Head of Distribution Centre Operations

Tailormade Solution; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A logistics solutions provider is searching for a Head of Distribution Centre Operations in Johannesburg. This senior leadership role requires full operational and financial responsibility for a high-volume distribution center. The successful candidate will lead large teams, ensure process innovation, and drive performance targets while optimizing warehouse systems. The ideal applicant will have extensive experience in retail distribution or logistics environments, and advanced knowledge of warehouse management systems. Competitive remuneration is offered.

Qualifications

• 10-15+ years’ experience in distribution, warehousing, or logistics environments.
• Minimum 5 years in a senior DC leadership role with full operational and P&L accountability.
• Strong experience in high-volume retail distribution environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end operations including inbound, storage, inventory management, and dispatch.
• Own the DC budget and financial performance, with full P&L accountability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Kaizen, and Six Sigma.

Skills

Leadership

P&L accountability

Continuous improvement

Financial acumen

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or Operations Management

Tools

Corba WMS

Dovetail

Manhattan

Job description

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Job Advert – Head of Distribution Centre Operations

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Remuneration: R80?000 – R100?000 per month (cost to company, negotiable)

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Head of Distribution Centre Operations to take full operational, financial, and strategic responsibility for a high-volume distribution centre in Johannesburg.

This is a senior leadership role combining operational excellence, P&L accountability, team leadership, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will lead a large, multi-shift workforce, optimise warehouse systems, drive process innovation, and partner with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver world-class DC performance.

The role is ideal for a senior distribution or logistics professional with a strong track record in retail DCs, FMCG, manufacturing, or large-scale logistics environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end DC operations including inbound, storage, inventory management, picking, packing, dispatch, and returns.
• Own the DC budget, cost control, and financial performance, with full P&L accountability.
• Set and deliver operational performance targets (service levels, order accuracy, turnaround times).
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma and related methodologies.
• Lead, engage, and develop a multi-disciplinary workforce, partnering with HR on performance, training, succession planning, and labour relations.
• Optimise warehouse and logistics systems including Corba WMS, Dovetail, and Manhattan to improve visibility, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with safety, labour, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Supply Chain, Retail Operations, Finance, Procurement, HR) and external partners to align DC operations with business objectives.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management or related field.
• 10–15+ years’ experience in distribution, warehousing, or logistics environments.
• Minimum 5 years in a senior DC leadership role with full operational and P&L accountability.
• Strong experience in high-volume retail distribution environments (preferred); FMCG, manufacturing, or large logistics environments also considered.
• Demonstrated experience managing large, multi-shift teams.
• Advanced working knowledge of warehouse management systems: Corba, Dovetail, Manhattan.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, and reporting.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Beneficial Certifications / Experience

• Continuous Improvement / Operational Excellence programmes
• Strategic thinking with operational execution capability
• Commercial acumen and financial decision-making
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Change management and transformation leadership
• Data-driven, analytical, and results-oriented
• Ability to lead in fast-paced, complex, evolving environments

Why This Role

This position offers a strategic leadership platform where you will influence transformation and operational performance at a high level. You will be empowered to implement modern technologies, drive sustainable improvements, and lead a large, high-performing team in a dynamic, high-volume DC environment.

Our Strength lies in our passion for people, which defines us as a Preferred Service Provider who ensures that all staff supplied are tailored to meet the requirements of your organization. Our Database is comprised of semi-skilled, skilled and experienced personnel, ensuring that we are able to meet the constantly evolving needs of our Clients.

Tailormade Solution is committed towards filling the diverse requirements of our Clients through the supply of Outsourced Labor, Permanent Placements and Training requirements. We take pride in fostering mutually beneficial partnerships in order to provide the best possible Client specific solutions.

Clients have total flexibility when making use of our Outsourced Staff, allowing them to streamline or increase their staff complement as required. We undertake all Human Resources and Industrial Relations responsibilities, allowing our Clients to concentrate on their core business.