Distribution Centre Manager

Pedros; Pinetown; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Pedros Chicken is seeking an experienced Distribution Centre Manager to lead daily operations at our DC. You will manage a team, optimize processes, ensure accurate inventory, hit production targets, and maintain safe, efficient working conditions.

The role requires strong leadership, extensive warehouse/logistics experience in food or FMCG, and a track record of improving performance while controlling costs.

Qualifications

• Matric is required.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in supply chain management or related field.
• 7+ years in warehouse, logistics or food production environments, including 3–5 years managing multiple departments.
• Proven experience in inventory control, variance management, audits, deliveries (OTIF), performance and budgets.
• Experience in distribution centre or warehouse management or supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of food safety/HACCP, cold chain and health & safety in high-volume food/FMCG DC.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the distribution centre, including goods receipt, order fulfilment, and production.
• Lead, mentor, and manage distribution centre staff, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
• Assign tasks, set priorities, and guide the team to stay productive and motivated.
• Implement inventory control measures, including stock tracking, cycle counts, and reconciliations.
• Maintain accurate records of stock levels, stock movements, and adjustments.
• Review and improve DC processes to boost efficiency and meet targets.
• Monitor and report on KPIs related to distribution operations.
• Enforce quality control standards to maintain product quality and minimize loss.
• Conduct regular inspections to ensure safe storage and handling.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and promote a safe working environment.
• Conduct safety training and ensure staff follow procedures.
• Ensure DC equipment (forklifts, conveyors) is maintained and functioning.
• Schedule equipment maintenance and repairs as needed.
• Maintain records related to inventory, orders, safety, and activities.
• Generate reports and provide data analysis to support management decisions.

Skills

People leadership

Inventory control

KPI management

Process optimization

Safety compliance

Forklift operations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management

Tools

ERP software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

A distribution centre manager will lead and oversee the daily operations of the distribution centre. Responsibilities include managing a team, optimizing processes, ensuring inventory accuracy, production targets are met whilst maintaining safety and efficient working conditions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the distribution centre, including goods receipt, order fulfilment, and production.
2. Lead, mentor, and manage distribution centre staff, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
3. Assign tasks, set priorities, and provide guidance to ensure a productive and motivated team.
4. Implement inventory control measures, including stock tracking, cycle counts, and regular reconciliation.
5. Maintain accurate records of stock levels, stock movements, and adjustments.
6. Continuously review and improve distribution centre processes to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and meet performance targets.
7. Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to distribution operations.
8. Enforce quality control standards to maintain product quality and prevent damage or loss.
9. Conduct regular inspections to ensure products are stored safely and securely.
10. Ensure compliance with safety regulations, promote a safe working environment, and respond to safety concerns or incidents.
11. Conduct safety training and ensure staff follow safety procedures.
12. Ensure that distribution centre equipment, such as forklifts and conveyor systems, is well-maintained and in good working condition.
13. Schedule equipment maintenance and repairs as needed.
14. Maintain accurate records related to inventory, orders, safety, and distribution centre activities.
15. Generate reports and provide data analysis to support management decisions.

Requirements:

1. Matric
2. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (a degree is supply chain management or logistics is a plus).
3. Minimum 7 years experience in a warehouse, logistics or food - production environment, including 3 - 5 years experience managing multiple departments.
   
4. Proven experience and accountability for inventory control and variance management, audit results, delivery (OTIF) , performance and budgets.
5. Proven experience in distribution centre or warehouse management or a supervisory role.
6. Strong working knowledge of food safety / HACCP, cold chain and Health & Safely requirements in a high- volume food or FMCG DC.
7. Strong leadership and team management skills.
8. Must have a valid driver's license.