Area Logistics Manager at Lactalis South Africa

Job Description    

• The Area Logistics Manager is responsible for maintaining sound operational output throughout the region to support the company’s expectation of the logistical function. The performance must be achieved through operational excellence, people leadership and a continuous improvement driven mind-set with a balanced approach between efficiency results and customer service delivery. In addition the achievement of the company’s expectations must be delivered through professional and morally sound work ethics as embedded through all departments across the region.

Required Skills    

• B Degree majoring in Logistics and/or Supply Chain Management.
• Computer literacy with working knowledge of integrated warehouse and transportation optimisation management systems, and working knowledge of MSOffice (Excel, PowerPoint).
• Working knowledge of an ERP System.
• Minimum of 10 years’ post qualification experience in logistics (distribution) of which at least 5 years should be on a management level.
• Experience within the FMCG environment.
• Internal and external service orientated individual.
• Willingness to embrace and drive positive change in the region/organisation.
• Willingness to work long hours producing exceptional results while working under pressure.
• Good decision making skills with strong leadership skills.
• Customer oriented assertiveness and problem solving skills.
• Assertive, disciplined individual with strong communication (written and verbal) skills who can communicate within the matrix of different levels of all stakeholders.
• Ability to work independent as well as part of a team.

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Plan, organise and manage the responsibilities of the Area Logistics Leadership Team within a complex region whilst remaining within the organisational requirements
• Demonstrate excellent people leadership by creating a culture in which employees want to perform and enjoy.
• Create a regional budget and monitor spending to ensure that expenses are consistent with approved budgets.
• Recommend optimal usage of transportation vehicles, routing and equipment to ensure an efficient transportation department.
• Ensure increased focus on secondary distribution and utilize supporting systems to ensure heightened efficiency in both time and resource utilization while ensuring compliance
• Direct logistics operations to ensure achievement of cost, productivity, accuracy and efficiency objectives.
• Analyse the financial impact of proposed transportation changes such as routing, shipping product volumes or suppliers
• Continuously analyse financial information, operating KPIs and any other relevant information in order to develop a culture of continuous improvement and saving.
• Plan and implement warehouse and transportation flow management systems to continuously set new, yet realistic, efficiency improvement targets.
• Direct and coordinate, through cross-functional intervention, activities within the primary and secondary logistics environment in order to obtain optimal use of equipment, facilities and human resources.
• Train, coach and support regional site managers and employees in their roles and responsibilities in respect of regional logistic strategies and efficiencies.
• At operational level, ensure the maintenance of metrics, reports and efficiencies in support of the broader national logistics function.
• Execute regional requirements in relation to internal administrative, customised transportation and warehouse reporting and measurement.
• Ensure regional compliance with company policies and procedures for product transit and delivery.
• Direct regional logistics operation to ensure achievement of cost, productivity, accuracy and efficiency objectives balanced with the aim to achieve maximum customer service delivery.
• Collaborate with other departments to integrate logistics with business systems or processes, such as customer sales, order management, accounting and shipping.