National Distribution Manager

Our client, a leading South African retail and healthcare organisation, is seeking an experienced National Distribution Manager to lead and optimise its national distribution and transport operations.

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity responsible for a complex national distribution network supporting operations across South Africa and selected cross-border markets. The successful candidate will drive operational excellence across transport, distribution, customer service, third-party logistics, and continuous improvement initiatives while leading large operational teams within a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

The role offers the opportunity to influence strategic distribution initiatives, optimise national logistics performance, and play a key role in supporting the continued growth of a highly successful organisation.

Duties and Responsibilities

National Distribution Leadership

• Lead and optimise national distribution operations across multiple sites and regions
• Drive operational excellence, service delivery, and customer satisfaction across the distribution network
• Support network growth, scalability, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Monitor operational performance and implement strategies to improve efficiency and service levels
• Ensure distribution operations effectively support business objectives and customer demand

Transport & Logistics Optimisation

• Drive transport efficiency, route optimisation, fleet utilisation, and delivery performance
• Identify and implement cost-saving and productivity improvement initiatives
• Monitor distribution costs and operational performance against agreed targets
• Drive operational efficiencies across transport and logistics operations
• Ensure effective utilisation of distribution assets and resources

Third-Party Logistics & Vendor Management

• Manage strategic relationships with third-party logistics providers and transport partners
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure adherence to service level agreements
• Drive accountability and continuous improvement across outsourced logistics operations
• Support supplier reviews, contract management, and operational performance initiatives

Leadership, Governance & Compliance

• Lead, mentor, and develop regional and national operational teams
• Foster a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement
• Ensure compliance with transport, logistics, safety, and regulatory requirements
• Maintain strong operational governance, risk management, and health & safety standards
• Support business continuity and operational resilience initiatives

Remuneration and Benefits

• Competitive executive-level salary package
• Performance-based incentive structure
• Opportunity to lead a nationally significant distribution operation
• Exposure to large-scale logistics, transport, and supply chain optimisation initiatives
• Strategic leadership role with significant operational influence
• Opportunity to drive transformation and continuous improvement across a complex distribution environment
• Career growth within a highly successful and market-leading organisation

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management, or a related field
• 8-10+ years' experience within large-scale distribution, logistics, transport, or supply chain environments
• Proven experience managing multi-site distribution operations
• Strong transport, fleet, and third-party logistics management experience
• Experience within retail, FMCG, pharmaceutical, logistics, manufacturing, or similarly complex environments
• Strong commercial, operational, and leadership capability

What Will Make You Successful in This Role?

• A proven track record leading large-scale distribution and logistics operations
• Strong operational and commercial acumen
• The ability to balance service delivery excellence with cost optimisation
• Experience driving logistics, transport, and distribution performance improvements
• Strong stakeholder management and leadership capability
• A results-driven approach with a passion for operational excellence and continuous improvement

Key Performance Indicators

• Distribution service level achievement
• Delivery performance and customer satisfaction
• Fleet utilisation and transport efficiency
• Distribution cost optimisation
• Third-party logistics provider performance
• Operational compliance and governance standards
• Continuous improvement and productivity outcomes

This is an outstanding opportunity for a senior logistics and distribution leader to take ownership of a complex national operation and play a key role in shaping the future of a highly successful organisation's supply chain network. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence strategy, drive operational excellence, and make a measurable impact across a critical business function.