Storeman Job Description, Duties, Salary and Requirements

A storeman (or store person) manages a company’s inventory, ensuring that incoming goods are received, stored safely, and issued correctly when needed. In South Africa, a storeman’s role spans industries – from retail and construction to manufacturing and logistics. Essentially, a storeman “moves, packs, picks and maintains stock in a stock storage area”. In practice, they handle day-to-day warehouse operations: receiving and inspecting incoming materials, recording and filing delivery notes, storing items securely, and issuing stock to production teams or customers. Attention to detail and neat record-keeping are vital, as accurate inventory records support smooth operations and prevent losses.

Duties and Responsibilities

Common duties of a storeman include:

Receiving and inspecting stock – Checking deliveries against orders or invoices, noting quantities and any damage, and entering items into inventory systems.
Safe storage of items – Placing goods in the correct warehouse locations or on shelves. Storemen must stack materials safely (often using forklifts or pallet jacks), label stock clearly, and follow first-in-first-out procedures. For example, a construction storeman ensures “safe and secure storage of consumables and equipment” on site.
Issuing and dispatching goods – Picking and packing items for internal use or customer orders. Storemen prepare items for delivery, load trucks (sometimes supervising drivers), and update stock cards or ERP systems. In logistics settings, this includes ensuring dispatched goods “correspond with the correct paperwork” and that all items match the delivery note.
Inventory control and stocktakes – Performing regular cycle counts or annual stocktakes to reconcile physical stock with records. Discrepancies are investigated and reported. Storemen must “maintain accurate stock records and enter data into inventory management software”.
Store maintenance and housekeeping – Keeping the storage area clean, organized, and hazard-free. This includes safe stacking (e.g. heavy items at the bottom), monitoring for spills or pests, and ensuring aisles are clear. One training course emphasizes “safe stacking and storage” and general housekeeping in warehouse environments.
Coordinating deliveries and procurement support – Arranging transport for incoming and outgoing loads, following up with suppliers on orders, and assisting the purchasing department. On a construction project, a storeman might “coordinate material delivery and site support” and help maintain purchase records.

These duties vary by industry. In construction, storemen focus on building materials and consumables at sites. In manufacturing, they often act as parts-controllers, issuing spares to the production floor and logging usage. In retail and wholesale distribution, storemen may work in large warehouses supplying stores – their job is to replenish stock and load goods onto delivery trucks. Across all sectors, minimising stock losses is a priority; properly packed and counted inventory means less waste and better cash flow.

Skills, Attributes and Qualifications

Successful storemen have a mix of practical skills, personal traits and formal qualifications. Important skills include:

Organisational and numeracy skills – Storemen must track many items and locations. They need to organise stores logically and ensure inventory counts match records.
Communication skills – Good verbal and written communication is needed to work with supervisors, suppliers, and transport staff. Job ads stress “excellent communication skills for coordinating with supervisors, suppliers, and stakeholders”.
Computer and technical proficiency – Modern stores use ERP or inventory software, so basic computer literacy and ability to learn stock systems are required. Even keeping handwritten stock cards requires accurate record-keeping skills.
Equipment operation – Many storemen drive forklifts or operate pallet jacks. A forklift licence (or at least basic forklift training) is often required or an advantage. Some roles may require a light motor vehicle license if driving small trucks.
Physical fitness and safety awareness – The job is physically demanding. Storemen must be able to stand and walk for long periods and lift heavy items (often up to 20 kg or more) regularly. Safety-conscious workers who wear PPE (hard hats, steel-toe boots, gloves, hi-vis vests, etc.) are essential in busy warehouses or site yards.
Personal attributes – Reliability, honesty and teamwork are valued in store staff. Since they handle valuable stock, employers look for trustworthy individuals. Strong attention to detail, responsibility, and good work ethics help prevent errors.

In terms of qualifications, most storeman roles require at least a Matric (high school diploma). Some employers prefer a National Certificate or Vocational (NCV) in a related field. Formal qualifications are available: for example, an Occupational Certificate: Store Person (NQF Level 2) equips learners with the core store-keeping skills. Further training in supply chain or logistics (NQF Level 4 or higher diplomas) can lead to advancement. Experience is also key: many listings ask for 1–3 years of related experience.

Salary Expectations

Storeman salaries in South Africa vary by experience and location. Recent compensation data (mid-2025) put the average annual salary for a storeman around R254,000 (about R21,000 per month). Entry-level storemen (1–3 years’ experience) earn roughly R193,000 per year, while senior storemen with 8+ years’ experience can earn around R309,000 annually. In practice, many entry roles start near R16k–R18k monthly, rising to R20k–R25k for mid-level positions and more (up to ~R30k+) for senior or specialized posts. For example, one Cape Town construction storeman advert offered R144k–R264k per year (R12k–R22k per month) depending on experience.

Salaries also reflect location: major cities and industrial provinces (Gauteng, Western Cape, KZN) often pay slightly more due to higher living costs. Rural or less-developed areas may pay less. Benefits vary by employer but can include provident funds or medical aid. PayScale reports an average hourly rate of about R44 for storemen, while field surveys show monthly wages typically between R12k and R25k across regions. Storemen in specialized sectors (mining, aerospace, etc.) may command higher pay.

Work Environment and Conditions

Storemen usually work in warehouse or storeroom settings, which are mostly indoors but can be semi-exposed. For example, construction site stores are often open yards or shed-like structures. Most factories and distributors have covered warehouses. These environments may be hot in summer or cold in winter, depending on climate control. Some storemen also work outdoors when loading/unloading vehicles or at yard stores.

The role is physically active: storemen spend much of the day on their feet, walking aisles, climbing ladders to reach stock, and lifting packages. They must follow safety protocols, including using equipment like forklifts or hand-trucks properly. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is typically required: safety shoes, high-visibility vests, helmets, gloves, and in some cases eye or ear protection. Employers are legally bound (OHS Act) to supply this PPE and enforce its use.

Shift work is common in large operations. Many warehouses run 24/7 on 8- or 12-hour shifts, including nights and weekends. In smaller companies, storemen usually work regular day shifts (e.g. 7:30–16:00). Overtime may be required during busy seasons or for urgent deliveries. Pressure can be high when multiple requests or shipments come in at once, so good time management and the ability to work under stress are important.

Employers (Public and Private Sectors)

In the private sector, storemen are employed by virtually any business that handles physical goods. Key employers include:

Retail and wholesale: Large retail chains (e.g. supermarkets, clothing stores) have distribution centres and storerooms. Companies like Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Spar, Pepkor, and Woolworths often employ storepersons for their warehouses and branches.
Manufacturing: Factories in industries such as food & beverage (e.g. Coca-Cola, Tiger Brands), automotive (VW, Toyota), pharmaceuticals, and FMCG need storemen in their spare-parts departments and raw-material stores.
Construction and engineering: Building contractors and civil engineering firms keep on-site stores for materials (cement, steel, tools). International contractors or local builders of all sizes hire storemen to manage these supplies.
Logistics and transport: Freight-forwarders, shipping companies (e.g. MSC, Grinrod), and third-party logistics providers (e.g. DHL, Kuehne+Nagel) employ storemen in their warehouses to manage cargo and equipment. Distribution centres for parcel services (like Courier Guy) also need store staff.
Mining and resources: Mines and factories (e.g. coal, metals) maintain large maintenance stores for equipment spare parts. Mining houses (Anglo American, Sibanye, etc.) and mining contractors use storemen to control parts inventory.

In the public sector, storemen work for government agencies and state enterprises. Examples include: municipal or provincial stores (public works, road maintenance), national entities like Transnet (railway/waterway maintenance stores), Eskom (power station stores), or SANDF (military supply depots). Schools and hospitals also have small storerooms for supplies. The South African government requires material control for all departments, so many public institutions have a stores section with a storeman or storekeeper role.

Career Growth and Advancement

A storeman’s career path can lead to supervisory and management roles. With experience or further qualifications, one can progress from a junior storeman to senior storeman, stores supervisor or stores manager. Typical progression steps are: Storeperson → Senior Storeperson → Stores/Inventory Controller → Stores/Logistics Supervisor → Stores Manager / Warehouse Manager. Along the way, roles like Inventory Controller or Stock Accountant may become available, focusing on analytics and reporting.

Further advancement often comes through formal qualifications. For instance, after completing the basic Store Person certificate (NQF 2), one can study towards an Occupational Certificate: Supply Chain Practitioner or diplomas in Logistics/Supply Chain Management (NQF 4–6). With these, store staff can move into broader supply-chain roles (procurement, materials planning, logistics coordination).

Training providers note that qualified storepersons can become Inventory Manager, Warehouse Manager, Branch Manager, or even Retail Buyer. For example, BConsult lists potential careers including Inventory Manager, Warehouse Manager, Merchandise Planner, and Retail Operations Manager. In practice, experienced storemen often rise to run an entire warehouse or store department. Some transition into procurement or sourcing roles, leveraging their stock knowledge. Others move laterally into related fields like transport coordination or production planning. With enough experience and leadership skill, a storeman can become a Logistics or Supply-Chain Manager.

Training, Certifications and Where to Study

Formal training for storemen includes:

Occupational Certificate (Store Person, NQF Level 2) – Accredited by the Wholesale & Retail SETA, this qualification teaches the basics of handling stock. It covers moving, packing, picking and counting stock safely. Learners get skills to operate in wholesale, retail or distribution stores. Many private training providers (e.g. BConsult, Skills Academy) and some TVET colleges offer this 6–12 month learnership or course. Entry requirement is basic literacy and numeracy (NQF 1 level).
Occupational Certificates (e.g. Supply Chain Practitioner, NQF 4–5) – For career advancement, higher qualifications in logistics or supply chain management are available through SETAs and QCTO. These teach purchasing, warehousing, and broader SCM topics.
Forklift Operator License – Given the prevalence of forklifts, formal training and certification (through accredited schools) are common requirements. A forklift course (usually 1–2 days plus assessment) results in a forklift (driver’s) licence, as noted by many job adverts. A valid forklift licence is “an advantage” in storeman roles.
Safety and Equipment Courses – Short courses on manual handling, first aid, fire safety, and hazardous substances are often required. For example, “Basic Storeman Safety Training” (1 day, ~R900) covers PPE use, safe stacking, fire equipment and first aid. Forklift and other equipment operators must also comply with the OHS Act and its regulations.
Computer and Systems Training – Since inventory is computerised, courses in basic MS Excel or inventory software (SAP, Pastel, etc.) can be helpful.

TVET colleges (such as False Bay, Peninsula, Ekurhuleni West and others) may offer courses in warehousing or distribution that include storekeeping modules. SETA-based learning centres also run skills programmes in warehousing or logistics. Many universities and academies (like Unisa, Unigrad, iQ Academy) offer short courses or diplomas in logistics and warehouse management.

Health, Safety and Compliance

Storemen must work within South Africa’s occupational health and safety framework. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) requires employers to provide a safe working environment. In a stores context, this means: conducting risk assessments, providing PPE, ensuring correct use of machinery, and training staff in safe work procedures. Key regulations include the General Safety Regulation and Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulation (if handling dangerous goods).

Practically, storemen should follow safe stacking guidelines (to prevent falls/collapse) and proper manual-handling techniques to avoid injury. Forklift operation must comply with the Driven Machinery Regulation – only trained, licensed operators may use forklifts. If chemicals or fuels are stored, the Hazardous Substances Act and Environmental Regulations apply (proper labeling, spill kits, etc.). Employers typically have a health and safety policy/manual that store staff must follow.

Many stores have an appointed Health and Safety Representative or committee. Storemen often undergo safety inductions and refresher training (e.g. on fire drills, emergency first aid). The law mandates employers to provide PPE (boots, helmets, gloves, glasses) at no cost. Stores are also subject to inspections by the Department of Employment and Labour, which can issue fines for non-compliance.

In summary, a storeman must not only manage stock, but also uphold safety standards: wearing PPE, reporting hazards, and handling equipment according to regulations. This compliance keeps the workplace safe and legal.