Local Distribution Partner Specialist x1
Job Details
- Job Title: Local Distribution Partner Specialist
- Reference Number: CCB260911-1
- Company: Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa
- Job Category: Logistics
- Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
- Country: South Africa
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Closing Date: 2 October 2026
- Reports To: Logistics Manager
About Coca-Cola Beverages Africa
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) is the largest Coca-Cola authorised bottler on the African continent and one of the largest Coca-Cola bottlers globally by revenue.
The group has more than 14,000 employees across Africa and serves more than 800,000 customers with a portfolio of international and local beverage brands. Its operations extend across numerous African markets, including South Africa and other countries across Southern, East and West Africa.
Job Overview
The Local Distribution Partner Specialist will be responsible for strengthening the performance and effectiveness of the Local Distribution Partner network.
The role combines logistics management, partner relationship management, compliance, quality assurance, project management and data analytics. The successful candidate will work closely with LDPs to improve warehouse and distribution performance, ensure compliance with company standards and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, market penetration and sales growth.
Key Responsibilities
LDP Operations Management
The successful candidate will:
- Design and implement standardised operational playbooks for LDPs.
- Develop processes covering order fulfilment, inventory management, warehousing, delivery logistics and returns.
- Evaluate and recommend technology solutions to improve operational effectiveness and data visibility.
- Develop and implement quality control and compliance audit frameworks.
- Ensure LDPs comply with company standards, product handling requirements and CCBSA regulations.
LDP Relationship Management
Responsibilities will include:
- Acting as the primary point of contact for assigned LDPs on operational matters.
- Monitoring and reviewing LDP performance through trade contact reviews.
- Supporting sustainable performance improvements.
- Negotiating and managing LDP contracts.
- Ensuring favourable contractual terms while maintaining strong business relationships.
- Resolving operational issues, disputes and performance discrepancies promptly.
Compliance and Quality Assurance
The role will involve:
- Ensuring LDP operations comply with food safety regulations, industry standards and company quality policies.
- Applying relevant standards and practices such as HACCP and GMP.
- Conducting periodic audits of LDP facilities and processes.
- Identifying areas for improvement and addressing compliance gaps.
- Ensuring LDPs maintain appropriate minimum and maximum stock levels.
- Supporting improvements in product quality and delivery-in-full performance.
- Working with LDPs to implement corrective actions where non-compliance is identified.
Performance and Project Management
The successful candidate will:
- Improve overall LDP network performance through strategic initiatives.
- Drive cost efficiencies and transformation projects.
- Develop and review relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- Monitor warehouse efficiency and operational performance.
- Use data to support informed decision-making.
- Manage warehouse improvement projects using effective project management principles.
Data Analytics and Reporting
Key duties will include:
- Defining requirements for LDP data collection and reporting.
- Ensuring consistency and accuracy of sales, inventory, delivery and customer feedback data.
- Designing and overseeing customised LDP performance dashboards.
- Analysing LDP performance data to identify trends, anomalies and opportunities.
- Preparing reports and recommendations for senior logistics management.
- Providing insights into the overall health and future strategic direction of the LDP network.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or a related field.
- 5–7 years’ progressive experience in logistics, warehousing or distribution.
- At least three years’ experience in a supervisory or management role.
- Experience within the FMCG or beverage industry will be advantageous.
- A proven track record in managing and optimising distribution operations.
Key Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should have:
- In-depth knowledge of warehousing, inventory management, transportation and last-mile delivery.
- Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to collaborate with independent LDP owners and their teams.
- Strong data collection, analytical and interpretation skills.
- Ability to analyse operational and sales data from multiple distribution partners.
- Understanding of the financial drivers of distribution businesses, including costs, revenue and profitability.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify operational bottlenecks and performance gaps.
- Strategic thinking and the ability to assess the LDP network for expansion, consolidation and optimisation opportunities.
- Ability to develop long-term strategies that improve distribution efficiency, market penetration and sales growth.