Distribution Center Manager - Empangeni DC Snacks at PepsiCo

What we’re looking for:

We are looking for a Distribution Center (DC) Manager to join our dynamic team. The role is physically located in Empangeni, KZN reporting to the Regional Logistics Manager. The successful candidate will be responsible for the day to day management of the warehousing and distribution operations including but not limited to receiving, inventory management, despatching, housekeeping and safety in order to provide an efficient delivery of orders on time and in full to customers daily achieving and improving on a 98% service level to customers for medium sized distribution centres according to PepsiCo guidelines.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for the following:

• Manage the end to end distribution center operations including but not limited to the following key process activities: (Receiving inventory, putaway, storage, picking, packing and loading, delivery to customers, settlement process post-delivery and managing customer invoicing, credit note and claims processing)
• Ensure daily operations scorecards are accurately updated and distributed on time
• Ensure productivity targets are met through efficiency projects and self-identified initiatives.
• Manage the replenishment, receipt, storage and despatch of stock so as to ensure that all stock items can be accounted for at all times and to guarantee the timeous delivery of stock to customers.
• Manage stock control system to deliver inventory control targets.
• Manage the Inventory process tracking, physical count, reporting of inventory variance and stock updating
• Check that all stock movements are correctly controlled and recorded. Review records for accuracy of information and compliance with established procedures. Ensure all Key Control protocols are adhered to.
• Management of aging stock ensuring product availability and freshness to the sales organisation by implementing effective stock rotation (FIFO).
• Ensure that stock levels are maintained within authorised parameters. Coordinate weekly stock counts to ensure 0% stock loss. Report shortages and stock loss with clear mitigation actions to ensure no recurrence
• Identify improvements to working procedures and the working environment in order to enhance efficiency and implement best practice Stock Control procedures.
• Manage the coordination of the picking and loading teams and create measurements for control and reporting thereof
• Ensure freight optimization through effective load planning
• Oversee the scheduling of Key Account deliveries in a timeous and cost effective manner to ensure 100% Customer satisfaction.
• Supervise and administer the full settlement process from dispatch to return of trucks.
• Manage the completion of all related administration (Credit notes, POD’s etc.) accurately and timeously and submit weekly and monthly reporting on distribution center performance. No outstanding PODs or Credit notes.
• Co-ordinate the maintenance, repairs, routine checks and other activities relating to Simba vehicles and equipment in accordance with Transport Department policies.
• Ensure that the optimization of the four KPI’s of cost, service, quality and people are maintained.
• Identify deviations from standards and take corrective action to rectify and to prevent reoccurrence.
• Ensure compliance to company policies and procedures, in particular administration and warehousing
• Manage third party contractors on site aligned to our EHS principles and follow all procurement guidelines (no PO no Pay)
• Responsible for effective site management and security services – liaising with security team to conduct checks, searches and breathalyser functions. Controlling of access to site – contractor management. Flow of vehicles within the premises. Manage the site Security provider (Fidelity) according to the scope of work agreed
• Ensure standard operating procedures are in place, reviewed regularly and strictly adhered to on a consistent basis.
• Ensure all Key Control protocols and sampling requirements are adhered to and submitted on the GCS portal timeously.
• Ensure no outstanding PODs for the site

Cost:

• Manage cost within the AOP.
• Ensure accurate forecasts submitted for P4F and P9F
• Ensure cost per case targets are met
• Manage Pallet costs within targets set
• Ensure no outstanding pallets to be written off
• Manage overtime by proper planning.
• Manage absenteeism < 2%.
• Ensure limited use of contract labour (only where justified and approved by HR)
• Manage all Warehouse assets.
• Ensure no outstanding PODs (Proof of Delivery) or Credit Notes (CNs)

Service:

• Ensure 95% Service Level (Fill rate)
• Ensure 95% On time Delivery
• Ensure accurate and timely communication of delays to pro-actively manage customers
• Report on % departures by 7AM daily
• Track Cut cases % (cases cut from order versus original order processed) with loss tree analysis monthly

Quality:

• Manage stock rotation to ensure no write offs for expired/rotation stock
• .Maintain IRA (Inventory Record Accuracy) of 95%
• Daily inventory health checks to be reported
• Ensure housekeeping and hygiene practices inside/outside
• Ensure 100% adherence to Health and Safety policies. Ensure site requirements are checked frequently and addressed
• Ensure on time submission of Key Control quarterly feedback and sample results.
• Manage and track all non-conforming quality issues for escalation and resolution

People:

• Implement Monthly Site town hall
• Daily Driver meetings (15min)
• Managing staff performance and take corrective action.
• Identify training needs for warehouse staff.
• Ensure sound management policies and practices are in place and adhered to.
• Manage contract labour (where justified) and ensure source documentation is validated on hours worked/overtime etc.
• Plan and set shifts for Warehouse employees.
• Ensure disciplinary action is taken where recurring deviations to standards are found
• Maturity - Operational Excellence Program (OEP) – drive roll out and remediation plans to ensure progress in the maturity index and site adherence. All aspects of the OEP program to be accounted for

Qualifications

What will qualify you for the role

• Bachelor’s Degree in supply chain /Logistics or related
• 5 years’ experience in FMCG logistics and supply chain field with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in managing a small to medium size distribution facility
• Leadership experience and capability.
• Change management experience coupled with good analytical abilities
• Transport management capability.
• Strong internal and external communicator, influencer, and negotiator.
• Ability to set and prioritise short, mid and long term objectives.
• Willingness to work overtime
• Willingness to travel when necessary
• Own Reliable Transport
• Computer literate in MS Office.
• Strong report writing and analytical skills
• Problem Solving skills
• Integrity
• Drive for Results
• Motivating others and Inspiring Trust
• Delegation skills
• Strong communication skills
• Strong ability to work independently with minimal supervision