Head of Distribution - CPT

Paarden Island, South Africa | Posted on 31/07/2026 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 Lead the overall performance of the Cape Town Distribution Centre. Responsibilities include: • Leadand develop the warehouse and distribution teams. • Translateoperational strategy into effective execution plans. • Drivecontinuous improvement across all distribution activities. • Ensurealignment with company values, governance and compliance requirements. • Promotecollaboration with central support functions. 2. Warehouse Operations Take full ownership of warehouse operations. Responsibilities include: • Receivingand put-away operations. • Pickingand dispatch performance. • Warehouseproductivity. • Stockhandling and storage practices. • Warehouselayout and space utilisation. • Equipmentutilisation and maintenance. • Housekeepingand operational standards. • Warehousesafety and compliance. 3. Transport & Distribution Lead all transport and delivery operations. Responsibilities include: • Deliveryscheduling and execution. • Fleetutilisation and optimisation. • Routeplanning and optimisation. • Driversupervision and performance. • Vehiclemaintenance and roadworthiness. • Third-partytransport management where applicable. • Deliveryperformance and customer service. • Compliancewith transport legislation and company policies. 4. Inventory Management Ensure effective inventory control and stock integrity. Responsibilities include: • Cyclecounting and stock verification. • Investigationand resolution of stock variances. • Managementof damaged, obsolete and slow-moving inventory. • Returnsprocessing. • Stockrotation and storage compliance. • Implementationof inventory control procedures. • Supportefficient replenishment and stock availability. 5. Operational Excellence Drive continuous improvement across warehouse and distribution operations. Responsibilities include: • Improvewarehouse and transport productivity. • Identifyand implement process improvements. • Optimiselabour and equipment utilisation. • Improveoperational efficiency. • Reducewaste and operational losses. • Standardiseoperational procedures. • Supportautomation and technology initiatives where appropriate. 6. Customer Service Support exceptional customer service through operationalexcellence. Responsibilities include: • Ensureaccurate and timely order fulfilment. • Deliverhigh standards of service to internal and external customers. • Resolveoperational service issues promptly. • Workclosely with Sales and Customer Service teams to improve service delivery. • Supportthe successful execution of customer and supplier initiatives. 7. Health, Safety & Compliance Maintain a safe, secure and compliant operating environment. Responsibilities include: • Ensurecompliance with health and safety legislation. • Promotea strong safety culture. • Conductregular safety inspections and risk assessments. • Investigateincidents and implement corrective actions. • Maintainwarehouse security standards. • Ensurecompliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. Develop and lead a high-performing operations team. Responsibilities include: • Recruit,develop and retain talented employees. • Coachand mentor supervisors and team leaders. • Conductregular performance reviews. • Identifytraining and development needs. • Buildsuccession plans for key operational roles. • Fosterteamwork, accountability and employee engagement. • Partnerwith Human Resources on employee relations matters. 9. Operational Cost Management Manage the operational cost base of the Cape Town Distribution Centre. Responsibilities include: • Managewarehouse labour costs and overtime. • Optimisefleet utilisation and transport costs. • Controloperational expenditure within approved budgets. • Monitormaintenance and equipment costs. • Identifyand implement cost-saving initiatives. • Improveoperational efficiency through effective resource utilisation. Support annual operational budgeting andforecasting processes. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr