Head of Distribution – Cape Town

Role Purpose

The Head of Distribution – Cape Town is accountable for the safe, efficient and cost-effective operation of the Cape Town Distribution Centre, ensuring exceptional service delivery while maintaining high standards of warehousing, inventory management, transport operations and operational compliance.

The role is responsible for leading all warehousing and distribution activities within the region, ensuring inventory integrity, fleet efficiency, productivity and service excellence. Working closely with Central Procurement, Sales, Finance and Customer Service, the incumbent is expected to drive operational excellence, optimise costs and continuously improve distribution performance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Distribution Centre Leadership

Lead the overall performance of the Cape Town Distribution Centre.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead and develop the warehouse and distribution teams.
  
• Build a high-performance, accountable culture.
  
• Translate operational strategy into effective execution plans.
  
• Drive continuous improvement across all distribution activities.
  
• Ensure alignment with company values, governance and compliance requirements.
  
• Promote collaboration with central support functions.
  

2. Warehouse Operations

Take full ownership of warehouse operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Receiving and put-away operations.
  
• Picking and dispatch performance.
  
• Warehouse productivity.
  
• Stock handling and storage practices.
  
• Warehouse layout and space utilisation.
  
• Equipment utilisation and maintenance.
  
• Housekeeping and operational standards.
  
• Warehouse safety and compliance.
  

3. Transport & Distribution

Lead all transport and delivery operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Delivery scheduling and execution.
  
• Fleet utilisation and optimisation.
  
• Route planning and optimisation.
  
• Driver supervision and performance.
  
• Vehicle maintenance and roadworthiness.
  
• Third-party transport management where applicable.
  
• Delivery performance and customer service.
  
• Compliance with transport legislation and company policies.
  

4. Inventory Management

Ensure effective inventory control and stock integrity.

Responsibilities include:

• Inventory accuracy.
  
• Cycle counting and stock verification.
  
• Investigation and resolution of stock variances.
  
• Management of damaged, obsolete and slow-moving inventory.
  
• Returns processing.
  
• Stock rotation and storage compliance.
  
• Implementation of inventory control procedures.
  
• Support efficient replenishment and stock availability.
  

5. Operational Excellence

Drive continuous improvement across warehouse and distribution operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Improve warehouse and transport productivity.
  
• Identify and implement process improvements.
  
• Optimise labour and equipment utilisation.
  
• Improve operational efficiency.
  
• Reduce waste and operational losses.
  
• Standardise operational procedures.
  
• Support automation and technology initiatives where appropriate.
  

6. Customer Service

Support exceptional customer service through operational excellence.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensure accurate and timely order fulfilment.
  
• Deliver high standards of service to internal and external customers.
  
• Resolve operational service issues promptly.
  
• Work closely with Sales and Customer Service teams to improve service delivery.
  
• Support the successful execution of customer and supplier initiatives.
  

7. Health, Safety & Compliance

Maintain a safe, secure and compliant operating environment.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation.
  
• Promote a strong safety culture.
  
• Conduct regular safety inspections and risk assessments.
  
• Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions.
  
• Maintain warehouse security standards.
  
• Ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
  

8. People Leadership

Develop and lead a high-performing operations team.

Responsibilities include:

• Recruit, develop and retain talented employees.
  
• Coach and mentor supervisors and team leaders.
  
• Conduct regular performance reviews.
  
• Identify training and development needs.
  
• Build succession plans for key operational roles.
  
• Foster teamwork, accountability and employee engagement.
  
• Partner with Human Resources on employee relations matters.
  

9. Operational Cost Management

Manage the operational cost base of the Cape Town Distribution Centre.

Responsibilities include:

• Manage warehouse labour costs and overtime.
  
• Optimise fleet utilisation and transport costs.
  
• Control operational expenditure within approved budgets.
  
• Monitor maintenance and equipment costs.
  
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives.
  
• Improve operational efficiency through effective resource utilisation.
  

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management or a related field.
  
• Relevant professional qualifications in warehousing, logistics or transport management would be advantageous.
  

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years' management experience within FMCG, beverage distribution, wholesale, logistics or warehousing.
  
• Proven experience managing a distribution centre.
  
• Strong warehouse and transport management experience.
  
• Experience leading large operational teams.
  
• Experience managing inventory within a high-volume distribution environment.
  
• Strong understanding of warehouse management systems (WMS) and ERP systems.
  
• Experience within liquor distribution or FMCG distribution would be highly advantageous.