Regional Distribution Manager

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary with performance bonus

Medical aid and provident fund

Employee discounts

Leadership training

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Regional Distribution Manager for our national retail client in Tembisa, Gauteng. This on-site role leads regional distribution center operations, focusing on inventory accuracy, cost efficiency, and safe, productive logistics to stores.

The successful candidate will manage large teams, optimize transport routes, monitor KPIs, and drive continuous improvements using WMS/TMS and lean methods. 7+ years in retail logistics preferred; relocation assistance may be available.

Qualifications

• 7+ years experience in warehouse/distribution management in retail logistics.
• Proven leadership of large facilities and teams (50+ staff).
• Experience with WMS/TMS systems and data-driven decision making.
• Strong understanding of retail supply chain and order fulfillment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze operational data and implement solutions.
• On-site work in Tembisa, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Oversee regional distribution center operations: receiving, storage, picking, packing, dispatching.
• Improve inventory accuracy, reduce stockouts, minimize waste.
• Lead and mentor warehouse staff, supervisors, and drivers.
• Route optimization and fleet scheduling to reduce transport costs.
• Monitor KPIs: on-time delivery, order accuracy, cost per unit.
• Enforce health and safety protocols within facilities.
• Collaborate with supply chain, merchandising and store ops teams.
• Manage budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Drive continuous improvement with technology and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

People management

Communication

Problem solving

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field

Lean or Six Sigma training

Tools

WMS

TMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading national retail chain, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Regional Distribution Manager to lead and optimize its distribution operations within the Tembisa, Gauteng region. This is a critical on-site role demanding exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of warehouse management, inventory control, and transportation logistics. You will be responsible for ensuring the efficient flow of goods from our central distribution centers to retail outlets, directly impacting customer satisfaction and profitability. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment and possess a strategic mindset focused on operational excellence and cost efficiency. This role offers a significant opportunity to drive key operational improvements within a well-established organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of regional distribution center operations, including receiving, storage, picking, packing, and dispatching of goods.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve inventory accuracy, reduce stockouts, and minimize waste across the region.
• Manage and mentor a team of warehouse staff, supervisors, and drivers, promoting a safe and productive work environment.
• Ensure efficient routing and scheduling of delivery fleets to meet retail demand and optimize transportation costs.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for distribution operations, such as on-time delivery rates, order accuracy, and cost per unit shipped.
• Implement and enforce rigorous health and safety protocols within the distribution facilities.
• Collaborate with supply chain, merchandising, and store operations teams to forecast demand and align distribution activities.
• Manage departmental budgets, control expenses, and identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging technology and best practices to enhance operational efficiency.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in warehouse and distribution management, with a strong emphasis on retail logistics.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large distribution facilities and teams of over 50 employees.
• Demonstrated expertise in inventory management systems, WMS (Warehouse Management Systems), and TMS (Transportation Management Systems).
• Strong understanding of retail supply chain operations and order fulfillment processes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze complex operational data and implement effective solutions.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience with Lean or Six Sigma methodologies is advantageous.
• Must be available for on-site work in Tembisa, Gauteng.

Benefits

• An attractive annual salary complemented by a performance-related bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund benefits.
• Significant employee discounts across all retail group stores.
• Opportunities for leadership training and career advancement within the organization.
• A challenging yet rewarding role in a key operational area for the company.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates residing outside the immediate area.