Factory Distribution Manager

Sandi Crowther Recruitment; Umhlanga Rocks; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandi Crowther Recruitment seeks a Factory Distribution Supervisor for a 6-day operation in KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead the distribution team, oversee dispatch schedules and stock movements, and ensure warehouse processes align with inventory control and safety standards.

Role requires a Diploma/Degree in logistics or related field and 2-4 years’ supervisory experience in manufacturing distribution. Driver’s licence and reliable transport are preferred due to shift hours.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration or related field.
• 2-4 years' experience in distribution, warehouse or logistics with supervisory experience.
• Experience managing blue-collar teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of inventory control, transport logistics, warehouse operations and relevant legislation.
• Valid driver’s licence; own transport preferred due to working hours.
• Strong leadership, planning, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, organisational and cost-control abilities with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise and roster the factory distribution team across a 6-day operation.
• Oversee daily distribution activities, dispatch schedules and internal stock movements.
• Manage warehouse operations including receiving, storage, picking, packing and dispatch.
• Ensure accurate inventory control through cycle counts and stock reporting.
• Enforce health and safety standards; conduct risk assessments and maintain compliance docs.
• Produce operational reports; identify process improvements and monitor distribution costs.
• Build relationships with suppliers, transport partners and internal stakeholders.
• Manage stock-related admin and reporting (GRNs, requisitions, transfers, stock capturing).
• Resolve operational issues and support production and sales with urgent distribution needs.

Skills

Leadership

Planning

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Cost-control

Communication

Organisational skills

Education

Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration or related field

Job description

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, supervise and roster the factory distribution team across a 6-day operation
• Oversee all daily distribution activities, dispatch schedules and internal stock movements
• Manage warehouse operations including receiving, storage, picking, packing and dispatch
• Ensure accurate inventory control through cycle counts, reconciliations and stock reporting
• Enforce health and safety standards, conduct risk assessments and maintain compliance documentation
• Produce operational reports, identify process improvements and monitor distribution-related costs
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers, transport partners and internal stakeholders
• Manage all stock-related administrative and operational functions, including GRNs, requisitions, transfers, stock capturing and reporting
• Resolve operational issues and support production and sales with urgent distribution requirements

Requirements:

• Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration or related field (proven experience may be considered in lieu of a qualification)
• 2-4 years' experience in distribution, warehouse or logistics, with at least 3 years in a supervisory / management role within a factory
• Experience managing blue-collar teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Strong knowledge of inventory control, transport logistics, warehouse operations and relevant legislation
• Valid driver's licence essential; own transport preferred due to working hours
• Excellent leadership, planning, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Strong communication, organisational and cost-control abilities with exceptional attention to detail