Logistics Planner - Regional Distribution

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 450,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work option

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance-based bonuses

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Logistics Planner to optimize its distribution network from a remote setup, with occasional travel to Bloemfontein. You will design transportation routes, analyze costs and performance, and collaborate with carriers and 3PLs to drive cost savings and service improvements.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in logistics planning, strong analytical capabilities, and proficiency in TMS and Excel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in logistics or a related quantitative field.
• At least 5 years in logistics planning, transportation management, or supply chain analysis.
• Proven experience optimizing distribution networks and routes.
• Proficient in logistics planning software and advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and quantitative modeling abilities.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work remotely and manage projects independently.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to Bloemfontein.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize transportation routes and schedules for cost-effective delivery.
• Analyze transportation data including costs, transit times, and carrier performance.
• Collaborate with carriers and 3PL providers to negotiate contracts and manage relationships.
• Design and optimize warehouse network and distribution.
• Forecast demand to ensure inventory levels and resource allocation.
• Use logistics planning software and analytics to model scenarios.
• Coordinate with sales, operations, and customer service to align logistics plans.
• Identify risks in the supply chain and develop contingency plans.
• Prepare regular logistics performance reports and KPIs.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices.

Skills

Logistics planning

Transportation management

Supply chain analysis

Analytical thinking

Communication & negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field

Tools

TMS

Network optimization tools

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a national distributor of industrial supplies, is seeking an experienced and analytical Logistics Planner to optimize their distribution network from their operational base, working remotely with occasional travel to Bloemfontein, Free State . This role is crucial for designing and implementing efficient transportation and warehousing strategies to serve a wide customer base. The ideal candidate will possess strong quantitative skills, a deep understanding of logistics principles, and the ability to leverage data to drive cost savings and service improvements. This is a strategic role for someone looking to shape the future of logistics for a growing organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize transportation routes and schedules to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of goods.


• Analyze transportation data, including costs, transit times, and carrier performance, to identify areas for improvement.


• Collaborate with carriers and third-party logistics providers to negotiate contracts and manage relationships.


• Develop and implement strategies for warehouse network design and optimization.


• Monitor and forecast demand to ensure adequate inventory levels and efficient resource allocation across the distribution network.


• Utilize logistics planning software and advanced analytical tools to model scenarios and support decision-making.


• Work closely with sales, operations, and customer service teams to understand business needs and align logistics plans accordingly.


• Identify and assess risks within the supply chain and develop contingency plans.


• Prepare regular reports on logistics performance, KPIs, and project updates.


• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in logistics and supply chain management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related quantitative field.


• A minimum of 5 years of experience in logistics planning, transportation management, or supply chain analysis.


• Proven experience in developing and optimizing distribution networks and transportation routes.


• Proficiency in logistics planning software (e.g., TMS, network optimization tools) and advanced Excel skills.


• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative modeling skills.


• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.


• Ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote setting.


• Understanding of warehousing operations and inventory management.


• Willingness to travel occasionally to the Bloemfontein operational hub.


• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• This position offers a competitive remote salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and a provident fund, and potential for performance-based bonuses.


• Our client invests in employee growth through continuous learning and development opportunities.


• Enjoy the flexibility of a remote work arrangement while making a significant impact on a national scale.


• This role provides a challenging and rewarding career path within a supportive and innovative organization, with occasional visits to Bloemfontein.