Distribution Manager

Our client is looking for an experienced Distribution Manager to join a fast-paced FMCG environment in Bellville Cape Town. This role calls for a strong leader with 10 years in distribution 5 years in management and a qualification in Logistics or Supply Chain. Youll oversee warehouse operations fleet planning inventory control and staff performance while driving efficiency and compliance. Working hours are 06:0016:00 weekdays with weekend duty once every five weeks.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Staff Management

• Recruitment

• Recruit sufficient and competent staff in a cost-effective manner.
• Ensure proper induction training of new employees.
• Confirm that all employees have correct employment contracts.

• Training

• Staff must be adequately trained to perform tasks effectively.
• Conduct regular refresher training sessions.

• Leave

• Manage workers leave plans to ensure operational continuity.

• Staff Communication

• Communicate company matters regularly with staff.
• Share departmental and functional aspects including goals.

• Discipline

• Maintain sound discipline within the department.
• Apply disciplinary procedures when necessary.

• Performance Management

• Ensure employees understand how tasks must be completed.
• Monitor performance consistently.
• Recognize and reward good performance.
• Take corrective action for underperformance.

• Performance Appraisals

• Conduct thorough performance appraisals.
• Complete appraisals within the required schedule.

• Job Descriptions

• Revise and update job descriptions regularly to ensure relevance.

Goal Management

• Departmental Goals

• Set departmental goals aligned with company objectives.
• Encourage innovative and creative goal-setting.
• Ensure goals are meaningful and high quality.
• Assist with company-wide goal setting.

• Goal Achievement

• Continuously monitor progress on goals.
• Ensure successful achievement of targets.

Reporting

• Daily Reporting

• Reports must be high quality complete and on time.

• Monthly Reporting

• Reports must be high quality complete and on time.

• General Management

• Weekend duty management (rotational schedule).
• Stand in for the General Manager when required.
• Play an active role in problem-solving and technical issue resolution.

• Warehouse Management

• Ensure neat and organized storage of products (FIFO rotation).
• Maintain housekeeping standards in line with food safety requirements.
• Apply pest control regulations and maintain storage buildings.
• Keep distribution offices orderly and clean.
• Monitor security and prevent theft.

• Inventory Management

• Manage minimum stock levels and communicate with Production.
• Conduct regular stock surveys to identify theft.
• Establish stock levels based on customer demand.
• Administer monthly stock control.
• Monitor suspicious activities and missing stock.
• Ensure invoices and inventory systems are accurate and up to date.

• Transportation

• Plan daily deliveries to minimize cost and meet client specifications.
• Supervise vehicle loading to prevent theft and damage.
• Ensure timely deliveries and excellent customer service.
• Monitor drivers efficiency and professionalism.
• Maintain delivery documentation and filing systems.
• Ensure sufficient licensed drivers are available.
• Manage external transporters when required.

• Fleet Management

• Ensure regular vehicle servicing and daily inspections.
• Organize recovery and insurance processes for accidents.
• Maintain valid licenses and roadworthiness certificates.
• Investigate traffic violations and manage fines.
• Procure and resell vehicles as needed.
• Maintain vehicle history documentation.
• Manage fuel usage and prevent theft.
• Ensure pallet trolleys jacks and forklifts are serviced and maintained.

• Occupational Health & Safety

• Ensure only licensed drivers operate vehicles.
• Enforce safe loading and speed limits on premises.
• Conduct monthly fire inspections and train staff on emergency procedures.
• Provide training for pallet trolleys stackers and forklifts.
• Ensure safe stacking and equipment use.

• Food Safety

• Apply company food safety systems and policies.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in storage areas.
• Ensure staff follow hygiene standards and wear protective clothing.
• Monitor pest control and contamination risks.
• Oversee food safety in warehouses and dispatch areas.

• Procurement

• Source and interview suppliers; negotiate agreements.
• Ensure lowest cost without compromising quality.
• Purchase supplies to meet operational requirements.
• Receive and document orders.
• Apply the 5 Rs: Right quality quantity place time and price.

• Personnel Behavior Needs

• Good quality of work
• Responsibility and loyalty
• Initiative and creativity
• Speed and volume of performance
• Punctuality and timeliness

• Leadership

• Manage staff to create win-win outcomes for employees and company.
• Communicate effectively and provide thorough feedback to management.
• Assign and manage tasks to ensure completion.
• Plan proactively take initiative and create systems.
• Train and cross-train staff to perform tasks well.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelors Degree or Diploma in Logistics/Supply Chain
• 5 years in a managerial role leading teams driving performance and achieving operational goals
• 10 years experience in FMCG distribution with a deep understanding of fast-paced high-volume environments
• Code 10 drivers license and forklift certification
• Warehouse Management Proven ability to oversee storage housekeeping and compliance with food safety standards
• Fleet Management Skilled in maintaining vehicles managing drivers and ensuring roadworthiness and compliance
• Warehouse Management Systems (Stock Control) Confident in using systems to track monitor and optimize inventory
• Fleet Planning Experienced in route planning load optimization and cost-effective scheduling
• Computer Literacy Strong proficiency in digital tools and reporting systems
• Problem-Solving Hands-on approach to resolving operational challenges quickly and effectively