Regional Distribution Manager - FMCG

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid including family benefits

Retirement annuity

Professional development and training

Career advancement opportunities

Generous leave and wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Regional Distribution Manager to lead distribution operations in the Tembisa, Gauteng region. The role oversees warehousing, last-mile delivery, and coordination with logistics partners to ensure timely product availability across retail outlets.

The ideal candidate combines 7+ years in distribution management with strong leadership, inventory control, and strategic planning capabilities to drive efficiency and customer satisfaction in a high-volume FMCG environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• 7+ years of distribution management or FMCG logistics experience.
• Proven leadership and ability to build high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee regional distribution operations, including warehousing and last-mile delivery.
• Develop and execute plans to optimize routes, lead times, and costs.
• Manage warehouse staff, drivers, and admin personnel with accountability.
• Ensure inventory control, accurate stocktaking, and replenishment processes.
• Maintain relationships with 3PLs, SLAs, and compliance.
• Enforce health, safety, and security protocols across facilities.
• Monitor performance metrics and drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Procurement to align strategies.
• Manage regional budget and ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Lead initiatives to improve operational efficiency and service levels.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Strategic planning

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics or related field

Tools

WMS

TMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent force in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is actively searching for a highly skilled and motivated Regional Distribution Manager to spearhead operations within the Tembisa, Gauteng region. This is a critical leadership position responsible for overseeing the entire distribution network, ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of products to a wide array of retail outlets. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in optimizing distribution strategies, managing warehouse operations, and maintaining strong relationships with logistics partners. If you have a passion for driving operational excellence in a high-volume distribution environment and possess strong leadership capabilities, this role in Tembisa offers a significant opportunity for career growth and impact. You will be instrumental in ensuring our client's products reach consumers seamlessly, contributing directly to market share and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of regional distribution operations, including warehousing, inventory management, and last-mile delivery.
• Develop and execute strategic plans to optimize distribution routes, reduce lead times, and minimize transportation costs.
• Manage and motivate a diverse team of warehouse staff, drivers, and administrative personnel, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Ensure efficient inventory control, accurate stocktaking, and effective replenishment processes to meet demand fluctuations.
• Maintain and enhance relationships with third-party logistics providers, negotiating service level agreements and ensuring compliance.
• Implement and enforce stringent health, safety, and security protocols within all distribution facilities.
• Monitor operational performance through key metrics and analytics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and procurement teams to align distribution strategies with overall business objectives.
• Manage the operational budget for the region, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to financial targets.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and customer service levels.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in distribution management, preferably within the FMCG industry.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale distribution networks and warehouse operations.
• Strong leadership and people management skills with a proven ability to build and inspire teams.
• Expertise in inventory management, demand forecasting, and transportation logistics.
• Excellent understanding of health and safety regulations in a distribution environment.
• Proficiency in warehouse management systems (WMS) and transportation management systems (TMS).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the vicinity of Tembisa, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Our client is offering a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, along with performance-based bonuses.
• Employees are entitled to comprehensive medical aid coverage, including family benefits, and a substantial retirement annuity fund.
• Our client strongly believes in investing in its people, providing excellent opportunities for professional development, leadership training, and career advancement.
• This role offers the chance to lead a significant operational hub in Gauteng .
• You will also benefit from a generous leave allowance and access to employee wellness programs.
• Join a dynamic and forward-thinking organization that values innovation and employee contribution, with a clear path for growth within the company.