Primary Logistics Manager

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Immediate Superior: Head of Customer Service and Logistics
Location: Wadeville
Function: Supply Chain
Sub Function: Customer Service and Logistics
Type of Contract: Permanent
Reference Number: 137564
Closing Date: 02/06/2025

Purpose of the Role

The Primary Logistics Manager is one of the main contributors to the CS&L vision and is responsible for leading the end-to-end primary logistics operation, including warehouse management (finished goods & returnable packaging management), transportation, and imports/exports. This role requires a strategic and operational expert who can optimize logistics processes, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Ultimately responsible for safety and compliance and delivering the right performance for the right cost to meet internal and external customer service requirements. Must ensure compliance with the Heineken Rules, Logistics Standards and Procedures applicable.

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Sustainability; Warehouse & Transport long term planning; Inventory management; Storage & stock quality assurance management; RPM handling and management; Asset & equipment management; Organisational & people management
- Warehouse Operations: Oversee warehouse management, including inventory control, storage, and order fulfillment.
- Transportation Management: Lead transportation operations, including carrier selection, route optimization, and freight audit.
- Imports and Exports: Manage imports and exports, ensuring compliance with customs regulations, tariffs, and trade agreements.
- Logistics Network Optimization: Analyze and optimize logistics networks, including transportation lanes, warehouse locations, and inventory levels.
- Budgeting and Cost Control: Develop and manage logistics budgets, ensuring cost-effective operations and minimizing waste.
- Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and company policies, managing risks and mitigating potential issues.
- Team Leadership: Lead and develop a team of logistics professionals, providing guidance, coaching, and development opportunities.
- Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including manufacturing, Planning, and procurement teams, to ensure alignment and effective communication.
- Lead key strategic cross funcitonal projects
- Lead digital back bone implementation within Primary Logistics - OTM, EWM
- Logistics Service Provider Contract Management: The ability to manage and monitor the execution of the contacts with LSPs to guarantee the required level of safety, service, savings, and sustainability in line with defined logistics strategy
- TPM and Continuous Improvement: Ensure the set-up and implementation of OPCO Logistics Pillar, its strategy and control systems, and support the Pillar Leads and improvement teams according to TPM methodology

Job Requirements: Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.
- Master's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field (desirable).
- 15+ years’ experience, Minimum 8-10 years of experience in logistics management, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management position.
- Proven track record of success in managing warehousing, transportation, and imports/exports operations.
- Proven leadership and team management experience
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
- Experience with logistics management systems (LMS), transportation management systems (TMS), and warehouse management systems (WMS)
- Knowledge of customs regulations, tariffs, and trade agreements, Business Requirement Specification (BRS) documentation
- Process improvement and budget management
- Experience in the liquor manufacturing and distribution industry

The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply. Heineken Beverages (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd) is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates and values inclusion and diversity. You must be fully eligible to live and work in South Africa to apply.