Inbound Supervisor

Job Description

The Inbound Supervisor is responsible for leading and coordinating all inbound warehouse operations, including the efficient receiving, unloading, inspection, and put-away of goods. The role ensures full compliance with Maersk SOPs, safety regulations, and WMS accuracy while driving continuous improvement, 5S, and service delivery for client satisfaction. The Inbound Supervisor plays a key role in issue resolution, labour planning, and system alignment, reporting directly to the Warehouse Supervisor.

Key Responsibilities:

Inbound Execution & System Alignment

• Oversee daily inbound operations, ensuring the timely and accurate receipt and put-away of cargo.

• Verify inbound documentation and ensure goods are received as per supplier and client specifications.

• Coordinate the scanning, inspection, and WMS transactions to ensure full system-to-floor alignment.

• Perform pre-alert validation and GRN (goods received note) processing in WMS, escalating discrepancies immediately.

• Collaborate with Inventory Control to minimize errors and ensure bin accuracy.

Safety & Compliance

• Conduct weekly Gemba walks and inbound area safety checks with proper documentation and corrective follow-ups.

• Facilitate Toolbox Talks and promote a proactive safety culture within the inbound team.

• Ensure contractor and employee compliance with Maersk HSSE procedures and equipment use standards.

• Maintain zero safety incidents through continuous safety awareness, training, and inspections.

People Leadership & Development

• Lead and supervise a team of inbound warehouse staff, ensuring roles and responsibilities are clearly communicated.

• Conduct weekly performance check-ins and support staff development through coaching and on-the-job training.

• Maintain an up-to-date team training matrix aligned with operational requirements and SOPs.

• Apply fair and consistent performance management, upholding Maersk leadership principles and code of conduct.

• Ensure team records and shift data are accurately captured and maintained in Workday or equivalent HR systems.

Customer Service & SLA Adherence

• Ensure inbound SLAs are met by tracking delivery turnaround times and offload performance.

• Provide daily visibility to clients and internal stakeholders on inbound throughput and exceptions.

• Escalate delays, damages, or non-conforming deliveries promptly and manage corrective actions.

• Support client-facing engagements and maintain professional communication standards at all times.

Issue Management & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain a live inbound issue log, capturing operational blockers and escalating unresolved issues.

• Investigate root causes of recurring inbound problems and implement sustainable solutions.

• Drive 5S principles throughout the inbound zone, ensuring daily compliance checks and improvement actions.

• Identify at least two operational efficiency improvements per year as part of the CI roadmap.

• Maintain a visual dashboard of inbound metrics, issue statuses, and performance goals.

Process Compliance & SOP Execution

• Ensure all inbound processes are followed in strict alignment with approved SOPs and work instructions.

• Conduct quarterly refresher training for inbound staff on current SOPs and compliance requirements.

• Liaise with the Admin and Inventory teams to ensure SOP updates are communicated to relevant parties.

• Lead internal SOP audits and ensure team accountability for procedural adherence.

Minimum Requirements:

Education

Matric / Grade 12 (Required) and a relevant tertiary qualification in supply chain, operation or logistics management.

Experience

Minimum 3 years in warehouse operations with at least 1 year in a leadership or team lead role

Systems

Proficiency in WMS, barcode scanning, Microsoft Excel, and reporting tools

Skills

Inbound process expertise, planning, leadership, communication, problem-solving, detail orientation

Certifications

Relevant logistics or supervisory training certifications are advantageous

OtherPrior experience in a 3PL, FMCG, or multi-client warehouse is preferred

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, apply for a position, or to perform a job, please contact us by emailing accommodationrequests@maersk.com.