Final Mile Manager at Massmart

Summary:

• The role will be responsible for driving the Contractual Agreements, SLA adherence and day to day performance management of all Final Mile activities with the courier partners in the Wholesale division. 
• This role will be expected to lead the operations towards demand-driven, best-in-class Final Mile delivery capability, to continuously optimize the distribution network, focused on cost-effective measures to enhance customer experience.

FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES:

Optimization and standardization of Final Mile Strategy 

• Contribute to the definition and execution of the Outbound Supply Chain Final Mile strategy and planned actions in order to meet the strategy. 
• Translate the Final Mile strategy into short, medium and long term goals and to ensure the strategic objectives are executed against the agreed deadlines. 
• Monitor performance against goals and where necessary make adjustments in collaboration with the Divisional Final Mile Manager in order to support key initiatives of the business. 
• Lead change through driving and implementing performance improvement initiatives to multiple sites 
• To achieve efficiency in all operations, administration aspects and finances. 
• To continuously optimize processes and efficiencies across all stores or fulfilment centers focused on cost control in order to meet stakeholder expectation expectations and service levels. 
• Drive continuous improvement of processes and procedures, focusing on accuracy. 

Stakeholder Management 

• Communicate effectively and regularly with all relevant internal and external stakeholders to ensure a common understanding of Final Mile initiatives 
• Work closely with Store Operations to ensure effective collaboration between Fulfilment and contracted Carrier. 
• Monitor courier service provider’s performance to assess ability to meet quality and delivery requirements. 
• Facilitate monthly meetings with Courier Service providers to track cost, productivity and performance including formalizing corrective action plans for poor performance. 
• Facilitate monthly meetings with Regional Operations Managers or Regional Fulfilment Managers to track cost, productivity and performance including formalizing corrective action plans. 
• Prepare and facilitate quarterly meetings with respective Steering Committees members. 
• Maintain accurate and up to date minutes of such meetings 
• Negotiate prices and terms with suppliers. 
• Review Contract and support Group Procurement with RFP programs 
• Collaborate with other departments, such as procurement, to identify or qualify new suppliers. 
• Collaborate with other departments, such as the Master data team, to identify accuracy of articles for accurate reporting. 
• Continual involvement with Walmart/Massmart subject matter experts to identify new and sustainable innovations in transport. 
• Ensure that good governance is applied to all transport activities thereby creating an ethical environment. 
• Managing all Courier Service provider relationships in a professional manner. 
• Working with the Marketplace team to ensure couriers adherence with Sellers or Fulfilment Centers. 

Transport best practice 

• Utilize technology optimally and continue to stay abreast of best practice within the industry. 
• Responsible for driving and implementing process improvement targets. 
• Responsible for developing and improving standard operating procedures for existing/new processes to support store operations. 
• Document Final Mile processes, such as workflows, cycle times, position responsibilities, or system flows. 
• Assist with managing the daily operations of Courier Service Providers, including Final Mile Platform dashboards from completeness and fostering relationships with each partner. 
• Research, benchmark and develop courier services targets, processes and operational practices. 
• Monitor the Collection times and frequency of such collections and resolve issues throughout the day. 
• Partner with the Regional Operations Managers or Fulfilment Managers identifying problem areas to improve operational efficiencies. 
• Train and develop Courier Service partners to meet and exceed customer expectations. 

Expense Control 

• Track, consolidate and evaluate cost and Courier services efficiency across all store operations 
• To operate within & below the set Budgets and Forecasts within area of responsibility. 
• Produce annual budgets in line with company guidelines. 
• Review the financial performance of the courier network monthly and provide action plans against any deviations.
• Support Finance in reviewing the monthly courier billing schedules to ensure billing accuracy. 
• Manage Courier claims and ensure that we finalize such claims within a reasonable timeframe. 
• Frequent Rate audits and assessments 

Staff Management

• Manage individual or team outputs so that performance and development needs can be identified to develop competence 
• Provide adequate on the job training, coaching, support and counselling is provided to team members 
• Ensure standards of performance are clearly defined, communicated and recorded where necessary 
• Continuously assess and monitor that development plans are agreed and implemented to address continuous improvement 
• Long term career development advice is accurately provided to team members 
• The team is motivated towards continuous improvement and achievement of benchmark standards 
• Team members are actively involved in setting goals and are encouraged to solve problems and make decisions relevant to their work 
• Team members are treated in line with Massmart values and ethical guidelines 

Self-management 

• Respect every individual by relating to others in an accepting and respectful manner, regardless of their organizational level, personality, or background; 
• Adapt and learn - demonstrate creativity and strength in the face of change, obstacles, or adversity; 
• Adapt to competing demands and shifting priorities; 
• Update knowledge and skills to handle new complexities, challenges, and responsibilities. Seek exposure to new ideas and perspectives; 
• Promote a work environment that respects, embraces, and values diversity in others; 
• Identify and apply sound, fact-based criteria in setting priorities and making decisions; 
• Look beyond symptoms to determine the root causes of problems, and identify and implement applicable solutions. Integrate knowledge and expertise in making fact-based recommendations and decisions; 
• Conduct that is aligned with the Massmart code of ethics.

Requirements:

• Minimum Academic, Professional Qualifications and Experience required for this position 

Qualifications: 

• B com Degree / B Tech in Logistics Management 

Experience: 

• 4- 6 years strategic management experience 
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Transport Management. 
• Proven track record in Transport and optimization. 
• Knowledge of distribution standard operating procedures and transport management systems. Excellent business acumen and analytical skills. 
• MS Office Excel advanced level.

Competencies and Skills

Competencies 

• Contracts Management- (Logistics SP”s) Effective communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills 
• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy and precision 
• Deep understanding of contracts, contract governance, contractual language and the contract lifecycle 
• Critical thinking skills and the ability to research and understand legal and financial implications Superior reading, writing and language skills Excellent understanding of the business or industry, its services, customers and providers Creating and maintaining relationships with suppliers and customers 
• Problem-solving contract-related issues 
• Make informed judgements 
• Build and influence team 
• Ensure ethics and compliance 
• Manage and leverage talent (leader)  

General Competencies 

• Strengthen reputation and local involvement 
• Network internally and externally 
• Customer-centric approach