Group Logistics Manager

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
JOB DESCRIPTION The role is responsible for leading and integrating logistics and supply chain operations across the Group, ensuring standardisation, efficiency, and scalability across all manufacturing and distribution sites. Only candidates with clear and proven capability to fulfil the Group Logistics Manager role will be considered in this recruitment process. GROUP LOGISTICS MANAGER The Group Logistics Manager is responsible for developing, leading, and optimising all logistics and supply chain functions across the Group. This includes overseeing warehousing, inventory control, distribution, transport, and logistics systems, ensuring alignment with operational requirements, financial objectives, and governance standards. The primary objective of the role is to ensure the efficient, cost-effective, and reliable movement and storage of goods across all sites, while maintaining high service levels, product integrity, and compliance with SHEQ and regulatory requirements. This role focuses on driving standardisation, visibility, and continuous improvement across the logistics network. The incumbent will ensure that logistics operations are well-coordinated, data-driven, and aligned with production, sales, and customer demands. In exercising these responsibilities, the role will lead the development of logistics strategies, performance frameworks, and optimisation initiatives across the Group. The incumbent will also drive cross-functional collaboration and ensure that logistics capabilities support business growth and operational excellence.   The following key deliverables are the responsibility of the Group Logistics Manager role: Logistics Strategy and Execution: Develop and implement a Group-wide logistics strategy aligned to business objectives, ensuring efficient, cost-effective, and reliable end-to-end logistics operations across all sites. Drive standardisation of logistics processes, policies, and frameworks while identifying and executing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and operational performance. Transport and Distribution Management: Optimise transport networks, routing, fleet utilisation, and delivery schedules to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain high service levels. Manage and monitor logistics service providers and transport partners against defined KPIs, ensuring consistent and reliable distribution performance across the Group. Warehousing and Inventory Control: Ensure accurate inventory management, stock visibility, and efficient stock movement across all facilities. Oversee stock control processes, including cycle counts and stock takes, while managing slow-moving and obsolete inventory to minimise financial impact and improve working capital efficiency. Data, Reporting and Systems Enablement: Ensure effective utilisation, alignment, and continuous improvement of logistics systems (e.g., ERP, WMS, TMS) to support accurate, timely, and scalable reporting. Develop and maintain logistics performance dashboards and reporting frameworks, enabling data-driven decision-making and improved operational visibility across the Group. Operational Integration and Planning: Collaborate with production, procurement, and sales functions to align logistics planning with operational requirements and customer demand. Ensure efficient coordination between manufacturing and distribution, including accurate dispatch processes and effective resolution of logistics-related issues and returns. Governance, Compliance and SHEQ: Ensure compliance with all regulatory, legal, and internal logistics standards across the Group. Implement and maintain SHEQ policies and procedures within logistics operations, support audit processes, and drive a culture of safety, accountability, and operational discipline. Financial and Cost Management: Develop and manage logistics budgets and forecasts, ensuring strong cost control and financial discipline. Monitor logistics cost drivers, evaluate the financial impact of operational decisions, and implement initiatives that improve cost efficiency and overall financial performance. People Leadership and Capability Development: Lead, develop, and manage logistics teams across all sites, driving performance through clear KPIs, continuous feedback, and structured development initiatives. Build capability within teams while fostering a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.   COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS Proven ability to develop and execute logistics and supply chain strategies that optimise distribution networks, improve service levels, and reduce operational costs across multiple sites. Strong capability to manage end-to-end logistics operations, including transport, warehousing, and inventory control within a complex, multi-site environment. Solid expertise in logistics planning, transport optimisation, and warehouse operations, with a clear understanding of cost drivers and efficiency levers. Experience in developing and monitoring logistics KPIs and performance frameworks, including delivery performance, transport costs, inventory accuracy, and service levels. Demonstrated ability to implement and standardise logistics systems (e.g., ERP, WMS, TMS) and ensure data integrity, visibility, and reporting consistency across multiple locations. Strong analytical capability to interpret logistics and supply chain data, identify trends, and drive data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement. Proven ability to identify inefficiencies, assess root causes, and implement sustainable logistics and supply chain improvements. Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across operations, production, procurement, and executive leadership. Knowledge of supply chain and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) and their application within logistics and distribution environments. Sound understanding of regulatory, compliance, and safety requirements within logistics and transport operations. Proven leadership capability with the ability to build, develop, and manage high-performing teams across multiple sites. Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and staying updated with advancements in logistics, supply chain, and distribution practices.   SEARCH SCOPE The preferred candidate: Is an employment equity individual. Has a bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field. A postgraduate qualification will be an added advantage. Has 7–10 years’ experience in logistics and supply chain management, with at least 3–5 years in a senior or management role within a multi-site or group environment (preferably FMCG, manufacturing, or distribution). Has a strong track record in optimising logistics networks, improving service delivery, and reducing transport and distribution costs. Demonstrates proven experience in managing transport operations, warehousing, and inventory control within a complex operational environment. Has experience in implementing and managing logistics systems (ERP, WMS, TMS) and driving data visibility and reporting. Has strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, and performance management within logistics and supply chain functions. Demonstrates experience in managing third-party logistics providers and negotiating service level agreements and contracts. Has proven leadership and people management experience, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive performance across multiple sites. Demonstrates strong problem-solving, decision-making, and execution capability in a fast-paced operational environment. Has a solid understanding of compliance, SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality), and regulatory requirements within logistics and transport operations.