Logistics Lead

About the Logistics Lead role:
We are looking for a qualified and experienced Logistics Lead to be based at our Richmond Park, Cape Town offices.

The Logistics Lead is responsible for the efficient and effective overall operation of the Logistics Division including the storage and distribution, of all Rubicon products at a quality standard and service that reflects the brand.

The role will concentrate on the optimization of Rubicon's logistics footprint by managing the performance of own
- and third-party logistics service providers to deliver the expected business results and service. Being a key part of the Rubicon Team, the role will prepare national warehousing and distribution budgets, tenders and negotiations based on thorough analysis and business reasoning to continuously improve operations. Building strong relationships with internal and external partners is crucial to exceed supply chain expectations and constant review and reporting on logistics measurements and efficiencies will create continuous improvement opportunities across the business.

DIRECT REPORTS:3 direct reports - Regional Logistics Managers

REPORTING LINE:Group Head of Supply Chain

LOCATION:Cape Town with flexibility to travel nationally

SCOPE:Rubicon Group

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

INTERNAL: National: Sales, Finance, Procurement, Trade Ops, Planning, EHS, Technical services

EXTERNAL: 3PL Service providers, Logistics Service provider, Vehicle Service Providers, Facilities and services, Freight industry bodies, Insurance service providers, DOL and external appointed Consultants

Role responsibilities:
PRIMARY / SECONDARY DISTRIBUTION AND FOOTPRINT

• Manage own distribution and 3 PLs to achieve the most effective and efficient cost to serve final customer.
• Benchmark and develop plans to become the best logistics practice in the local industry vs key competitors (service & cost).
• Ensure timely order delivery and accuracy with agreed customer expectations.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and scorecards of own and 3PL distribution to ensure service and costs meet expectations.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement projects to reduce cost and improve service delivery
• Lead and coordinate 3PL tender process.
• Optimize current national footprint with a 4-6 year growth projection.
• Define SLA's and monitor of supplier performance.
• Review current service providers and make recommendations on proposed changes.

CONTROLLING ACCOUNTABILITY AND REPORTING

• Prepare monthly management reports for submission to Exco.
• Setting and achievement of Logistics and specific business unit targets.
• Together with Sales Teams support planning department in forecasting/demand meetings.
• Overall responsibility for Logistics budget and performance.
• KPI reporting for external suppliers and customers where applicable.
• Ensure full ERP integration with full site on key measures (Finished Goods Levels, Costs, Transit, PO's).
• Complete monthly tasks and prepare reporting for month-end close.
• Prepare monthly commentary on key finance ratios/variances.

INVENTORY CONTROL

• Manage and oversee inventory accuracy through regular stock-takes, investigation of variances, sales integration and monitoring all stock movements inbound and outbound.
• Implements effective batch management practices and support on implementation of WMS through group's footprint.
• Investigate and minimize product damage throughout the supply chain - aim of <1,5% damages nationally.
• Ensure processing and recording of all national inventory movements and invoices as per internal reporting requirements.
• Implement and drive monthly dashboards for both finished and ordered goods.
• Compile monthly stock out analysis and shipments behind schedule and corrective action.

Role requirements:

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree or relevant NQF7 level tertiary qualification in either Supply Chain Management/Logistics or General Commerce that supports supply chain functions.
• Post-graduate qualification would be highly advantageous.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 8 - 10 years' experience in the FMCG industry with experience in the industrial goods environment.
• Minimum 4-6 years' middle management experience preferably gained in the FMCG industry.
• A minimum of at least 4-6 years proven experience managing several external service providers.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Ability to contribute at strategic level and the ability to manage a wide scope of operational activities and stakeholders
• Drive efficiencies and cost metrics within Supply Chain
• Deep working knowledge of various ERP systems and reporting
• Exposure to and understanding of the supply and demand process related to forecasting
• Good knowledge of Risk Management and good Corporate Governance practices
• Project management and procurement experience should be well developed
• High Level of Financial Acumen
• Customer Relationship Managemen