Logistics Manager
JOB PURPOSE
The primary purpose of this role involves the operational and strategic leadership of the logistics team and the comprehensive oversight of daily operations. This role is focused on driving operational excellence through the continuous refinement of workflows, ensuring maximum productivity and the consistent achievement of the expected organizational performance
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
o NQF 7 qualification in Supply Chain, Logistics or relevant field
o Management Development Programme certification will be considered as advantageous
o Relevant computer software (Advance Microsoft Word, Excel)
o Sound understanding of fleet management systems
o 7 years’ experience within the relevant field of which 4 years’ experience must be at Management level
o Working knowledge of vehicle tracking systems
o Working knowledge of fuel management
o Demonstrated experience in audit compliance
o Demonstrated experience in managing organised labour or unionised labour
MINIMUM SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
o Strong communication and interpersonal skills
o Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, operational updates, and performance presentations
o Highly organised with proven ability to manage multiple logistics or warehousing operations or shifts in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
o Demonstrate leadership capability, with experience in supervising, coaching, and motivating operational teams to achieve performance targets
o Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across cross-functional teams and external stakeholders (e.g. unions, suppliers, third party transport partners
o Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to identify operational inefficiencies, implement solutions, and make sound decisions under pressure
o Sound knowledge of employee relations practices, including handling disciplinary matters and conflict resolution in line with company policy
o Working knowledge of relevant legislation e.g. Road Traffic regulations and Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) standards, Bargaining Council rules and main agreements
o Valid driver’s license with reliable transport, ensuring flexibility to manage operations and site requirements
o Ability to perform under pressure, prioritise workloads, and effectively manage multiple tasks within tight timelines
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
o Designing routine standard processes, planning their implementation schedule and observing its strict execution
o Conducting regular inspection programs which includes maintaining of programs
o Ensure that leave control process is being followed
o Ensuring a safe, healthy and secure working environment and compliance thereof
o In liaison with internal stakeholders, strategically plan, manage and evaluate logistics, warehouse and transportation
o Liaise and negotiate with suppliers and consumers regarding any logistical requirements, needs and compliances
o Managing the daily track of quality, quantity, delivery times, transport costs and efficiency
o Deliver solutions to logistical and inventory problems while maintaining high levels of quality and service within budgetary requirements
o Supervise, coach and train Supervisors /Managers reporting to you
o Develop new strategies to streamline processes and reduce cost
o Apply SLA requirements and conditions in managing the service provider
o Monitor service provider performance on daily basis
o Conduct weekly/monthly service meetings. Escalate non-compliance to SLA and enforcing of penalties.
o Maintain operational performance and contractual compliance to consistently achieve agreed SLA & KPI’s
o Maintain frequent and excellent communication and effective expectation management with customers
o Maintain Internal and External Reporting of accurate and high-quality content and format
o Identify, drive and implement improvements in support of productivity & cost savings
o Effectively manage Quality Management Systems in accordance with company policies, procedures and specific audit requirements;
o Ensure processes and documentation is in constant audit readiness so that we always pass audits with no major findings
o Ensure effective succession planning is in place down to and including team leader level
o Ensure regular documented two-way communication sessions with management and supervision of all areas (at least weekly)
o Perform metrics reporting and data analysis tasks to identify issues and opportunities for process improvements
o Comply with laws, regulations and any relevant Audit requirements
o Interpret trends and analyse and review data.
o Provide meaningful logistics data to others in the organisation to aid customer service and cost improvements
o Ensure that all functions under supervision operate in accordance with health and safety policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and visitors.
o Conduct regular engagements with other site logistics managers
o Drive monthly cost reviews, tracking and trend measurement at line-item level to ensure costs are challenged and every effort is made to avoid or reduce them from month to month
o Coordinating and scheduling deliveries and pickups to ensure timely and efficient dispatch of goods.
o Communicating with drivers regarding delivery instructions and changes to ensure smooth operations.
o Resolving issues or delays that may arise during dispatch operations.
o Maintaining accurate records of dispatch activities to support decision-making and performance analysis.
o Training and mentoring dispatch staff to enhance team performance and operational efficiency.
o Preparing reports on dispatch operations for management review to identify areas for improvement and optimize service delivery. These roles are crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and ensuring the smooth operation of logistics and transportation services
o Utilize dispatch software, tracking, and other logistics tools to monitor operations in real-time to optimize and support decision-making
o Monitor stock levels, forecast demand, and manage storage to prevent shortages or overstocking. This includes implementing inventory control techniques such as ABC analysis, cycle counting, and just-in-time (JIT) systems
o Manage storage systems, and order fulfilment processes to optimize space utilization, improve picking and packing efficiency, and maintain safety standards
o Troubleshoot disruptions in the supply chain, such as delays, breakdowns, or regulatory changes, and implement solutions to prevent recurrence
o Maintenance, tracking, and operation of vehicles.
Duties and responsibilities are, however, not limited to this, all reasonable and lawful requests within your scope of work/abilities given by management are to be followed whether this is inside or outside the factories.