You will find us along the South African Garden Route, right in the heart of the Eastern Cape dairy region in Humansdorp. Our company is a team of 1000+ people, and we pride ourselves in our innovative thinking, speedy development of new products and excellent customer service.
Our story began in 1995 as a packaging plant for the milk produced on Woodlands ...
Woodlands Dairy is seeking an experienced, results-driven Head of Department: Warehouse & Logistics to lead and optimise our national warehousing, fleet management, and distribution operations. This role is pivotal in ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective movement of raw materials, milk, and finished products across our supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Operations: Oversee national distribution networks, primary/secondary transport, and depot operations to meet key delivery targets and service levels.
Warehousing & Inventory: Manage on-site and off-site storage, ensuring inventory accuracy, batch traceability, stock-loss control, and strict FIFO/FEFO compliance.
Milk Transport & Fleet: Direct farm milk collection, tanker utilisation, and vehicle maintenance while monitoring driver safety, telematics, and fuel efficiency.
Third- Party Logistics & Partner Management: Drive service provider performance, manage SLAs and contracts, and handle claims for all outsourced transport and warehousing partners.
Customer Delivery Performance: Ensure on-time, in-full (OTIF) deliveries while coordinating with Sales, Planning, and Manufacturing to manage returns and delivery exceptions.
Compliance & Safety: Maintain cold-chain integrity, food safety (GMP), load security, and full compliance with OHS and environmental regulations.
Financial Management: Develop and manage operating budgets, track cost variances, and implement sustainable cost-saving initiatives.
Leadership: Lead, mentor, and build high-performing warehouse and logistics teams, driving a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Knowledge and Skills:
Relevant Degree or Diploma in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transport Management, Operations Management, or a related field is required.
A postgraduate qualification or relevant professional certification will be advantageous.
Minimum 10 years' experience in logistics, transport, warehousing, or supply chain operations, including at least 5 years in a senior multi-site leadership role.
Proven experience managing national or regional distribution networks, warehousing operations, owned fleets, and third-party logistics providers.
FMCG, food, beverage, or dairy industry experience is preferred.
Experience in milk collection or bulk liquid food transport will be advantageous.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, financial, and organisational skills.
Demonstrated ability to develop, manage, and control operational budgets and deliver measurable cost efficiencies.
Strong project management capability with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Proven leadership ability with experience building and developing high-performing teams.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and make informed business decisions.
Strong negotiation, influencing, and relationship management skills.
High levels of professionalism, accountability, resilience, and attention to detail.
Advanced knowledge of logistics, transport, warehousing, fleet management, inventory control, and supply chain best practices.
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