Operations Manager

Role Overview

This position owns the daily movement of finished goods from warehouse rack to customer doorstep, balancing delivery promises against the real constraints of vehicles, drivers, storage space, and fuel spend. Working at the centre of a fast-moving consumer goods distribution network, the Operations Manager translates order volumes into workable route plans, keeps stock records honest, and makes sure every load leaves the yard safely and on schedule. Success in the role shows up in tighter turnaround times, lower cost per delivered unit, fewer stock write-offs, and customers who trust that their orders will arrive complete and on time.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and adjust daily distribution plans, sequencing loading, dispatch, and route allocation so orders reach customers complete and within agreed windows.
• Track delivery performance route by route, using turnaround times and service data to re-plan schedules and close recurring gaps.
• Manage the vehicle fleet end to end: monitor utilisation, enforce preventive maintenance intervals, watch fuel consumption, reduce unplanned downtime, and keep every unit roadworthy and legally compliant.
• Run warehouse operations across receiving, put-away, and dispatch, applying FIFO/FEFO rotation, monitoring space usage, and coordinating cycle and full stock counts.
• Protect inventory accuracy by reconciling records with Finance, investigating variances, tracking stock ageing, and driving down losses from damage, shrinkage, and expiry.
• Control operational costs by preparing and monitoring budgets, scrutinising fuel and maintenance spend, and reviewing warehouse running expenses for savings opportunities.
• Lead and develop the operations team through clear departmental objectives, performance reviews, identification of training needs, and day-to-day supervision of warehouse and transport staff.
• Uphold safety and regulatory standards by enforcing occupational health and safety procedures, applying transport regulations, and conducting regular safety audits across warehouse and yard areas.
• Report on distribution performance, delivery turnaround, fleet utilisation, inventory status, operating costs, service levels, staff productivity, and route profitability, and use those insights to drive route optimisation, process improvement, and digital transformation initiatives.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
• A professional certification in supply chain or logistics is an added advantage.
• Valid driving licence.
• Five to eight years of experience in FMCG distribution, including at least three years in a management role.
• Demonstrated experience managing large vehicle fleets, including maintenance planning and fuel cost control.
• Demonstrated experience running warehouse operations, with working knowledge of FIFO/FEFO stock rotation and stock reconciliation.
• Prior exposure to beverage distribution is an added advantage.
• Strong command of distribution metrics — turnaround time, fleet utilisation, cost per delivery — and the ability to turn reporting into operational decisions.
• Proven people leadership skills, including objective setting, performance review, and team development.