Central Distribution Center (CDC) Manager

PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH; Germiston; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH seeks a Warehouse/Distribution Centre Operations Lead to manage the Central Distribution Centre in Germiston, ensuring timely service to internal and external customers at optimal cost and within safety and quality standards.

You will drive end-to-end DC processes, implement SOPs, monitor KPIs, manage Capex, and ensure inventory accuracy while prioritising safety and efficiency. A strong background in FMCG logistics and leadership is required.

Qualifications

• Eight years of FMCG, logistics and supply chain experience across field and HO
• Four years in logistics, inventory, planning or go-to-market roles; Lean Six Sigma knowledge
• Five years of operational leadership experience and capability
• Change management experience with strong analytical skills
• Transport management capability and related knowledge
• Excellent internal and external communication, influencer and negotiation skills
• Ability to set and prioritise short-, mid-, and long-term objectives
• Bachelor’s in Supply Chain/Logistics or related field; postgraduate qualification preferred

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end distribution center operations, including receiving, put-away, storage, picking, packing and delivery to customers and post-delivery invoicing
• Establish SOPs and processes for stock verification, handling of stale inventory, transfers and replenishment
• Maintain warehouse overheads within budget and monitor KPIs to meet performance targets
• Track and analyze KPI reports; investigate deviations and take corrective actions
• Ensure safe operations, equipment maintenance and maximized equipment capacity
• Maintain inventory accuracy and health through regular counts and control measures
• Implement FIFO to ensure product freshness and minimize write-offs
• Capex planning and execution; optimize throughput and productivity
• Ensure security of Warehouse Management System data and access
• Coordinate cost management projects and channel costs across plant/distribution/supply chain
• Drive operational excellence program and define clear KPIs and process maps
• Communicate delays proactively to customers and maintain service levels (Fill rate and On-time Delivery)
• Maintain quality standards (IRA 95%, 700+ AIB rating) and non-conforming issue resolution
• Plan shifts, manage attendance, training needs and disciplinary actions

Skills

Experience 8+ yrs

Logistics & planning

Operational leadership

Change management

Analytical abilities

Transport management

Communication/Negotiation

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor in Supply Chain/Logistics

Postgraduate qualification preferred

Job description

Overview

This role exists to manage the operation of the Central Distribution Centre, providing timely and efficient service to all internal and external customers at the most economical cost and within established safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end distribution center operations including but not limited to the following key process activities: (Receiving inventory, put away, storage, picking, packing and loading, delivery to customers, de-briefing post-delivery and managing customer invoicing, credit note and claims processing)
• Establish operational procedures for activities such as verification of incoming and outgoing stock, handling and disposals of stales, keeping accurate warehouse inventory, inter warehouse transfers and warehouse replenishment.
• Ensure the warehouse overheads are within budget limits.
• Develop, monitor and adapt KPI’S to address operational and Performance requirements
• Track KPI reports and reason out any deviation from the targets and take appropriate measures to avoid errors.
• Ensure all work equipment are used in proper manner, maintained properly and functioning to its maximum capacity.
• Maintain safe working conditions and environment.
• Executing FIFO procedures to track products’ freshness.
• Follow-up on the Inventory process tracking, physical count and reporting of inventory variance and stock updating.
• Capital Expenditure (Capex) planning and execution
• Ensure the warehouse thru put and productivity are maintained
• Directly responsible for Warehouse Management System security and data accuracy.
• Establish/maintain working programs to minimize transit and/or storage damage within established guidelines.
• Effectively utilize warehousing space for inbound and outbound materials Control accuracy of shipments and goods received in order to maintain traceability and product loss and minimized penalties.
• Keep abreast of new industry developments affecting the Distribution Centre operation including new products, technologies, modifications and processes, including TPM, which might lead to assuring a more efficient operation.
• Actively support Plant/distribution/supply chain/shipping cost management projects.
• SDCA
• Define all departments using SIPOC Model
• Drive the Operational Excellence Program (OEP) across all departments
• Clearly defined PI’s and KPI’s and process maps to task levels for all functions
• Effective SOP’s for all critical task’s
• Sound and effective SLA’s across all functions
• Effective routines and Review’s

Cost:

• Manage cost within the AOP.
• Ensure accurate forecasts submitted for P4F and P9F
• Ensure cost per case targets are met
• Manage Pallet costs within targets set
• Ensure no outstanding pallets to be written off
• Manage overtime by proper planning.
• Manage absenteeism < 2%.
• Ensure limited use of contract labour (only where justified and approved by HR)
• Manage all Warehouse assets.
• Ensure no outstanding PODs (Proof of Delivery) or Credit Notes (CNs)

Service:

• Ensure 95% Service Level (Fill rate)
• Ensure 95% On time Delivery
• Ensure accurate and timely communication of delays to pro-actively manage customers
• Report on % departures by 7AM daily
• Track Cut cases % (cases cut from order versus original order processed) with loss tree analysis monthly

Quality:

• Manage stock rotation to ensure no write offs for expired/rotation stock
• Maintain IRA (Inventory Record Accuracy) of 95%
• Daily inventory health checks to be reported
• Ensure housekeeping and hygiene practices inside/outside facilities (AIB) to ensure a rating of >700
• Ensure 100% adherence to Health, Safety and AIB procedures and regulations.
• Ensure on time submission of Key Control quarterly feedback and sample results.
• Manage and track all non-conforming quality issues for escalation and resolution

People:

• Implement Monthly Site town hall
• Daily Driver meetings (15min)
• Managing staff performance and take corrective action.
• Identify training needs for warehouse staff.
• Ensure sound management policies and practices are in place and adhered to.
• Manage contract labour (where justified) and ensure source documentation is validated on hours worked/overtime etc.
• Plan and set shifts for Warehouse employees.
• Ensure disciplinary action is taken where recurring deviations to standards are found

Qualifications

• 8 years experience in FMCG manufacturing, logistics and supply chain, field and HO roles.
• 4 years logistics, inventory, planning or go to market experience, working knowledge of Lean Six Sigma
• 5 years operational leadership experience and capability.
• Change management experience coupled with good analytical abilities
• Transport management capability.
• Strong internal and external communicator, influencer, and negotiator.
• Ability to set and prioritise short, mid and long term objectives.
• Bachelors Degree in Supply Chain /Logistics or related
• Postgraduate qualification preferable.