Head of Distribution Transformation

Core Group ZA; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Core Group ZA is seeking an experienced Head of Distribution Operations & Strategy to design, build and optimise a high-performing, security-focused distribution network across multi-channel channels in South Africa.

You will own network design, courier relationships, cost-to-serve visibility and SLA performance, while leading a cross-functional team in a fast-paced, high-value goods environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics or related field.
• Engineering qualification (Industrial) advantageous.
• Logistics certifications advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end distribution from the Kempton Park Warehouse.
• Design, model and implement the distribution network and delivery models.
• Manage courier partnerships, SLA definitions and performance enforcement.
• Provide end-to-end visibility of deliveries and customer-facing updates.
• Drive cost-to-serve visibility and network performance improvements.
• Build and lead a high-performing distribution team.

Skills

Distribution design

Network optimisation

Cost-to-serve analytics

SLA management

Vendor/partner management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Logistics/related field

Engineer (Industrial) advantageous

Logistics certifications advantageous

Job description

We're looking for an experienced Head of Distribution Operations & Strategy to design, build and continuously optimise a high-performing distribution network within a fast-paced, high-security environment handling high-value mobile electronics.

This role extends beyond managing deliveries. You'll own the design, optimisation and implementation of the distribution network that connects our Distribution Centre to retail stores, corporate customers, resellers and end consumers. Working closely with courier partners, logistics providers and internal stakeholders, you'll ensure secure, cost-effective and on-time delivery while protecting revenue, brand reputation and customer experience.

This is not a role that inherits a finished network and administers it. The mandate is to redesign how product moves — introducing new delivery models, restructuring courier partnerships, building cost-to-serve visibility and raising service performance — while running a demanding daily operation.

The successful candidate will combine strong analytical, engineering and commercial thinking with proven experience designing, optimising and operating complex, multi-channel distribution networks.

Work Environment

• Warehouse based
• Travel required within South Africa and Africa (limited)
• High-value, high-security distribution environment.
• Multi-channel distribution across B2B, B2C, 3PL, e-commerce and cross-border deliveries.
• Close collaboration with courier partners, airline cargo providers, armoured transport services and cross-border logistics partners.
• Close collaboration with the Warehouse Team and internal business stakeholders as customers of the network.

Key Responsibilities

Distribution Network Leadership

• Lead end-to-end distribution from the Kempton Park Warehouse.
• Design, model and implement the distribution network, including node structure, channel routing, service tiers and delivery cut-offs.
• Design, optimise and continuously improve delivery models, including but not limited to:
• Fulfilment from closest store (while aligning business transactions in background to ensure correct business entity show revenue)
• Rapid delivery solutions (within-the-hour and same-day).
• Domestic and cross-border airline freight solutions.
• Manage B2B, B2C, 3PL, e-commerce and cross-border distribution channels, balancing competing service requirements across retail, corporate, reseller and consumer demand.
• Continuously evaluate and improve network performance to enhance speed, cost, reliability and operational efficiency.
• Provide end-to-end visibility of deliveries, with proactive management of deliveries — as well as a customer versus internal view of “where is my order”.
• Manage courier partnerships:
• Costs & SLAs
• Service types
• Partner evaluation & selection
• Modes: Air vs Road
• Technology and integration readiness
• Risk

Performance & Service Excellence

• Define, manage and continuously improve Service Level Agreements (SLAs), delivery cut-off times and operational performance.
• Measure courier performance through on-time delivery, first-time delivery, service compliance, exception management and operational reporting.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen customer experience and operational excellence.
• Manage and track losses, shrinkage and claims per courier partner, and drive corrective action.

Commercial & Cost Optimisation

• Manage and approve all distribution-related expenditure against budget.
• Build and maintain cost-to-serve models across delivery channels, regions, service levels and product groups.
• Identify and implement cost optimisation initiatives without compromising security, service quality or customer experience.
• Build the commercial case for network investment and new delivery capability.

Systems, Visibility & Integration

• Own the functional requirements for logistics systems integration across courier and logistics partners, working with IT and the WMS team on EDI, API and track-and-trace implementation.
• Ensure end-to-end delivery visibility through real-time tracking, reporting and exception management.
• Provide accurate operational insights and delivery updates to internal stakeholders and customers.
• Drive automation of manual distribution and delivery administration.

Security & Risk Management

• Maintain rigorous chain-of-custody controls for high-value goods throughout the distribution network.
• Partner with security providers to minimise operational risk, theft and product loss.
• Ensure compliance with internal security standards, audit requirements and insurance policies.

Strategic Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with courier partners, logistics providers and internal stakeholders.
• Act as the primary escalation point for critical delivery or service-related incidents.
• Foster collaborative partnerships that drive service improvements and long-term operational performance.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, coach and develop the distribution team, building capability in network analysis, partner management and operational execution.
• Recruit, onboard and manage the performance of direct reports.
• Ensure all direct reports have current, valid KPAs and Scorecards, and complete scheduled performance check-ins.
• Build succession depth within the distribution function.

What Success Looks Like — First 12 Months

• A documented, costed distribution network design with an agreed implementation roadmap.
• Cost-to-serve visibility in place across every channel and region, with a baseline established.
• Courier portfolio reviewed and restructured, with renegotiated commercial terms and measurable savings delivered.
• SLA framework defined, published and actively enforced across all partners.
• At least one new delivery capability live in market — rapid delivery, fulfilment from closest store, or airline freight.
• Loss and claims per partner tracked, trending down, and formally managed.
• Reliable end-to-end delivery visibility available to internal stakeholders and customers.

Qualifications & Experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Management, Industrial Engineering or a related field.
• A qualified Engineer (Industrial Engineering preferred) will be advantageous.
• Relevant logistics or supply chain certifications will be advantageous.

Essential

• Minimum 8 years' experience in distribution, last-mile, express or outbound logistics, of which at least 3 years at management level with accountability for network performance, cost and SLA outcomes.
• Demonstrable experience designing or materially restructuring a multi-node or multi-channel delivery network — not only running an existing one.
• Proven experience managing outsourced logistics or courier partners as either the client or the provider, including rate negotiation, SLA definition and performance enforcement.
• Strong analytical capability: cost-to-serve analysis, network modelling, and data-driven decision-making using operational data sets.

Strongly advantageous

• Experience in high-value, security-sensitive or high-theft-risk goods (mobile electronics, telecommunications devices, pharmaceuticals, cash/valuables, tobacco, jewellery).
• Working knowledge of the South African courier, express and linehaul landscape, including the major national and regional operators.
• Exposure to cross-border SADC distribution and airline cargo.
• Experience with 3PL operations, e-commerce fulfilment or rapid/same-day delivery models.
• Experience with logistics systems integration (EDI, API, WMS/TMS) and track-and-trace platforms.

Skills & Competencies

Technical

• Strong understanding of the South African courier, express and linehaul delivery landscape.
• Distribution network design and optimisation.
• SLA management and operational performance analytics.
• Commercial and budget management.
• EDI, WMS and logistics systems integration.
• Track-and-trace and delivery visibility solutions.
• High-value distribution security and risk management.

Leadership & Behavioural

• Customer focus — treats internal and external delivery experience as the measure of success.
• Gets things done — converts network design into implemented, working capability.
• Innovation — challenges existing delivery models and introduces new ones.
• Teamwork — builds effective working relationships across warehouse, commercial, digital and finance functions.
• Integrity — maintains rigorous control and transparency in a high-value, high-risk environment.
• Strong leadership and decision-making capability.
• Commercially minded, with strong negotiation and partner management capability.
• Excellent communication and executive stakeholder management skills.
• High attention to detail and accountability.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, time-critical environment.

Key Competencies

• Operational excellence.
• Commercial acumen.
• Security awareness and risk mitigation.
• Data-driven decision-making.
• Relationship building and negotiation.
• Continuous improvement.