Operations Manager: Logistics x1
- Position: Operations Manager: Logistics
- Company: Famous Brands
- Location: Bloemfontein (managing operations in Eastern Cape)
- Type: Full-time
Job Description
The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing warehouse and distribution operations for the Eastern Cape region. This includes fleet management, warehouse performance, customer service, systems optimisation, inventory accuracy, financial management, staff leadership, and compliance with safety standards. The role requires strong FMCG logistics experience and the ability to drive world-class operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Manage warehouse operations and the distribution fleet across the Eastern Cape (depot and cross-dock site).
Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and organisation across staff, equipment, vehicles, and facilities.
Ensure adherence to fleet and warehouse SOPs, operational standards, and compliance requirements.
Customer Service & Performance
Achieve On-Time, In-Full, No Errors (OTIFNE) delivery performance.
Act as custodian of customer service excellence across all Famous Brands categories and brands.
Enhance productivity and operational efficiencies while meeting volume and output targets.
Systems & Process Optimisation
Use Manhattan SCALE WMS to enhance warehouse efficiency and productivity.
Leverage Trackmatic to improve delivery scheduling, monitoring, and customer service.
Maintain compliance with Plato (hours, kilometres, adherence tracking).
Ensure full end-to-end utilisation of all logistics systems.
Inbound & Inventory Management
Coordinate inbound suppliers to align stock levels with operational capacity.
Oversee inbound handling, cycle counts, stock accuracy, and stock-taking.
Investigate and resolve stock variances while reducing waste and losses.
Financial Management
Prepare and present monthly financial performance packs.
Manage logistics budgets and fixed operational costs.
Participate in the annual business planning process.
Human Capital Management
Lead staff performance reviews, development, and recognition initiatives.
Manage third-party contractors and service providers.
Ensure effective workforce planning, training, and resource allocation.
Occupational Safety & Health
Enforce OSH compliance and risk mitigation.
Continuously assess and improve safety standards across logistics operations.
Key Skills & Requirements
Minimum Requirements
Tertiary qualification (BCom or Diploma in logistics/supply chain/business).
5+ years’ experience in FMCG distribution.
Technical & Operational Skills
Warehouse management
Fleet and distribution management
Inventory control & cycle counts
KPI management: OTIFNE, warehouse metrics
Financial budgeting, reporting, and variance analysis
WMS experience (Manhattan SCALE preferred)
Transport monitoring systems (Trackmatic)
Compliance systems (Plato)
Supplier & inbound coordination
Leadership & Behavioural Competencies
Strong people management & team development
Excellent communication and customer service orientation
Data-driven decision making
Problem-solving in high-pressure environments
Strong organisational and planning skills
Safety and compliance mindset