Uren Bugwandeen

Commercially driven Operations Executive with 15+ years' experience leading national, multi-site warehouse and distribution operations across FMCG, pharmaceutical, cold chain and general cargo environments. Proven track record managing operations exceeding R200 million in inventory value, facilities up to 20,000m² and teams of 200+ staff.

Appointed

Section 16.2 Responsible Person accountable for SHEQ governance, compliance and operational risk. Delivered inventory accuracy up to 99.98% and OTIF performance up to 98%.

General Manager: Operations at POP Warehouse (2025-10 – Present)

• Lead national warehouse operations, aligning execution with commercial strategy and client delivery requirements
• Translate complex client event calendars into scalable operational execution plans across multiple regions
• Oversee multi-site workforce planning, capacity management and productivity optimisation
• Accountable for full SHEQ compliance, facilities, security, and operational risk (Section 16.2)
• Drive cost control through labour optimisation, overtime management and resource planning
• Strengthen SLA performance, ensuring high-pressure, time-sensitive delivery environments are consistently met
• Standardise operational processes and enforce national SOP governance frameworks
• Ensured full SHEQ compliance across all sites as Section 16.2 appointee

Warehouse & DC Manager at Unitrans Africa (2024-06 – 2025-09)

• Managed high-volume DC supporting mining and agricultural supply chains
• Standardised warehouse processes improving audit compliance and operational control
• Reduced obsolete stock through ABC analysis, stock rationalisation and demand alignment
• Optimised bin locations and warehouse layout to improve picking efficiency
• Controlled labour and operational costs to protect margins in high-demand environment
• Implemented continuous improvement initiatives across inventory and operational workflows

Warehouse Operations Consultant at AU Consulting (2024-02 – 2024-05)

Conducted operational analysis and optimisation, staff training, and warehouse optimisation consulting.

• Conducted full operational, system and compliance audits
• Identified inefficiencies and implemented lean warehouse improvements
• Redesigned warehouse layouts improving throughput and reducing handling time
• Implemented SOPs and inventory controls aligned to industry best practices
• Delivered cost reduction initiatives through labour and process optimisation

Warehouse & Logistics Manager at ITR Africa (2022-11 – 2024-01)

• Managed multi-site warehouse operations across South Africa and cross-border locations
• Improved OTIF performance to 98%, strengthening SLA delivery and client retention
• Reduced logistics and inventory costs through stock balancing and planning optimisation
• Delivered R3.3M cost saving through strategic warehouse relocation
• Reduced stock losses and improved overall inventory control across the network
• Maintained stock availability while reducing obsolete inventory exposure
• Ensured full SHEQ compliance across all sites as Section 16.2 appointee

National Warehouse Manager at Xeon Holdings (2020-02 – 2022-10)

• Directed national warehouse and distribution operations across temperature-controlled facilities
• Achieved 99.98% inventory accuracy in regulated FMCG and pharmaceutical environments
• Managed full supply chain from inbound logistics to final delivery
• Implemented KPI frameworks improving operational visibility and performance tracking
• Oversaw fleet operations (45 vehicles), route planning and outbound distribution
• Led workforce planning, labour optimisation and performance management across regions
• Ensured full SHEQ compliance across all sites as Section 16.2 appointee

Warehouse Manager at Value Logistics (2017-08 – 2020-01)

Managed large scale DC operations with 10,000m² facility, R225M inventory and 350+ peak/project staff.

• Managed large scale DC operations with high value inventory and workforce
• Improved inventory accuracy to 98.97% through strengthened controls
• Led SHEQ governance and compliance as Chairperson
• Managed receiving, picking, dispatch and customer service functions
• Ensured all discrepancies resolved within 24 hour SLA

SAP & Operations Roles at Xeon Holdings (2011-03 – 2017-07)

Handled SAP testing, implementing, training, and billing automation across 10,000m² DC with focus on system optimisation and integration.

• Implemented automated billing engine, eliminating manual processes
• Developed SAP reporting (SQVI) improving operational visibility
• Led ISO9001 audit preparation and process improvement initiatives
• Provided SAP WM/MM/SD operational support and system optimisation
• Designed and implemented EDI integrations with international clients

Head of Procurement at Taucon Civils (2009-11 – 2011-02)

• Oversaw procurement planning and material scheduling
• Collaborated with project managers and engineers to align procurement with operational requirements
• Established and maintained supplier relationships, ensuring reliable supply chains
• Led supplier negotiations and contract management
• Controlled tool and plant hire, deliveries and returns
• Supported tender processes, pricing, supplier selection and evaluation of bids
• Led procurement and subcontractor management across multiple projects, with contract values up to R26 million

BA in Information Science (Economics) – UNISA

Matric – Estcourt High School