Distribution Center Manager

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Performance bonuses

Company vehicle

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Distribution Center Manager to lead a high-volume facility in Upington, Northern Cape. You will direct inbound logistics, warehousing, inventory management, order fulfillment, and outbound transportation to deliver market-leading performance.

The role requires a proven track record in large-scale operations, strong leadership, and strategic thinking to drive efficiency, cost control, and regulatory compliance in a dynamic FMCG environment.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years in distribution center management or senior logistics leadership roles.
• Proven experience managing large-scale operations with significant budgets and employee counts.
• In-depth knowledge of WMS, TMS, and other supply chain technologies.
• Strong understanding of inventory management, logistics, and transportation principles.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive operational efficiency and implement lean methodologies.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management and cost control.
• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of distribution center operations, including receiving, warehousing, inventory control, order picking, packing, and shipping.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to maximize efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a large team of warehouse and logistics professionals.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage the distribution center budget, controlling operational expenses and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Implement and optimize warehouse management systems (WMS) and other relevant technologies.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with transportation carriers and other logistics partners.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement.
• Manage inventory levels to ensure accuracy, minimize shrinkage, and meet demand.
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement throughout the operation.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Lean methodologies

Budget management

Communication

Change management

WMS/TMS knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

WMS

TMS

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a national leader in the FMCG sector, is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Distribution Center Manager to lead their state-of-the-art facility in Upington, Northern Cape. This senior management position carries the ultimate responsibility for the efficient and safe operation of the entire distribution center, encompassing inbound logistics, warehousing, inventory management, order fulfillment, and outbound transportation. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record of driving operational excellence, implementing cost-saving initiatives, and managing large teams in a high-volume distribution environment. This is a critical role for an individual with strong leadership capabilities and a strategic vision for supply chain optimization. The successful candidate will be instrumental in ensuring timely delivery of products to market and maintaining high standards of operational performance in Upington, Northern Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of distribution center operations, including receiving, warehousing, inventory control, order picking, packing, and shipping.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to maximize efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a large team of warehouse and logistics professionals.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage the distribution center budget, controlling operational expenses and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Implement and optimize warehouse management systems (WMS) and other relevant technologies.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with transportation carriers and other logistics partners.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement.
• Manage inventory levels to ensure accuracy, minimize shrinkage, and meet demand.
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement throughout the operation.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in distribution center management or senior logistics leadership roles.
• Proven experience managing large-scale operations with significant budgets and employee counts.
• In-depth knowledge of WMS, TMS, and other supply chain technologies.
• Strong understanding of inventory management, logistics, and transportation principles.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive operational efficiency and implement lean methodologies.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management and cost control.
• A Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Proven ability to develop and mentor high-performing teams.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented approach.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary package, comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits, performance-based bonuses, and a company vehicle. This role provides significant opportunities for career advancement within a leading national organization. Employees will benefit from a dynamic work environment, challenging projects, and the chance to lead a critical operation in Northern Cape. We are committed to professional development and offer extensive training programs. Join our esteemed team in Upington and lead the way in distribution excellence.