid driver’s licence, own transport; forklift licence preferred.
• Ability to work in cold environments and overtime when required.

Required skills

• Forklift operation (Hyster or similar).
• Pallet‑jack handling.
• Proficiency with Meat‑Matrix and/or OMS inventory systems.
• Knowledge of HACCP and cold‑chain food safety standards.
• Computer literacy – Excel.