Logistics Manager (Food / FMCG / Retail / Wholesale - COLD CHAIN)

SUMMARY:
Responsible for leading and optimising all logistics operations to ensure products are received, stored and distributed safely, accurately, cost-effectively and in line with health and safety requirements. . The role oversees warehouse operations, transport execution, inventory accuracy, labour productivity and customer service while driving continuous improvement, operational excellence and compliance across the logistics network. The Logistics Manager plays a critical role in achieving service level targets, controlling operating costs and ensuring the logistics operation supports the overall business strategy and customer experience.
The role requires a commercially minded logistics leader who can balance service delivery, cost management and operational efficiency while continuously improving distribution centre performance and work collaboratively with other stakeholders to drive company performance and profitability through efficiency.

POSITION INFO:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Strategic Planning: o Aligning to the centrally developed logistics strategy, develop and implement regional distribution centre strategy to optimize the supply chain. o Collaborate with senior management to align logistics activities with overall business objectives. o Forecasting of fleet, warehouse capacity and space and labour for seasoning peak and new stores opening. o Strategy route planning, fuel efficiencies, centralised vs decentralised distribution. Warehouse Operations Management: o Ensure efficient receiving, storage, picking, replenishment and dispatch activities. o Optimise warehouse layouts and operational flow. o Ensure customer orders are fulfilled accurately and on time. o Develop operational plans to support business growth. o Drive best practice inventory management through cycle counting, location control and strong stock reconciliation processes to ensure high levels of inventory accuracy and minimal shrink. o Drive continuous improvement across logistics operations. o Manage and maintain of a Warehouse Management System (WMS) within the Distribution Centre. o Use system data and reporting to drive improvements in inventory accuracy, productivity and service levels. Distribution: o Ensure reliable and efficient distribution of products to company's retail stores and wholesale customers. o Executive the delivery schedules and routes to improve on-time delivery performance and transport efficiency. o Ensure high levels of order accuracy and fulfilment reliability. o Take ownership of service levels and ensure that stores and customers receive the right products, in the right quantities, at the right time (OTIF). o Monitor transport costs and delivery performance. o Manage third-party logistics providers where applicable. o Investigate delivery failures and implement corrective actions. Customer Service: o Partner with Sales, Retail and Procurement. o Resolve customer delivery issues. o Improve service levels. o Support business continuity. o Ensure customer expectations are consistently met. Quality Assurance and Safe Work Practices: o Implement and enforce quality control measures and food safety measures to maintain the integrity of products, vehicles and equipment throughout the supply chain. o Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address and resolve quality issues promptly. o Create and maintain a healthy and safe work environment. o Maintain the integrity of the cold chain consistency. o Maintain a clean, healthy and hygienic workplace. o Ensure compliance with OHSA requirements. o Maintain food safety ISO22000 standards. o Ensure PPE compliance. o Lead warehouse safety initiatives. o Conduct audits and assessments to comply with health and safety regulations. o Manage incident investigations. o Ensure audit readiness. o Reporting of IODs and LTIs timeously to the relevant stakeholders and \/ or authorities. Cost Management and Operational Efficiency: o Manage logistics operating budgets. o Control warehouse labour costs and productivity. o Monitor transport expenditure. o Drive productivity improvements. o Identify cost-saving opportunities. o Ensure efficient utilisation of equipment and resources. Team \/ People Leadership: o Lead, develop and coach the logistics team, providing guidance, training, and support as needed. o Empower teams by delegating tasks and responsibilities to improve knowledge and accountability. o Conduct performance management. o Drive employee engagement and culture initiatives in collaboration with the People Operations Partner. o Work closely with the People Operations team to build and maintain a future fit succession plan. o Build a high-performance logistics culture. o Oversee training initiatives and onboarding practices for continuous improvement. o Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within the logistics team. Change Management: o Swiftly and effectively implement Logistics changes and innovations in a fast changing and rapid-paced environment. o Ensure all internal and external stakeholders (including staff) are informed, aligned and accountable through effective communication. Stock Management: o Ensure inventory accuracy across all warehouses. o Oversee cycle counts and stock takes. o Reduce stock losses and damages. o Effectively manage FEFO (First Expired, First Out). o Improve inventory control processes. o Work closely with Finance and Merchandising on stock reconciliations. KEY SUCCESS METRICS (KPA'S): Customer Service Inventory Control Cost Management Operational Excellence Transformation and Systems People Leadership QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or a related field. 10 - 12 years' experience in logistics, warehouse or distribution centre management. 5+ years in a senior warehouse leadership role Experience in FMCG, retail or temperature-controlled distribution environments will be advantageous. Experience working with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or participating in system implementation projects Legal Liability certification (desirable) TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: Strong knowledge of warehouse operations, inventory management and distribution processes. Industrial Relations (Chair Hearing and represent the company in the CCMA) Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) Fleet management, route planning and optimisation vehicle maintenance Knowledge of working in a Cold Room environment High level of experience with MS Office (Excel, Word, MS power point and Office 365) Analytical mindset with a focus on continuous improvement. ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED