Distribution Manager

Distribution

Manage outbound 3rd party logistics provider and ensure service provider achieve the targets and adheres to the procedures in the service level agreement.

Monitor daily delivery progress and personally get involved to resolve delivery exceptions and pro-actively communicate delivery issues to the Sales force.

Analyse failed deliveries with 3rd party transporter and Sales on a weekly basis and jointly develop practical solutions to address root causes.

Review monthly on-time delivery performance, identify late delivery trends and implement corrective solutions.

Coordinate monthly analysis of damaged returns, develop and coordinate implementation of solutions to eliminate damages.

Establish relationships with key customers through regular customer visits to understand their requirements and improve service levels.

Review monthly transporter invoices in billing system, resolve billing discrepancies and authorize payment.

Manage distribution cost efficiencies and cost drivers and develop solutions to address inefficient customers, products or regions.

Manage reverse logistics and administration process and ensure that POD’s, credits and credit queries are processed timeously and accurately.

Track and assist Sales to meet monthly sales budgets by incurring mínimal additional costs at the same time.

Warehousing

Manage inter warehouse 3rd party logistics service provider and ensure service provider achieves the targets and adheres to the procedures in the service level agreement.

Manage the daily warehouse operations of receiving, put away, storage, and dispatch.

Manage internal warehouse broom assembly operation and ensure target stock levels and service levels are maintained.

Manage the daily picking, packing and invoicing operations and ensure that the invoicing is completed by the agreed 3rd party cut-off times.

Ensure that warehouse layout, equipment and systems are optimally aligned formaximum efficiency.

Ensure accurate inventory records are maintained and stock losses minimized through disciplined stock control procedures and cycle counting.

Plan and manage stock takes, coordinate analysis of stock take results, present and implement stock accuracy improvement initiatives.

Manage inventory levels in conjunction with Supply Chain Planner to ensure optimal stock levels are maintained and obsolete stock is minimized.

General

Run the daily distribution and warehousing function through a team of supervisors and 3rd party service providers.

Manage and facilitate daily, weekly and monthly operations planning to minimize costs and meet service level targets and minimize costs.

Manage staff performance and develop staff through staff appraisals, coaching, counselling and training programs.

Ensure that all processes, procedures, work instructions and job profiles are documented and adhered to.

Monitor and manage operational performance measures, ensure supervisors take ownership of their departments’ performance and meet KPI targets.

Present monthly management report with performance analysis and improvement plans.

Participate in annual planning and budget process, set annual operational goals and develop plans to achieve goals.

Review monthly costs, analyse and explain cause for over or under expenditure.

Identify and manage ongoing business improvement projects in line with business targets and plans.

Manage Health and Safety requirements in accordance with company standards.

**Qualifications**:
Tertiary qualification degree/diploma in logistics

Experience

Minimum 10 - 15 years distribution and warehousing experience in a FMCG environment within a large distribution centre environment - essential.

Minimum 5 years’ experience in a management position (managing a workforce of more than 50)

Proven track record of successfully implementing operational best practices in a distribution and warehousing environment.

Minimum 5 years WMS experience is essential.

ERP systems knowledge and experience, with JDE preferable.

Proficient in Microsoft office, specifically Excel.

Demonstrated success with productivity and cost-savings initiatives.

**Skills**:
Strong problem solving skills are essential

Dynamic person that can organize, plan and meet deadlines

LEAN or continuous improvement experience will be beneficial

Must be able to keep a flexible work schedule

Strong manager and motivator of people

Strong organizational, inter personal and communications skills

A structured and very disciplined management style is essential

The ability to develop and implement practical and innovative solutions

Meticulous attention to detail

Self-starter with high energy levels

Customer service orientation and natural ability to engage customers

More than 10 Years