Head of Distribution Centre Operations

2 days ago

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Tailormade Solution Full time

Job Advert – Head of Distribution Centre Operations

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Remuneration: R80?000 – R100?000 per month (cost to company, negotiable)

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Head of Distribution Centre Operations to take full operational, financial, and strategic responsibility for a high-volume distribution centre in Johannesburg.

This is a senior leadership role combining operational excellence, P&L accountability, team leadership, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will lead a large, multi-shift workforce, optimise warehouse systems, drive process innovation, and partner with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver world-class DC performance.

The role is ideal for a senior distribution or logistics professional with a strong track record in retail DCs, FMCG, manufacturing, or large-scale logistics environments.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead end-to-end DC operations including inbound, storage, inventory management, picking, packing, dispatch, and returns.

  • Own the DC budget, cost control, and financial performance, with full P&L accountability.

  • Set and deliver operational performance targets (service levels, order accuracy, turnaround times).

  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma and related methodologies.

  • Lead, engage, and develop a multi-disciplinary workforce, partnering with HR on performance, training, succession planning, and labour relations.

  • Optimise warehouse and logistics systems including Corba WMS, Dovetail, and Manhattan to improve visibility, accuracy, and efficiency.

  • Ensure compliance with safety, labour, and regulatory requirements.

  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Supply Chain, Retail Operations, Finance, Procurement, HR) and external partners to align DC operations with business objectives.

Minimum Requirements

  • Degree or Diploma in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management or related field.

  • 10–15+ years' experience in distribution, warehousing, or logistics environments.

  • Minimum 5 years in a senior DC leadership role with full operational and P&L accountability.

  • Strong experience in high-volume retail distribution environments (preferred); FMCG, manufacturing, or large logistics environments also considered.

  • Demonstrated experience managing large, multi-shift teams.

  • Advanced working knowledge of warehouse management systems: Corba, Dovetail, Manhattan.

  • Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, and reporting.

  • Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Beneficial Certifications / Experience

  • Lean methodologies

  • Kaizen practitioner/facilitator

  • Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt)

  • Continuous Improvement / Operational Excellence programmes

  • Project management experience

Leadership Competencies

  • Strategic thinking with operational execution capability

  • Commercial acumen and financial decision-making

  • Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills

  • Change management and transformation leadership

  • Data-driven, analytical, and results-oriented

  • Ability to lead in fast-paced, complex, evolving environments

Why This Role

This position offers a strategic leadership platform where you will influence transformation and operational performance at a high level. You will be empowered to implement modern technologies, drive sustainable improvements, and lead a large, high-performing team in a dynamic, high-volume DC environment.

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