Distribution Supervisor

Distribution Supervisor (EE)

Location: Montague Gardens, Cape Town

Position Type: Permanent

Salary: Negotiable based on experience and qualifications plus Medical Aid Contribution & Pension Fund

EE Status: Employment Equity Position

Position Purpose: We are seeking an experienced Distribution Supervisor to lead daily distribution operations in Montague Gardens. In this role, you will oversee end-to-end distribution workflows to ensure local, export, branch, and agent deliveries are executed On-Time and In-Full (OTIF). You will drive cost efficiency, lead a team, manage fleet compliance, and optimize transport processes in alignment with business goals.

Key Performance Areas & Responsibilities

1. Operations & Delivery Execution (OTIF)

• OTIF Management: Ensure all local and export deliveries meet promised delivery dates and full order quantities. Promptly action back-orders as stock becomes available.

• Dispatch & Route Planning: Oversee daily route planning, fleet departure schedules, loading sheet accuracy, and dispatch load plans for branches, agents, and local routes.

• Customer Collections: Provide prompt service for customer collections, processing cash handovers to Finance daily, and escalating stock issues by COB.

2. Fleet, Logistics & Route Administration

• Route Optimization & Cost Efficiency: Optimize delivery routes to minimize transport costs and maintain a minimum 80% truck capacity utilization.

• Fleet Compliance: Oversee vehicle servicing intervals, roadworthiness, licensing, cleanliness, and fuel consumption tracking.

• POD & System Administration: Ensure clean, complete Proof of Deliveries (PODs) are processed and uploaded. Maintain route planning, courier, and fleet management systems.

• Third-Party Logistics (3PL): Manage equipment control (e.g., CHEP/Smartload), capture courier deliveries, and accurately record outsourced transporter loads.

3. Inventory & Stock Control

• Dispatch Accuracy: Ensure all outbound stock adheres to formal distribution processes and verify correct stock/quantities before dispatch.

• Discrepancy Management: Identify, resolve, and escalate incorrect picks with the Warehouse Supervisor immediately.

• Inventory Audits: Participate in stock counts, pre-stocktake activities, and related inventory audits.

4. Leadership & People Management

• Team Supervision: Build team capability, manage recruitment, initiate disciplinary procedures where necessary, and conduct biannual KPA performance assessments.

• Managerial Backup: Act as step-up coverage for the Distribution Manager, maintaining operational continuity and customer satisfaction during their absence.

5. Reporting & Financial Control

• Cost Control: Minimize overtime and labour costs within allocated budget constraints.

• Operational Reporting: Compile and submit daily, weekly, and monthly reports (e.g., Fuel Usage, Truck Utilization, Internal OTIF, Picker Errors, Late Orders, and SCT Discrepancies).

Requirements & Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Education: Grade 12 / Matric required. A Tertiary Qualification in Logistics, Supply Chain, or Operations Management is highly advantageous.

• Experience: 3–6 years’ experience in a supervisory role within a manufacturing, logistics, or distribution environment.

• Industry Advantage: Experience working within a global multinational corporate environment is preferred.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of warehouse dispatch, transport operations, and fleet compliance.

• Hands-on experience with Route Planning Software, courier platforms, and 3PL/Equipment tracking (CHEP/Smartload).

• Strong capability in compiling operational reports and conducting discrepancy root-cause analysis.

Behavioral Attributes

• Leadership & Assertiveness: Strong team management skills with a decisive, problem-solving mindset.

• Detail-Oriented & Analytical: Methodical approach to stock accuracy, route efficiency, and data control.

• Resilience: Ability to work under pressure, manage operational friction, and adapt to changing operational demands.

• Accountability: Highly independent with a strong sense of ownership and readiness to step in when required.