DISTRIBUTION PLANNER

AB InBev Group; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 780,000; Full time

Job summary

AB InBev is seeking a Distribution Planner in Sandton to execute daily routes for distribution centres using SAP, WinRoute and SharePoint. You will ensure KPI targets are met while maintaining service levels and productivity, with daily collaboration across distribution teams.

The role requires 2–3 years in FMCG planning, strong analytical ability, and proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Office. You will engage with on-site Expeditors and DC teams to optimise load plans and drive continuous

Qualifications

• 3-year tertiary qualification in a related field.
• 2–3 years of planning experience in FMCG environment.
• Knowledge of governance acts advantageous.
• Strong analytical ability.
• Proficient with SAP and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Set up and maintain SAP, WinRoute, and SharePoint platforms.
• Execute SAP master data implementation protocols.
• Maintain the WinRoute planning database and governance.
• Maintain the WinRoute road network database and ensure correct speed data from maps.
• Create daily distribution load plans aligned with KPI targets.
• Plan distribution loads to maximise volume capacity.
• Coordinate daily with Expeditors and DC teams on planning instructions.
• Clear and maintain SAP T2 platforms.
• Drive LCP improvements and implementation.

Skills

Analytical ability

Planning

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

3-year tertiary qualification

Tools

SAP

WinRoute

SharePoint

Microsoft Office

Job description

Dreaming big is in our DNA. It’s who we are as a company. It’s our culture. It’s our heritage. And more than ever, it’s our future. A future where we’re always looking forward. Always serving up new ways to meet life’s moments. A future where we keep dreaming bigger. We look for people with passion, talent, and curiosity, and provide them with the teammates, resources and opportunities to unleash their full potential. The power we create together – when we combine your strengths with ours – is unstoppable. Are you ready to join a team that dreams as big as you do?

The Key Purpose of this role is to execute effective daily routes for Distribution Centres (DCs) using available routing tools. The Distribution Planner is responsible for ensuring distribution KPI targets are achieved while maintaining customer service and productivity expectations for the DCs they support. This requires daily interactions and routines with the distribution teams.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Set up and maintain interrelated system platforms (SAP, WinRoute, SharePoint).
• Execute SAP master data implementation protocols.
• Maintain the WinRoute planning database, optimise settings, and ensure governance is adhered to across all master data.
• Maintain the WinRoute road network database and ensure correct speed data is obtained from maps.
• Effectively utilise planning systems to create daily distribution load plans in line with KPI targets.
• Manage and plan daily loads to efficiently maximise volume capacities.
• Plan distribution load plans for multiple depots within the prescribed timeframe, as and when required.
• Monitor load plan execution performance at an operational level and provide constructive feedback to drive improvement, including driver and short-cycle feedback.
• Engage daily with on-site Expeditors regarding load plan execution.
• Engage daily with DC teams regarding planning instructions.
• Clear and maintain SAP T2 platforms.
• Participate in core project work.
• Drive LCP improvements and implementation.

Minimum Requirements:

• Relevant 3-year tertiary qualification.
• 2-3 years of functional work and planning experience in an FMCG environment.
• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993, the South African Road Traffic Act, and related governance principles would be advantageous.
• Sound business and financial acumen.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and Word, with knowledge of SAP.
• Demonstrated strong analytical ability.
• Good performance track record.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Key Attributes and Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent planning, organising, and prioritisation abilities.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across teams.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Results-driven with a strong customer service orientation.
• Sound decision-making and judgement skills.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and resilient.
• Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills.
• Ability to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and drive implementation.
• High level of accountability and ownership.
• Adaptability and willingness to embrace change.
• Strong numerical and data interpretation skills.
• Commitment to safety, governance, and compliance standards.

Additional Information:

Band: VIII SAB/AB InBev is an equal opportunity employer, and all appointments will be made in line with the SAB/AB InBev Employment Equity Plan and talent requirements. The advert has minimum requirements listed. Management reserves the right to use additional relevant information as criteria for shortlisting.

The South African Breweries (SAB) has reimagined what a beer company can be and has anchored this in a powerful brand purpose – We Dream Big to Create a Future With More Cheers – which articulates who we are and where we are going. At SAB it’s always about more than the beer. We are driven by our passion to demonstrate the unique power of beer to propel South Africa forward. Since our inception over a century ago, SAB has grown to become South Africa's largest brewer, a powerful economic contributor, a leader in sustainability, and a champion of responsible consumption. SAB is one of South Africa’s admired companies and corporate brands. The company has 7 breweries and 42 depots in South Africa, a total workforce of approximately 5000, and supports a beer economy ‘from seed to sip’ of over 250 000 jobs. Its portfolio of beer brands meets the needs of a wide range of consumers and includes leading brands in beer and beyond such as Castle Lager, Carling Black Label, Corona, Brutal Fruit, and Flying Fish