Distribution Manager

Zealhr; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Distribution Manager to join a fast-paced FMCG environment in Cape Town. The ideal candidate will oversee warehouse operations, manage staff performance, and ensure operational efficiency. Applicants should have 10 years of experience in FMCG distribution and 5 years in a managerial role. Strong skills in logistics, fleet management, and compliance with food safety standards are essential. The job offers full-time employment with a structured management approach.

Qualifications

• 5 years in a managerial role leading teams driving performance and achieving operational goals.
• 10 years of experience in FMCG distribution with a deep understanding of fast-paced high-volume environments.
• Code 10 driver's license and forklift certification.

Responsibilities

• Oversee warehouse operations and fleet planning.
• Drive efficiency and compliance in distribution processes.
• Manage staff performance and conduct regular performance appraisals.

Skills

AS400

Lean

Management Experience

Maximo

Warehouse Management

Warehouse Experience

Warehouse Distribution Experience

Warehouse Management System

Copywriting

Leadership Experience

Supervising Experience

Logistics

Education

Bachelors Degree or Diploma in Logistics/Supply Chain

Job description

Job Description

Our client is looking for an experienced Distribution Manager to join a fast-paced FMCG environment in Bellville Cape Town. This role calls for a strong leader with 10 years in distribution 5 years in management and a qualification in Logistics or Supply Chain. Youll oversee warehouse operations fleet planning inventory control and staff performance while driving efficiency and compliance. Working hours are 06:0016:00 weekdays with weekend duty once every five weeks.

Responsibilities

Staff Management

• Recruitment
• Recruit sufficient and competent staff in a cost-effective manner.
• Ensure proper induction training of new employees.
• Confirm that all employees have correct employment contracts.
• Training
• Staff must be adequately trained to perform tasks effectively.
• Conduct regular refresher training sessions.
• Leave
• Manage workers leave plans to ensure operational continuity.
• Staff Communication
• Communicate company matters regularly with staff.
• Share departmental and functional aspects including goals.
• Discipline
• Maintain sound discipline within the department.
• Apply disciplinary procedures when necessary.
• Performance Management
• Ensure employees understand how tasks must be completed.
• Monitor performance consistently.
• Recognize and reward good performance.
• Take corrective action for underperformance.
• Performance Appraisals
• Conduct thorough performance appraisals.
• Complete appraisals within the required schedule.
• Job Descriptions
• Revise and update job descriptions regularly to ensure relevance.

Goal Management

• Departmental Goals
• Set departmental goals aligned with company objectives.
• Encourage innovative and creative goal-setting.
• Ensure goals are meaningful and high quality.
• Assist with company-wide goal setting.
• Goal Achievement
• Continuously monitor progress on goals.
• Ensure successful achievement of targets.

Reporting

• Daily Reporting
• Reports must be high quality complete and on time.
• Monthly Reporting
• Reports must be high quality complete and on time.
• General Management
• Weekend duty management (rotational schedule).
• Stand in for the General Manager when required.
• Play an active role in problem-solving and technical issue resolution.
• Warehouse Management
• Ensure neat and organized storage of products (FIFO rotation).
• Maintain housekeeping standards in line with food safety requirements.
• Apply pest control regulations and maintain storage buildings.
• Keep distribution offices orderly and clean.
• Monitor security and prevent theft.
• Inventory Management
• Manage minimum stock levels and communicate with Production.
• Conduct regular stock surveys to identify theft.
• Establish stock levels based on customer demand.
• Administer monthly stock control.
• Monitor suspicious activities and missing stock.
• Ensure invoices and inventory systems are accurate and up to date.
• Transportation
• Plan daily deliveries to minimize cost and meet client specifications.
• Supervise vehicle loading to prevent theft and damage.
• Ensure timely deliveries and excellent customer service.
• Monitor drivers efficiency and professionalism.
• Maintain delivery documentation and filing systems.
• Ensure sufficient licensed drivers are available.
• Manage external transporters when required.
• Fleet Management
• Ensure regular vehicle servicing and daily inspections.
• Organize recovery and insurance processes for accidents.
• Maintain valid licenses and roadworthiness certificates.
• Investigate traffic violations and manage fines.
• Procure and resell vehicles as needed.
• Maintain vehicle history documentation.
• Manage fuel usage and prevent theft.
• Ensure pallet trolleys jacks and forklifts are serviced and maintained.
• Occupational Health & Safety
• Ensure only licensed drivers operate vehicles.
• Enforce safe loading and speed limits on premises.
• Conduct monthly fire inspections and train staff on emergency procedures.
• Provide training for pallet trolleys stackers and forklifts.
• Ensure safe stacking and equipment use.
• Food Safety
• Apply company food safety systems and policies.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in storage areas.
• Ensure staff follow hygiene standards and wear protective clothing.
• Monitor pest control and contamination risks.
• Oversee food safety in warehouses and dispatch areas.
• Procurement
• Source and interview suppliers; negotiate agreements.
• Ensure lowest cost without compromising quality.
• Purchase supplies to meet operational requirements.
• Receive and document orders.
• Apply the 5 Rs: Right quality quantity place time and price.
• Personnel Behavior Needs
• Good quality of work
• Responsibility and loyalty
• Initiative and creativity
• Speed and volume of performance
• Punctuality and timeliness
• Leadership
• Manage staff to create win-win outcomes for employees and company.
• Communicate effectively and provide thorough feedback to management.
• Assign and manage tasks to ensure completion.
• Plan proactively take initiative and create systems.
• Train and cross-train staff to perform tasks well.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree or Diploma in Logistics/Supply Chain
• 5 years in a managerial role leading teams driving performance and achieving operational goals
• 10 years experience in FMCG distribution with a deep understanding of fast-paced high-volume environments
• Code 10 drivers license and forklift certification
• Warehouse Management Proven ability to oversee storage housekeeping and compliance with food safety standards
• Fleet Management Skilled in maintaining vehicles managing drivers and ensuring roadworthiness and compliance
• Warehouse Management Systems (Stock Control) Confident in using systems to track monitor and optimize inventory
• Fleet Planning Experienced in route planning load optimization and cost-effective scheduling
• Computer Literacy Strong proficiency in digital tools and reporting systems
• Problem-Solving Hands-on approach to resolving operational challenges quickly and effectively

Required Experience:

Manager

Key Skills: AS400,Lean,Management Experience,Maximo,Warehouse Management,Warehouse Experience,Warehouse Distribution Experience,Warehouse Management System,Copywriting,Leadership Experience,Supervising Experience,Logistics

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1