Distribution & Planning Lead- Limpopo

PepsiCo; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

PepsiCo in Polokwane, South Africa, seeks an experienced Operations Manager-Distribution to plan and execute nationwide distribution for 200 000 loaves daily, balancing demand from two facilities. You will lead routes, fleet scheduling and stock control to meet sales targets while ensuring safety and cost efficiency.

The role requires a decade of warehousing and distribution experience and at least five years in leadership, with SAP and MS Office proficiency.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Logistics, Supply Chain or similar qualification.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in warehousing and distribution within a unionised environment.
• Minimum of 5 years in a leadership position.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of optimal delivery routes to ensure timely and cost‑effective transportation of goods.
• Oversee the maintenance, scheduling, and use of delivery vehicles to ensure they are efficient and reliable.
• Oversee stock levels and ensure that the right amount of inventory is maintained to meet delivery demand.
• Ensure that all distribution activities comply with relevant health and safety regulations.
• Own the distribution budget, including transportation costs, labor, and warehouse expenses.
• Drive continuous delivery network optimization.
• Lead and manage distribution structure to ensure smooth operations.
• Oversee shift schedules and manage workforce allocation to meet operational needs.

Skills

Delivery route optimization

Leadership

Budget management

Education

Logistics, Supply Chain Diploma/Degree or similar qualification

Tools

MS Office

SAP

Job description

Overview

Responsible for the planning to distribute 200 000 loaves daily to 6 000 customers and balancing the demand from 2 manufacturing facilities. The chief custodian of custodian customer service and distribution effectiveness. Interfaces across all areas to ensure that the product is available on an ongoing basis to meet or exceed sales volume plan. Improve customer service and P & L performance. Custodian of fleet safety

Responsibilities

Operations Management- Distribution

• Lead the design of optimal delivery routes to ensure timely and cost-effective transportation of goods.
• Oversee the maintenance, scheduling, and use of delivery vehicles to ensure they are efficient and reliable.
• Oversee stock levels and ensure that the right amount of inventory is maintained to meet delivery demand.
• Ensure that all distribution activities comply with relevant health and safety regulations.
• Design and drive implementation procedures to minimize the risk of accidents, product damage, or other issues during storage and transportation.
• Identify ways to reduce costs, such as optimizing routes, improving warehouse operations, or reducing fuel consumption
• Own the distribution budget, including transportation costs, labor, and warehouse expenses.
• Drive continuous delivery network optimization

People Growth and Leadership

• Lead and manage distribution structure to ensure smooth operations.
• Set performance goals for the distribution team and regularly assess their performance to maintain high productivity.
• Ensure training to distribution staff on procedures, safety, and efficiency improvements.
• Oversee all Industrial Relations and disciplinary procedures.
• Oversee shift schedules and manage workforce allocation to meet operational needs.

Systems, Procedures and Practices

• Drive implementation of warehouse and transport management systems to streamline operations.
• Ensure compliance with local and international transportation laws, including licenses, permits, and vehicle weight restrictions.
• Design policies and ensure compliance with food safety standards during transportation and storage.
• Ensure that the distribution process complies with environmental regulations, such as minimizing emissions and managing waste.

Relationship Results

• Build and maintain strong relationships, and ensure daily communication with sales department to maximize sales
• Build and maintain strong and ensure daily communications with the operations team to ensure that the right product is available in full and in time
• Relationship with IDCs to ensure proper planning of distribution and routes compliance

5. Innovation and Improvement

• Implement systems to ensure products with a shorter shelf life are distributed first
• Identify ways to reduce costs, such as optimizing routes, improving warehouse operations, and optimize costs to serve.

6. Values

• Customer & Consumer Centric Ownership Integrity Respect
• Empowerment Teamwork

Qualifications

• Logistics, Supply Chain Diploma/Degree or similar qualification
• Minimum 10 years relevant experience in warehousing and distribution within a unionised environment.
• Minimum of 5 years in a leadership position

• Proficient in MS Office and SAP or equivalent ERP system