Distribution Centre (DC) Manager at Twiga Foods

Key Responsibilities

Planning

• Proactively anticipate and contribute to the development of the supply chain strategy. Interpret corporate plans and translates these into the DC multiyear workplans. Control these plans and the expected outcomes.
• Oversee the day-to-day DC operations including receiving, warehousing, distribution, and maintenance operations to increase productivity and profitability. Drive cost saving initiatives to improve performance of the end to end DC operations.
• In collaboration with other team members identify efficiency opportunities in Supply Chain Operations (SCO) and develop continuous improvement initiatives and share best practices with the team.
• Participate in company driven plans for enhancement of the organization and drive the SCO agenda to reach the outcomes.
• Forecast for multiyear adequate equipment and resourcing requirement for Distribution Centre activities that include people needs, equipment requirement and space needs.
• Handle procurement and requisition requirements for the DC.
• Schedule the DC activities against supply and demand plans.
• Effectively manage and utilize all resources within DC through detailed end to end planning and follow through.

World-class Distribution

• Monitor process adherence and measure the performance and efficiency within the DC and the depots against plan to achieve warehouse utilization and space optimization.
• Manage the DC space optimization, stock rotation (e.g., First Expired First Out) schedules within product specification, handling, and expiry dates.
• Manage operations within the DC such that the deliverables are achieved in an efficient and cost effective manner to meet business needs and deliver excellent customer service. Monitor and analyze customer service metrics.
• Meticulously manage logistics, plan work schedules and communicate with other departments for efficient business operations.
• Monitor inventory levels to manage expenses, minimize loss, and maximize revenue based on customer demand and sales forecasting reports.
• Track the agreed service and cost KPIs for effective warehouse and distribution operational performance.

Compliance

• Develop processing plans and optimize resource allocation within agreed standards.
• Manage infrastructure and equipment maintenance schedules and activities.
• Enforce compliance with relevant regulations and by conforming to Twiga’s quality, environmental, food and safety requirements which are instrumental to facilities management.
• Comply with all organization policies, procedures, and statutory guidelines. Minimize and mitigate risks to the organization and enforce zero-tolerance to non-compliance.
• Close gaps/lapses identified as an outcome of audits; risk and/or any other compliance review; investigations; or other assessment mechanisms and take corrective/preventive actions within the agreed timelines.

Team & Self-management

• Engage, coach, manage and motive the team.
• Model Twiga’s culture and way of working and inculcating this within the team.
• Deliver the performance objectives set for the team. Hold monthly 1-on-1 performance reviews with the team and with own line manager, and institute corrective action where performance falls below expectation.
• Proactively manage the teams’ and own learning and development. Work with the intention to let all reporting people grow to the next level.
• Adhere to the annual leave plan agreed with the line manager.
• Adhere to people management policies.

Minimum Qualifications And Requirements

• Have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Logistics, Supply Chain Management or related field.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a similar role within the FMCG industry and/or fresh operations management. Experience in Free Zone operations is an advantage.
• Has an established background in a Fresh Produce / Consumer Goods company in a DC and/or Transport Management.
• Be knowlegable on the legal requirements of operating a Distribution Centre and/or transport operations.
• A strategic and entrepreneurial thinker with a high level of business acumen, an in-depth working knowledge of the warehouse operations ecosystem and the ability to remain updated on industry-related developments.
• Be personable and with excellent people skills, to effectively communicate with C-level, Head of Divisions and line managers, relevant stakeholders, clients, staff and contractors at all levels.
• Have excellent organization & time management and numerical skills.
• Be familiar with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and have the ability to review and develop plans based on outcomes.
• Have the ability to manage a diverse team of staff and proven experience in driving results through indirect reports.
• Ability to adapt quickly to new situations, new and changing processes, programs and services.