Route Controller - Durban at RCL Foods

Job Description    

• RCL Foods is recruiting for a driven, highly energized and focused Route Controller  within the baking business unit.
• The suitable candidate will be responsible to performs tasks / activities associated with the transportation and sales of bread and confectionary. Calling on customers (traders and retail chain stores), taking orders and delivering mainly from vehicle -frequently for cash and new customer acquisition.
• This role will be based in Durban and reporting to the Sales Manager.
• This role is a Permanent role.

Minimum Requirements    

Education

• NQF level 4/5/6, matric and preferably a diploma in sales or marketing.

Skills

• Ability to read, write, understand and communicate in
• English.Good numeracy
• Good computer literacy – especially Excel and e-mail

Experience

• Previous experience in supervising employees in sales environment, demonstrating good competence insupervision
• Track record on sales delivery
• Driver’s licence a prerequisite

General

• Expected to work over weekends and public holidays
• Expected to work overtime as required
• Expected to be on stand by and to come in to assist in the event of absenteeism.

Duties & Responsibilities    
Early Morning Shift

• Assist despatch to ensure trucks loaded and despatched on time, prioritizing where necessary
• Ensure all Drivers and VA’s are present and arrange cover if absenteeism
• Daily communication on Whatsapp regarding any orders that had to be cut, driver changes,  absenteeism and late deliveries
• Conduct crate count and report on Whatapp
• Accurately complete register
• Check crate sheet and follow up with drivers on outstanding balances
• Meet with Sales Manager to discuss each day’s challenges, the next day’s planning and crate issues 
• Liaise with Customer Service Centre regarding second deliveries
• At Despatch, check on BOT’s (Bread on Truck), crate returns, bread returns and damages. 
• Assist driver with action plan if necessary where BOT’s, returns and damages are higher than the norm  or if problems with crate losses

Afternoon Shift

• Handover meeting with Early Morning Route Controller
• Follow up on second deliveries, ensuring they leave on time
• At Dispatch, ensure correct procedure adhered to in terms of BOT’s, returns, damages and crate  returns
• Verify earlier crate count
• Ensure drivers are using the vehicle safe
• Inspect trucks for any new damages/faults and report to Transport Supervisor
• Ensure crate sheets being completed correctly
• Train new drivers to follow the correct procedures
• Ensure drivers place order with Customer Service Centre timeously and before cash up
• Remain on site until the last truck arrives, ensuring the cash is deposited in the cash office safe
• Report problems or changes on Whatsapp before leaving

Route Rides

• Conduct 2 route rides weekly
• Complete Route Ride Analysis form per route ride and give feedback to Sales Manager within 24 hours  regarding the successes, challenges and threats on the route (pricing monitor; competitor information;  crates baseline; mileage; time taken, etc.)
• Conduct Sales Analysis, using the data to inform action plans to increase sales and distribution  efficiencies
• With the Sales Manager formulate a Sales Plan per route to drive volumes and customer satisfaction.
• Implement the Route Sales Plan by utilising the Sales resources available including Sales Reps
• Visit schools on routes to obtain participation in School’s Competition
• Update crate sheet
• Conduct follow up visits with Sales Reps and Sales Manager to ensure customer losses are minimised
• Gain 5 new customers per route ride
• Follow up on lost business and if possible, regain the customer
• Ensure customers are experiencing good customer service and if not, take action to improve it
• Look for advertising opportunities and liaise with Marketing to obtain sign boards or similar material
• Where possible, facilitate COD customers to move onto JDE
• Monitor competitor activities and take action to counter potential sales loss

People Management

• Set daily objectives for the drivers and van assistants, ensuring full productivity
• Monitor employee performance weekly and give regular feedback, taking disciplinary action when  necessary and giving recognition where it’s due.
• Conduct formal performance reviews twice yearly with all Drivers and VA’s 
• Conduct team meetings with Drivers and VA’s at least once a month to hear about challenges and  concerns and assist to resolve the issues

General

• Must be willing to assist as a driver as and when necessary

Deadline:22nd October,2025