FMCG Distribution Manager

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work option

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng seeks an experienced Distribution Manager to optimize the FMCG distribution network. You will oversee warehouses, 3PLs, and logistics partners, ensuring timely and cost-efficient product delivery across market channels.

Leadership and strategic thinking are essential as you drive inventory control, SLAs, and continuous improvements while mentoring a high-performance distribution team in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in distribution, logistics or supply chain, preferably FMCG.
• Proven track record in optimizing distribution networks and large-scale warehouses.
• Strong inventory, transport, and supply chain best practices.
• Leadership and communication skills; data-driven decisions.
• Experience with WMS and ERP systems (SAP/Oracle).
• Degree in SCM, Logistics, Business Admin, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement distribution strategies to support growth in Sandton and surrounding regions.
• Oversee daily warehouse operations, inventory, order fulfillment and dispatch.
• Manage relationships with 3PLs, carriers and other partners.
• Negotiate contracts and SLAs to optimize costs and service quality.
• Implement robust inventory controls to minimize stockouts and carrying costs.
• Analyze distribution metrics, identify bottlenecks and drive improvements.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and regulatory standards.
• Lead and develop distribution and warehouse teams.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing and operations to align plans.
• Manage distribution budget and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Negotiation

Data-driven decisions

Gauteng familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in SCM/Logistics/Business Administration

Tools

SAP

Oracle

WMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is seeking an experienced and strategic Distribution Manager to oversee and optimize their distribution network within the Sandton, Gauteng region. This critical role focuses on ensuring efficient, cost-effective, and timely delivery of products to various market channels, managing warehouses, logistics partners, and supply chain operations. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of FMCG supply chains, strong leadership capabilities, and a proven ability to drive operational excellence. This is a significant opportunity to manage and enhance distribution functions within a key economic hub, based in Sandton, Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement efficient distribution strategies to support the company's growth objectives within the Sandton, Gauteng area and surrounding regions.
• Oversee daily warehouse operations, including inventory management, order fulfillment, and dispatch, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Manage relationships with third-party logistics (3PL) providers, transportation carriers, and other supply chain partners.
• Negotiate contracts and service level agreements (SLAs) with suppliers and vendors to optimize costs and service quality.
• Implement and maintain robust inventory control systems to minimize stockouts, reduce carrying costs, and prevent obsolescence.
• Analyze distribution performance metrics, identify bottlenecks, and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce lead times.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards within distribution facilities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of distribution and warehouse staff, fostering a culture of safety and high performance.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and operations teams to align distribution plans with demand forecasts and promotional activities.
• Manage the distribution budget effectively, tracking expenses and identifying opportunities for cost savings within the FMCG supply chain .

Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of experience in distribution management, logistics, or supply chain operations, preferably within the FMCG sector .
• Proven track record in optimizing distribution networks, managing large-scale warehouse operations, and improving logistical efficiency.
• Strong understanding of inventory management, transportation modes, and supply chain best practices.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in WMS (Warehouse Management Systems) and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Experience managing budgets and negotiating with service providers.
• Familiarity with the commercial landscape in Gauteng is beneficial.
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic and fast-paced operational environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package, reflecting the seniority of the role.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and leadership training.
• A challenging and rewarding role within a leading FMCG organization.
• Potential for a hybrid work arrangement to support work-life balance.