Operating Officer - Distribution

Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Posted on 01/12/2026

The Operating Officer – Distribution is responsible for overseeing and optimising the full distribution, supply chain,and operational backbone of the Group’s optometric and audiology network. Thisrole ensures seamless integration across supply chain, IT systems, product management, warehousing, logistics, and financial control, supporting the commercial success of all franchisees and retail operations.

• Develop and implement the Distribution Division’s strategic plan aligned to the Group’soperational and growth objectives.
• Lead and coordinate the activities of IT, Operations, Brand & Product, and Finance departments to achieve integrated and efficient business performance.
• Drive innovation in distribution models, supplier partnerships, and technology platforms to support future expansion into new markets.
• Represent the Distribution Division at Executive level, contributing to group-widestrategy, performance reviews, and governance.
• Oversee thefull product supply chain — from supplier negotiations and imports toin-country distribution and cross-border logistics.
• Ensurereliable and cost-effective product availability to all franchisees and retailoutlets, including neighbouring and emerging African markets.
• Optimisewarehousing, stock management, and order fulfilment processes, ensuring alignment with ISO and quality management standards.
• Drive continuous improvement and efficiency in operations, logistics, and customercall centre performance.
• Oversee new product and brand introductions, ensuring relevance, quality, and alignment with Group strategy.
• Support theHead of Brand & Product in managing and building supplier relationships,and clinical quality standards in both optometry and audiology.
• Drive product pricing strategies that balance competitiveness, margin integrity, andfranchisee sustainability.
• Partner with the Head of IT to ensure robust, secure, and efficient systems forinventory control, order processing, distribution tracking, and reporting.
• Championdata-driven decision-making, digital transformation, and system automation to enhance operational agility and transparency.

• Bachelor’sdegree in supply chain management, Operations, Business Administration, orrelated field.
• Minimum 8 –10 years’ experience in senior operational, logistics, or distributionmanagement roles, preferably within retail, FMCG, or healthcare sectors.
• Proven experience in leading multidisciplinary teams across supply chain, IT, and finance functions.
• Strong understanding of import/export regulations, supplier negotiations, andcross-border trade.
• Demonstratedability to drive transformation, cost optimisation, and system integration atscale.