NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Supply Chain

Job Purpose

The National Distribution Manager is responsible for developing and leading the Company's national distribution strategy to ensure the safe, efficient and cost-effective movement of raw materials and finished goods across the supply chain. The role is accountable for the end-to-end management of inbound, outbound, inter-distribution centre and cross-border transport operations, ensuring products are delivered on time, in full and in compliance with all legislative and customer requirements.

The incumbent is responsible for optimising transport performance through effective carrier management, strategic distribution sourcing, Transport Management System (TMS) governance, company fleet utilisation and continuous cost improvement initiatives. Working closely with Planning, Procurement, Manufacturing, Distribution, Finance and Commercial teams, the National Distribution Manager ensures transport capacity, service delivery and distribution costs are effectively managed to support business growth, customer service excellence and operational efficiency.

The role also drives continuous improvement across distribution operations by leveraging technology, data analytics and industry best practices to enhance transport visibility, strengthen governance, improve operational performance and deliver sustainable value across the national supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

National Distribution Planning & Execution

• Develop and execute the national distribution strategy to support efficient inbound, outbound, inter-distribution centre and export distribution operations.
• Manage the planning and execution of distribution movements to ensure product availability and customer service excellence.
• Optimise transport capacity, route planning and vehicle utilisation across the national network.
• Coordinate distribution requirements with Planning, Procurement, Manufacturing and Distribution teams.
• Ensure transport resources are aligned to changing operational priorities and seasonal demand.
• Monitor distribution execution and implement corrective actions to minimise service disruptions.
• Drive continuous improvements in distribution efficiency, service performance and operational productivity.

Distribution Operations & Carrier Management

• Manage the performance of contracted transport providers to ensure compliance with agreed service levels and contractual obligations.
• Develop strategic partnerships with distribution carriers that support operational reliability and cost competitiveness.
• Monitor carrier performance through agreed KPIs and implement improvement plans where required.
• Manage transport capacity to support business requirements during peak trading periods.
• Oversee approved spot distribution procurement in accordance with governance and procurement requirements.
• Manage distribution claims, transport incidents and service failures to minimise operational impact.
• Promote consistent service delivery and operational excellence across the national carrier network.

Distribution Commercial & Contract Management

• Lead distribution sourcing, tender and contract management activities in partnership with Procurement and Finance.
• Negotiate commercial agreements that optimise transport cost while maintaining required service standards.
• Review transport contracts to ensure commercial competitiveness and operational effectiveness.
• Manage transport rate structures, fuel levy mechanisms and commercial performance measures.
• Ensure service level agreements remain aligned to business requirements and customer expectations.
• Evaluate supplier performance and implement initiatives to improve commercial outcomes.
• Support strategic sourcing initiatives that strengthen long-term transport capability.

Company Fleet & Asset Utilisation

• Optimise the deployment and utilisation of company-owned fleet assets across the national distribution network.
• Maximise fleet productivity while reducing reliance on external transport providers where commercially viable.
• Monitor fleet utilisation, capacity and operational performance.
• Coordinate company fleet deployment with distribution planning requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve asset utilisation and operational efficiency.
• Support fleet replacement planning and capital investment decisions.
• Ensure company fleet operations contribute to overall transport cost optimisation.

Export & Cross-Border Distribution Management

• Manage cross-border distribution operations in accordance with applicable customs and legislative requirements.
• Ensure export documentation is complete, accurate and compliant with regulatory requirements.
• Manage relationships with customs brokers, distribution agents and cross-border transport providers.
• Monitor export service performance and implement improvements where required.
• Ensure transport providers maintain all required operating licences and permits.
• Support efficient product movement across regional export markets.
• Minimise border delays through effective planning and stakeholder coordination.

Transport Management System (TMS) Governance

• Manage the Transport Management System to support efficient distribution planning, execution and reporting.
• Ensure all transport movements are planned, allocated and monitored through the TMS.
• Maintain transport master data to support reporting accuracy and operational integrity.
• Manage relationships with TMS service providers and monitor delivery against agreed service levels.
• Support ongoing system enhancements that improve transport planning and operational visibility.
• Drive user adoption and standardisation of TMS processes across the business.
• Ensure integration between transport systems and ERP platforms supports effective business operations.

Distribution Financial & Cost Management

• Develop and manage the national distribution operating budget in line with business objectives.
• Monitor transport expenditure and investigate significant cost variances.
• Analyse distribution costs and identify opportunities for operational and commercial optimisation.
• Manage distribution invoice validation to ensure compliance with approved rates and contractual agreements.
• Deliver sustainable transport cost savings while maintaining required service levels.
• Support accurate month-end reporting, forecasting and distribution cost accruals.
• Provide meaningful transport cost analysis to support strategic decision-making.

Compliance, Risk & Governance

• Ensure transport operations comply with all applicable legislative, regulatory and company requirements.
• Maintain effective transport governance processes that minimise operational and commercial risk.
• Monitor compliance with transport safety standards, documentation and load securing requirements.
• Manage transport-related claims, investigations and corrective actions.
• Support internal and external audit requirements through effective transport governance.
• Ensure transport documentation is maintained in accordance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Promote a culture of safety, compliance and operational excellence across distribution operations.

Performance Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Develop transport performance reporting that provides meaningful operational and financial insights.
• Monitor national transport KPIs and identify opportunities to improve service and cost performance.
• Analyse transport trends and provide recommendations that improve operational effectiveness.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across distribution planning, carrier management and transport operations.
• Benchmark transport performance against industry best practice and business objectives.
• Support strategic supply chain initiatives through transport analytics and operational insights.
• Promote innovation and best practice across national distribution operations.

People Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead, coach and develop the Distribution team to achieve high levels of performance and engagement.
• Build collaborative relationships with Planning, Procurement, Manufacturing, Distribution, Finance and Commercial teams.
• Provide technical leadership on distribution, transport and logistics best practices.
• Establish clear objectives, accountabilities and performance expectations for the team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Develop capability and succession within the Distribution function.
• Build effective partnerships with external carriers, service providers and strategic stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transport Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering or a related discipline.
• Advanced knowledge of transport operations, distribution management and logistics principles.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and transport reporting tools.
• Working knowledge of Transport Management Systems (TMS) and ERP platforms.

Ideal Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in Supply Chain Management, Logistics or Business Management.
• CILTSA or equivalent professional membership.
• Project Management qualification.
• Lean Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement certification.
• Professional qualification in Transport or Logistics Management.

Minimum Experience

• Minimum 10–12 years' experience in distribution, transport or logistics management within an FMCG, manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Minimum 5 years' experience leading national distribution or transport operations.
• Experience managing contracted transport providers and carrier performance.
• Experience leading distribution sourcing, tender and contract negotiations.
• Experience managing transport budgets and distribution cost optimisation initiatives.
• Experience managing Transport Management Systems (TMS).
• Experience managing cross-border distribution and export logistics.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary transport teams.

Ideal Experience

• Beverage industry experience.
• Experience within a multi-site manufacturing and distribution environment.
• Experience managing company-owned fleet operations.
• Experience supporting Supply Chain transformation initiatives.
• Experience with SAP, Transnova or equivalent Transport Management Systems.
• Knowledge of South African road distribution legislation and regional export markets.
• Experience implementing transport optimisation and continuous improvement programmes.

Core Competencies

• Distribution Strategy
• Distribution Planning
• Carrier Management
• Contract Negotiation
• Commercial Management
• Transport Management Systems
• Fleet Utilisation
• Export Logistics
• Cross-Border Transport
• Budget Management
• Cost Optimisation
• Performance Reporting
• Risk Management
• Compliance
• Supplier Management
• Data Analysis
• Continuous Improvement
• Project Management
• Stakeholder Management
• People Leadership

Behavioural Competencies

Strategic Thinking: Develops long-term distribution strategies that improve transport efficiency, optimise costs and support business growth.

Commercial Acumen: Makes sound commercial decisions that balance service delivery, operational performance and cost optimisation.

Customer Focus: Ensures distribution operations consistently support internal and external customer service expectations through reliable transport solutions.

Planning and Organising: Coordinates complex transport activities and resources to deliver efficient national distribution operations.

Analytical Thinking: Uses operational and financial data to identify trends, solve problems and improve transport performance.

Decision Quality: Makes timely, well-informed decisions that minimise operational risk and optimise business outcomes.

Problem Solving: Anticipates transport challenges and implements practical, sustainable solutions to minimise operational disruption.

Collaboration: Builds strong relationships across Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, Finance and external service providers to achieve shared business objectives.

Accountability: Takes ownership of distribution performance, compliance, financial results and operational delivery.

Results Orientation: Delivers measurable improvements in service levels, transport efficiency, cost optimisation and operational performance.

Developing People: Builds capability through coaching, performance management and continuous development while fostering a high-performance culture.