Logistics Operations Manager

The Estée Lauder Companies; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Estée Lauder Companies is seeking a Senior Logistics & Operations Leader in Johannesburg to oversee DSV distribution, inventory controls and cost management across 3PL partners. You will drive continuous improvement, lead the operations team and ensure SLA/KPI targets are met while collaborating with planning, customer service and brands.

Responsibilities include capacity planning, OTIF performance, risk management and governance of compliance with ELC controls, SAP/ERP and WMS systems.

Qualifications

• Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business or related field.
• 10+ years distribution and supply chain leadership experience.
• 3+ years financial accountability; budgeting and cost-to-serve knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Oversee DSV distribution and fulfilment, ensuring SLA, KPI and customer requirements are met.
• Manage capacity, seasonal planning, OTIF, backlogs and last-mile carrier performance.
• Drive operational reviews, issue resolution and service improvement.
• Ensure inventory accuracy and compliance with ELC controls.
• Govern returns, disposal or destruction with required approvals and documentation.
• Manage logistics budgets, forecasts and variances.
• Lead and develop the Operations team and drive cross-functional collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Education

Relevant degree in Supply Chain, Logistics or Business

Tools

SAP/ERP

WMS

Job description

• Oversee DSV distribution and fulfilment, ensuring SLA, KPI and customer requirements are met.
• Manage capacity, seasonal planning, OTIF, backlogs and last-mile carrier performance.
• Drive operational reviews, issue resolution and service improvement.

Description

Distribution & 3PL Management

• Oversee DSV distribution and fulfilment, ensuring SLA, KPI and customer requirements are met.
• Manage capacity, seasonal planning, OTIF, backlogs and last-mile carrier performance.
• Drive operational reviews, issue resolution and service improvement.

Inventory & Controls

• Ensure inventory accuracy, authorised stock movements and compliance with ELC controls.
• Oversee cycle counts, reconciliations, adjustments and discrepancy investigations.
• Partner with Security & Facilities on loss prevention, audits and investigations.

Reverse Logistics

• Govern returns and non-saleable stock, ensuring timely reconciliation and compliant disposal or destruction with required approvals and documentation.

Cost & Financial Management

• Manage logistics budgets, expenditure, forecasts and variances.
• Monitor B2B/B2C Cost to Serve and drive cost savings without compromising service or controls.

Quality, Compliance & Risk

• Ensure compliance with ELC policies, contractual obligations, product quality and EHS standards.
• Resolve audit findings, risks and control failures through documented corrective actions.

People Leadership

• Lead and develop the Operations team, including the Senior Supply Chain Analyst, driving performance, capability and collaboration.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead logistics optimisation and transformation initiatives, ensuring measurable, sustainable improvements aligned with local and Regional strategies.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Contribute to the Affiliate Supply Chain Leadership Team and collaborate across Planning, Customer Service, Inbound Logistics, Security, Finance and Brands.
• Report on financial performance, KPIs, inventory, risks and improvement initiatives.

Working Conditions

• Work at DSV at least three days weekly and ELC Head Office two days, with regular warehouse-floor engagement.

Qualifications

Relevant degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business or related field; 10+ years’ distribution and supply chain leadership experience, including 3PL management; 3+ years’ financial accountability; strong inventory control, budgeting, analytical, leadership and negotiation skills; end-to-end supply chain and Cost to Serve knowledge; advanced Excel and SAP/ERP and WMS knowledge. Excellent communication, integrity and resilience.