Distribution Manager

The Distribution Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the distribution function at Kerston Foods, with direct accountability for leading a team of Controllers (Dispatch, Distribution and Fleet).

The role ensures that all distribution activities—from route and resource planning, dispatch and delivery—are executed efficiently, safely, cost-effectively and to the highest standards.

Rather than managing daily delivery operations directly, the Distribution Manager provides leadership, structure, and support to the Controllers, ensuring that they and their teams are aligned with company standards, service levels, and operational goals.

You will also be responsible for delivering timely, accurate, and actionable insights and reporting to support strategic decision-making across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Oversight

• Lead, guide and support the team of Controllers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of all route and resource planning and implementation, dispatch and delivery processes.
• Ensure clear role definition, accountability, and performance expectations across the team.
• Conduct regular check-ins with Controllers to review operations, address challenges, and support continuous improvement.

Operational Performance & Service Levels

• Ensure that distribution operations consistently meet agreed service levels (on-time, in-full, accurate delivery, accepted back in yard (B.I.Y)).
• Monitor distribution KPIs (delivery success rate, route efficiency, cost per delivery, fuel usage, etc.) through reporting from Controllers.
• Drive a proactive approach to resolving delivery issues and improving customer satisfaction.

Planning & Scheduling

• Oversee the planning and optimization of daily delivery routes and vehicle utilisation, as executed by the Controllers.
• Ensure efficient alignment between warehouse readiness and outbound delivery planning.

Fleet & Compliance

• Oversee and ensure that vehicle maintenance, roadworthiness, and compliance with all safety and licensing regulations are effectively managed by the Controllers.
• Approve and oversee fleet maintenance and cleaning schedules managed by Controllers.

Cost & Resource Management

• Monitor and control distribution-related costs including fuel, overtime, vehicle repairs, and route inefficiencies.
• Identify areas for cost savings and improved productivity in collaboration with Controllers.

Health, Safety & Risk Management

• Promote and enforce a culture of safety across the distribution operation.
• Ensure Controllers implement and maintain safe loading, driving, and offloading practices in line with company policies and legal standards.

Staff Management & Development

• Oversee distribution staffing levels, shift planning, and leave management through Controllers.
• Support the training, development, and performance management of all distribution staff.
• Foster team morale and a high-performance culture within the distribution department.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead initiatives to improve planning, dispatch and distribution efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Evaluate and implement technology, process changes, or tools to improve the distribution operation.

Reporting

. Performance & KPI Reporting

• Track and report on key distribution metrics including B.I.Y, delivery lead times and order fulfilment rates

• Prepare and present weekly and monthly performance dashboards to senior leadership.

• Highlight operational bottlenecks and propose data-driven solutions.

1. Cost & Budget Oversight

• Monitor distribution-related expenses and report on budget adherence.

• Support finance teams with cost breakdowns, variance analysis, and forecasting.

• Identify opportunities for cost optimization and efficiency improvements.

1. Compliance & Risk Reporting

• Ensure distribution activities comply with internal policies and external regulations.

• Report on safety incidents, audit findings, and risk mitigation efforts.

• Maintain documentation required for internal and external audits.

1. Strategic & Executive Communication

• Deliver high-level summaries and insights to executive stakeholders.

• Contribute to strategic planning by reporting on capacity, infrastructure, and scalability.

• Align distribution KPIs with broader business goals and report progress.

1. Technology & Systems Reporting

• Ensure accurate data flow from WMS, ERP, and logistics platforms.

• Report on system performance, integration issues, and digital initiatives.

• Support IT and operations teams with data validation and troubleshooting