National Distribution Manager - FMCG Logistics

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Annual bonus

Medical and dental aid

Provident fund

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced National Distribution Manager based in Randburg, Gauteng, to optimize the end-to-end distribution network for a leading FMCG client. You will oversee warehouses, fleet, and nationwide logistics, delivering cost-efficient, high-service performance.

The role requires 7–9 years in logistics, strong WMS/TMS/ERP knowledge, and proven leadership of large teams. Travel nationwide and develop strategic partnerships with 3PLs, driving continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, or related field.
• Master's degree is an advantage.
• 7–9 years in logistics and distribution management in FMCG.
• Experience managing national distribution networks with multiple warehouses.
• Strong knowledge of WMS, TMS, and ERP systems.
• Proven leadership of large teams and driving performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute national distribution strategies for efficient product flow.
• Manage and optimize warehouse operations, inventory, space, and safety.
• Oversee fleet management: maintenance, routing, driver management.
• Manage relationships with 3PLs, negotiate contracts and SLAs.
• Implement logistics tech to improve visibility and efficiency.
• Monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with transport, safety and environmental regulations.
• Lead and develop a high-performing national distribution team.
• Manage the distribution budget and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/Logistics/Operations

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

WMS

TMS

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading enterprise in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a highly experienced National Distribution Manager to optimize their logistics and distribution network. This critical role, based in Randburg, Gauteng , will oversee the end-to-end distribution process, ensuring efficient, timely, and cost-effective delivery of products across South Africa. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of supply chain operations, fleet management, warehouse management, and national logistics planning. You will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain high service levels for our client's extensive product range. This is a significant leadership opportunity for a seasoned professional to drive excellence in a vital area of the FMCG business. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a proven ability to manage complex logistics operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive national distribution strategies to ensure efficient product flow and timely deliveries.
• Manage and optimize the company's warehouse operations, including inventory management, space utilization, and operational safety.
• Oversee fleet management, including vehicle maintenance, route optimization, and driver management.
• Develop and manage relationships with third-party logistics providers, negotiating contracts and ensuring service level adherence.
• Implement and utilize advanced logistics and supply chain technologies to improve visibility and efficiency.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for distribution operations and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant transportation, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing national distribution team.
• Manage the distribution budget, identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiency gains.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 7-9 years of progressive experience in logistics and distribution management, with significant experience in the FMCG sector.
• Proven experience managing national distribution networks, including multiple warehouses and transportation modes.
• Strong knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS), transportation management systems (TMS), and ERP systems.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience in managing large teams and driving performance.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Strong negotiation skills with a track record of managing third-party service providers.
• Understanding of South African logistics infrastructure and regulations.
• Ability to travel nationally as required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive executive salary, annual bonus, comprehensive medical and dental aid, and a generous provident fund.
• This role provides significant opportunities for career growth, leadership development, and the chance to make a strategic impact within a leading FMCG organization.
• You will work within a professional and dynamic environment in Randburg .