MZWANDILE XHAKAZA
National Operations Manager
Durban,Kwazulu-Natal
Summary
Successful National Operations, Logistics and Project Manager offering strong background in supervising and mentoring 300 warehouse and logistics employees. Talented in promoting safety, efficiency, accuracy and company rules when monitoring employee performance and training new employees. Accomplished in performing regular inventory counts and maintaining records with high level of accuracy. Warehouse management professional with strong leadership skills and results-driven approach. Experienced in optimizing inventory control, streamlining operations, and ensuring safety compliance. Highly collaborative, adaptable to changing needs, and reliable. Proficient in logistics, team coordination, and problem-solving. Goal-oriented Warehouse Manager delivering practical strategies to drive productivity, personnel retaintment and process optimization. Excels in creative problem solving on complex operational issues. Proven success providing leadership to teams of [100] +.
Professional operations leader with strong track record of driving efficiency and optimizing processes. Adept at leading teams to achieve organizational goals and adapting to changing business needs. Skilled in strategic planning, logistics, and resource management. Known for fostering collaboration and consistently delivering results that align with company objectives.
Overview
2
2
Languages
7
7
Certifications
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
NATIONAL OPERATIONS MANAGER
Ndabase Printing Solutions
05.2025 - Current
- I identified staff requirements and worked with human resource department to initiate recruitment and training processes.
- Improved customer satisfaction rates through enhanced communication strategies between departments.
- Optimized supply chain management processes, reducing lead times and minimizing inventory costs.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and offering opportunities for professional development.
- Oversaw the successful completion of numerous projects while maintaining strict deadlines and budget constraints.
- Managed change effectively during periods of rapid growth or restructuring within the organization.
- Streamlined internal communication channels by implementing regular meetings between department heads.
- Worked closely with executive leadership to develop long-term strategies for company success.
- Identified profitable business leads and built pipeline of prospective customers.
- Developed processes to save on costs and prevent losses.
- Traveled to over 7 locations per month to manage each Warehouse and perform reviews of individual managers and employees.
- Devised and executed training plans for new and existing staff to support competency and compliance.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Manage and implement multiple Projects and achieve set deadlines.
WAREHOUSE MANAGER
Ndabase Printing Solutions
07.2023 - 04.2025
- Manage 7 Warehouse across KZN province.
- Developed and implemented policy and procedure updates to improve workflow and productivity.
- Increased warehouse efficiency by implementing new inventory management systems and procedures.
- Developed strong team of warehouse employees with comprehensive training programs and performance evaluations.
- Streamlined operations for faster order processing by updating warehouse layout and organization.
- Built motivated warehouse team to consistently accomplish operations goals and exceed performance targets.
- Managed relationships with external partners such as suppliers, ensuring timely deliveries while minimizing disruptions in supply chain operations.
- Boosted warehouse operations performance by overseeing dispatching and setting optimal employee schedules.
- Reduced product damage with improved packaging methods and training staff in proper handling techniques.
- Boosted customer satisfaction through timely order fulfillment and accurate inventory tracking.
- Enhanced employee productivity, implementing effective scheduling and task delegation strategies.
- Cleaned and maintained warehouse in compliance with OSHA safety standards.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations through regular inspections, staff training, and policy updates.
- Communicated regularly with cross-functional teams to improve coordination between departments.
- Maintained a safe work environment by enforcing strict adherence to OSHA guidelines and company policies.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement by encouraging feedback and suggestions from all team members.
- Increased customer satisfaction by ensuring orders were accurately and promptly fulfilled, leading to repeat business and positive reviews.
- Initiated cross-training programs to create more versatile and responsive workforce capable of covering multiple roles during peak periods.
- Oversaw warehouse staff and maintained efficiency in fast-paced environment.
- Trained new staff on job duties, company policies, and safety procedures for rapid onboarding.
BRANCH MANAGER
Cape Union Mart
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Boosted customer base, acquiring new customers and identifying needs to deliver relevant products
- Built strong rapport with new and existing clients to better serve financial needs and promote branch loyalty
- Designed sales and service strategies to improve revenue and retention
- Maximized branch revenue by optimizing operations
- Developed annual branch business plans for maximum profitability and effectiveness
- Participated in audits and checklists to achieve regulatory compliance
- Mentored staff to increase sales success and productivity
- Performed appraisals for branch staff and made training recommendations to develop capabilities and skills
- Liaised with Sales Hub to clear queries and complete all tasks assigned to branch daily
- Attended to trade counter customers during high-traffic service hours to avoid service delays
- Control stock movement using appropriate documentation
- Developed high-performing teams to consistently exceed goals, drive revenue and expand markets
- Tracked organizational performance against objectives and revamped strategies to better meet targets
- Built successful business culture focused on performance optimization and goal attainment
- Reviewed reports, recommendations and requests from subordinate leadership
- Set achievable expectations for operations and established pathways to accomplishing goals
- Maintained friendly and professional customer interactions.
WAREHOUSE AND LOGISTICS MANAGER
Godrej South Africa
12.2019 - 01.2022
- Improved order fulfillment rates by optimizing picking, packing, and shipping procedures.
- Championed continuous improvement efforts across all aspects of the distribution center's operations, fostering a culture geared towards innovation and excellence in execution.
- Mitigated risk exposure by establishing robust security measures to safeguard warehouse assets from theft or damage.
- Streamlined delivery routes by analyzing transportation patterns, reducing transit times for customers while lowering fuel expenses for the organization.
- Implemented performance metrics to track employee progress, leading to enhanced accountability and improved overall performance.
- Delivered reliable customer service by addressing inquiries promptly and resolving issues effectively through clear communication channels within the organization.
- Supported business growth initiatives by scaling warehouse capacity as needed to accommodate increasing product volumes without compromising operational efficiency or safety standards.
- Managed a team of warehouse staff to ensure timely completion of tasks and adherence to safety protocols.
- Coordinated cross-functional collaboration between sales, customer service, procurement, and logistics teams to ensure seamless operation of the supply chain process.
- Collaborated with human resources to develop comprehensive employee engagement and retention strategies, resulting in a more satisfied, motivated and productive workforce.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations and company policies through diligent oversight of all warehouse activities.
- Increased client retention by providing superior customer service.
- Improved operational efficiency by recruiting and developing top talent to drive growth initiatives.
- Trained new staff on job duties, company policies, and safety procedures for rapid onboarding.
- Developed and maintained knowledgeable and productive team of employees.
- Oversaw warehouse staff and maintained efficiency in fast-paced environment.
- Integrated warehouse operations with existing and new business processes.
- Reduced operational costs through implementing cost-saving initiatives and negotiating with suppliers.
WAREHOUSE MANAGER
DHL Supply Chain
01.2019 - 11.2019
- Manage Warehouse Operations including but not limited to: Manage both Pharmaceutical and Household warehouse
- Manage relationship with the client (Reckitt Benckiser)
- Manage Inbound, Picking, Checking, Dispatch
- Manage and ensure all Export orders are dispatched on time
- Ensure health and safety compliance
- Participating in Internal and External Audits
- Participate in stock count preparation and execution
- Ensure Warehouse is always secure
- Developed and implemented policy and procedure updates to improve workflow and productivity.
- Developed strong team of warehouse employees with comprehensive training programs and performance evaluations.
- Built motivated warehouse team to consistently accomplish operations goals and exceed performance targets.
OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS LEAD
DHL Supply Chain
07.2016 - 12.2018
- Coach and guide Site Management on OMS ways of working Managed the implementation project as this was a new program.
- Ensure Work Instructions are managed and reviewed on time
- Ensure Performance Dialogue Boards are updated daily and weekly based on the required frequency
- Ensure reasonable targets are set across all Warehouse functions
- Ensure Performance management is conducted by all departmental heads
- Ensure Time and Data Management document is adhered to
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- I am skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
SITE MANAGER
Staffing Logistics
04.2013 - 05.2016
- Manage contract on behalf of Staffing Logistics
- Ensure Resources / labor matches client (DHL) request on daily basis
- Ensure staff posted on site are always on appropriate PPE
- Reconcile and submit hours to payroll
- Manage IR / HR issues on site
- Monitored, coached, and supervised team of 80 employees between 2012 and 2015.
- Monitored, coached, and supervised team of 100 employees in 2013 to 2014.
Education
Advance Operations Management - Operations Management
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa 04.2001 -
NDip - Logistics and Supply Chain Management
University of Johannesburg
12-2003
Wholesale And Retail Management
W&RSETA
Johannesburg05-2000
Skills
Warehouse operations and logistics
Workforce management
Problem-solving
Recruitment, Coaching and Training
Continuous improvement
Team collaboration
Operations management
Safety oversight
Performance evaluations
Cost reduction
Conflict resolution
Materials monitoring
Accomplishments
- Be Bold quarterly recognition - Godrej
- Right 1st Time - DHL
- Selected to complete Operations Management Systems training in Frankfurt, Germany - DHL
- Promotion from Warehouse Supervisor to Operations Management Systems and eventually to Warehouse Manager - DHL
- Promotion from Site Supervisor to Site Manager - Staffing Logistics
- Promotion from Assistant Manager to Store Manager - Cape Union Mart
Certification
Operations Management Systems
AWARDS
Employee of the Month, DHL Supply Chain, Gratitude Formal Letter from Executive, DHL Supply Chain, Employee of the Month, Godrej South Africa
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Place of Birth: KwaZulu-Natal
Timeline
NATIONAL OPERATIONS MANAGER
Ndabase Printing Solutions
05.2025 - Current
WAREHOUSE MANAGER
Ndabase Printing Solutions
07.2023 - 04.2025
BRANCH MANAGER
Cape Union Mart
09.2022 - 06.2023
WAREHOUSE AND LOGISTICS MANAGER
Godrej South Africa
12.2019 - 01.2022
WAREHOUSE MANAGER
DHL Supply Chain
01.2019 - 11.2019
OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS LEAD
DHL Supply Chain
07.2016 - 12.2018
SITE MANAGER
Staffing Logistics
04.2013 - 05.2016
Advance Operations Management - Operations Management
University of Cape Town
04.2001 -
Wholesale And Retail Management
W&RSETA
NDip - Logistics and Supply Chain Management
University of Johannesburg