Job Advert – Head of Distribution Centre Operations

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Remuneration: R80?000 – R100?000 per month (cost to company, negotiable)

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Head of Distribution Centre Operations to take full operational, financial, and strategic responsibility for a high-volume distribution centre in Johannesburg.

This is a senior leadership role combining operational excellence, P&L accountability, team leadership, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will lead a large, multi-shift workforce, optimise warehouse systems, drive process innovation, and partner with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver world-class DC performance.

The role is ideal for a senior distribution or logistics professional with a strong track record in retail DCs, FMCG, manufacturing, or large-scale logistics environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end DC operations including inbound, storage, inventory management, picking, packing, dispatch, and returns.

• Own the DC budget, cost control, and financial performance, with full P&L accountability.

• Set and deliver operational performance targets (service levels, order accuracy, turnaround times).

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma and related methodologies.

• Lead, engage, and develop a multi-disciplinary workforce, partnering with HR on performance, training, succession planning, and labour relations.

• Optimise warehouse and logistics systems including Corba WMS, Dovetail, and Manhattan to improve visibility, accuracy, and efficiency.

• Ensure compliance with safety, labour, and regulatory requirements.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Supply Chain, Retail Operations, Finance, Procurement, HR) and external partners to align DC operations with business objectives.

Minimum Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management or related field.

• 10–15+ years’ experience in distribution, warehousing, or logistics environments.

• Minimum 5 years in a senior DC leadership role with full operational and P&L accountability.

• Strong experience in high-volume retail distribution environments (preferred); FMCG, manufacturing, or large logistics environments also considered.

• Demonstrated experience managing large, multi-shift teams.

• Advanced working knowledge of warehouse management systems: Corba, Dovetail, Manhattan.

• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, and reporting.

• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Beneficial Certifications / Experience

• Lean methodologies

• Kaizen practitioner/facilitator

• Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt)

• Continuous Improvement / Operational Excellence programmes

• Project management experience

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinking with operational execution capability

• Commercial acumen and financial decision-making

• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills

• Change management and transformation leadership

• Data-driven, analytical, and results-oriented

• Ability to lead in fast-paced, complex, evolving environments

Why This Role

This position offers a strategic leadership platform where you will influence transformation and operational performance at a high level. You will be empowered to implement modern technologies, drive sustainable improvements, and lead a large, high-performing team in a dynamic, high-volume DC environment.