We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to take on the role of General Manager - Distribution Centre. This position is responsible for leading one of the largest and most complex distribution operations within a national supply chain network. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and have a passion for operational excellence, continuous improvement, and leading high-performing teams.
Job Purpose
To lead and optimise the Distribution Centre by ensuring efficient, safe, and customer-focused distribution operations that support business performance, drive sustainable growth, and enable supply chain excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the Distribution Centre's financial performance, including budgeting, cost control, and Profit & Loss management.
Ensure exceptional customer service through on-time, in-full, and quality deliveries.
Optimise logistics operations by balancing inventory availability, cost efficiency, and operational performance.
Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement, innovation, and process optimisation.
Identify opportunities that improve profitability, productivity, and competitive advantage.
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with all Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality (SHEQ) standards and relevant legislation.
Develop and lead high-performing, engaged, and diverse teams.
Achieve inventory accuracy, shrinkage, and wastage targets through effective operational controls.
Lead business continuity, risk management, and compliance initiatives across the Distribution Centre.
Required Knowledge
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), implementation, optimisation, and integration.
Retail or high-volume distribution and logistics operations.
Inventory management, forecasting, replenishment, and stock control.
Transport and fleet management, including route optimisation and supplier management.
Financial management, budgeting, cost control, and P&L accountability.
Data analytics, KPI reporting, dashboards, and business intelligence.
Digital transformation, automation, and technology-driven process improvements.
Project management and leading cross-functional initiatives.
SHEQ legislation, COIDA, labour legislation, and regulatory compliance.
Risk management, asset protection, and business continuity planning.
Experience operating within a unionised environment.
Experience
5 - 8 years' experience in a senior leadership role within logistics, warehousing, or supply chain operations.
Proven experience managing large-scale, high-volume distribution centres.
3 - 5 years' hands-on operational logistics experience.
Demonstrated success leading large teams in a unionised environment.
Strong warehouse management experience.
Experience implementing or enhancing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
Experience within complex picking and distribution environments.
Proven success driving digital transformation, operational optimisation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 7 or higher) in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
Key Competencies
Leadership and People Management
Strategic Thinking
Commercial and Financial Acumen
Customer Focus
Operational Excellence
Analytical Thinking
Continuous Improvement
Influencing and Stakeholder Management
Decision Making
Results Driven