Route Controller

Closing Date 2025/10/22

Reference Number RCL

Company RCL Foods

Job Title Route Controller - Durban

Functions Supply Chain

Job Type Classification Permanent

Location - Town / City Durban

Location - Province KwaZulu-Natal

Location - Country South Africa

Job Description
RCL Foods
is recruiting for a driven, highly energized and focused
Route Controller
within the baking business unit.

The suitable candidate will be responsible to performs tasks / activities associated with the transportation and sales of bread and confectionary. Calling on customers (traders and retail chain stores), taking orders and delivering mainly from vehicle -frequently for cash and new customer acquisition.

This role will be based in
Durban
and reporting to the Sales Manager.

This role is a
Permanent role.
Minimum Requirements
Education
NQF level 4/5/6, matric and preferably a diploma in

sales or marketing.

Skills
Ability to read, write, understand and communicate in

English.Good numeracy

Good computer literacy – especially Excel and e-mail

Experience
Previous experience in supervising employees in sales

environment, demonstrating good competence in

supervision

Track record on sales delivery

Driver's licence a prerequisite

General
Expected to work over weekends and public holidays

Expected to work overtime as required

Expected to be on stand by and to come in to assist in

the event of absenteeism.

Duties & Responsibilities
Early Morning Shift

• Assist despatch to ensure trucks loaded and despatched on time, prioritizing where necessary
• Ensure all Drivers and VA's are present and arrange cover if absenteeism
• Daily communication on Whatsapp regarding any orders that had to be cut, driver changes,

absenteeism and late deliveries

• Conduct crate count and report on Whatapp
• Accurately complete register
• Check crate sheet and follow up with drivers on outstanding balances
• Meet with Sales Manager to discuss each day's challenges, the next day's planning and crate issues
• Liaise with Customer Service Centre regarding second deliveries
• At Despatch, check on BOT's (Bread on Truck), crate returns, bread returns and damages.
• Assist driver with action plan if necessary where BOT's, returns and damages are higher than the norm

or if problems with crate losses

Afternoon Shift

• Handover meeting with Early Morning Route Controller
• Follow up on second deliveries, ensuring they leave on time
• At Dispatch, ensure correct procedure adhered to in terms of BOT's, returns, damages and crate

returns

• Verify earlier crate count
• Ensure drivers are using the vehicle safe
• Inspect trucks for any new damages/faults and report to Transport Supervisor
• Ensure crate sheets being completed correctly
• Train new drivers to follow the correct procedures
• Ensure drivers place order with Customer Service Centre timeously and before cash up
• Remain on site until the last truck arrives, ensuring the cash is deposited in the cash office safe
• Report problems or changes on Whatsapp before leaving

Route Rides

• Conduct 2 route rides weekly
• Complete Route Ride Analysis form per route ride and give feedback to Sales Manager within 24 hours

regarding the successes, challenges and threats on the route (pricing monitor; competitor information;

crates baseline; mileage; time taken, etc.)

• Conduct Sales Analysis, using the data to inform action plans to increase sales and distribution

efficiencies

• With the Sales Manager formulate a Sales Plan per route to drive volumes and customer satisfaction.
• Implement the Route Sales Plan by utilising the Sales resources available including Sales Reps
• Visit schools on routes to obtain participation in School's Competition
• Update crate sheet
• Conduct follow up visits with Sales Reps and Sales Manager to ensure customer losses are minimised
• Gain 5 new customers per route ride
• Follow up on lost business and if possible, regain the customer
• Ensure customers are experiencing good customer service and if not, take action to improve it
• Look for advertising opportunities and liaise with Marketing to obtain sign boards or similar material
• Where possible, facilitate COD customers to move onto JDE
• Monitor competitor activities and take action to counter potential sales loss

People Management

• Set daily objectives for the drivers and van assistants, ensuring full productivity
• Monitor employee performance weekly and give regular feedback, taking disciplinary action when

necessary and giving recognition where it's due.

• Conduct formal performance reviews twice yearly with all Drivers and VA's
• Conduct team meetings with Drivers and VA's at least once a month to hear about challenges and

concerns and assist to resolve the issues

General

• Must be willing to assist as a driver as and when necessary