Overland Logistics Manager (Johannesburg)

Our client, a leading International Logistics company based in Johannesburg, is looking to fill the position of Overland Logistics Manager.

Purpose of the Role

Reporting to the General Manager. The Logistics Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and controlling all warehouse and distribution operations within a 3PL environment to ensure efficient, safe, compliant, and cost-effective service delivery to clients. The role oversees inventory management, warehousing, transport coordination, customer service, staff leadership, and continuous improvement to meet contractual service levels and profitability targets. The incumbent is accountable for maintaining high standards in operational execution, client satisfaction, people management, statutory compliance, and performance reporting across the warehouse and distribution function.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the warehouse and distribution function.
• Ensure inbound, storage, inventory control, order picking, packing, dispatch, and outbound distribution activities are executed efficiently.
• Oversee route planning, load optimisation, vehicle utilisation, and delivery scheduling in line with customer requirements.
• Ensure all client SLAs, KPIs, and operational targets are achieved.
• Monitor productivity, turnaround times, stock accuracy, on-time dispatch, and delivery performance.
• Coordinate with clients, transporters, suppliers, and internal departments to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Drive execution consistency across receiving, put-away, replenishment, picking, staging, dispatch, and proof of delivery processes.

Warehouse Management:

• Ensure warehouse layout, capacity utilisation, and storage methods support operational efficiency and stock integrity.
• Manage stock handling processes to minimise damages, losses, and shrinkage.
• Oversee cycle counts, stock takes, reconciliations, and inventory investigations.
• Ensure adherence to FIFO/FEFO and product-specific storage requirements where applicable.
• Maintain strong housekeeping and warehouse organisation standards.

Distribution and Transport Coordination:

• Coordinate vehicle scheduling and delivery planning to achieve on-time and in-full (OTIF) performance.
• Ensure fleet or subcontractor performance is monitored and managed effectively.
• Manage transport costs, fuel usage, route efficiency, and service provider performance.
• Resolve delivery issues, route deviations, claims, and customer escalations promptly.
• Ensure proof of delivery and delivery exception management processes are controlled.

Client and Customer Service Management:

• Serve as the primary operational contact for client-related logistics matters.
• Build strong relationships with clients through regular communication and operational reviews.
• Ensure client reporting is accurate, timely, and action oriented.
• Address service failures and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Support contract implementation, new business onboarding, and operational start-ups.

Financial and Cost Management:

• Manage warehouse and distribution costs in line with budget.
• Monitor labour costs, overtime, transport spend, damages, claims, and consumables.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising service or compliance.
• Support budget preparation, monthly forecasting, variance analysis and monthly flash.
• Ensure operational activities contribute to margin protection and profitability.

People Management:

• Lead, coach, and develop warehouse and distribution teams to achieve operational excellence.
• Manage workforce planning, staffing levels, shift structures, attendance, discipline, and performance.
• Conduct performance reviews and ensure training and development needs are addressed.
• Drive a culture of accountability, teamwork, customer focus, and continuous improvement.
• Manage employee relations matters in line with company policy and South African labour legislation.

Compliance, Risk, and Safety:

• Ensure compliance with company policies, customer requirements, and all relevant South African legislation.
• Maintain a safe working environment in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Ensure compliance with transport, dangerous goods (if applicable), food safety (if applicable), and security requirements.
• Engage with internal SHERQ Team / Management
• Lead incident investigations, risk assessments, and corrective action implementation.
• Ensure adherence to quality, audit, and governance standards.

Systems, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement:

• Use WMS, TMS, and reporting tools to monitor and improve operational performance.
• Analyse operational data and generate daily, weekly, and monthly management reports.
• Drive process improvements, standardisation, and productivity initiatives.
• Support implementation of new systems, technologies, and process enhancements.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and process controls.

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12 Senior Certificate
• Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transport Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Management, or related field
• A relevant postgraduate qualification will be advantageous
• Minimum 5–10 years’ experience in logistics, warehousing, and distribution
• At least 5 years in a management role within a warehouse/distribution environment
• Experience in a 3PL environment is essential
• Proven experience managing client service levels, warehouse operations, and transport coordination
• Experience with multiple customers, high-volume operations, and performance-driven environments preferred

Technical Knowledge

• Knowledge of warehouse operations, inventory control, and distribution planning
• Strong understanding of 3PL service models and client contract execution
• Knowledge of WMS, TMS, ERP, and Microsoft Office (especially Excel)
• Understanding of South African labour legislation, OHS requirements, and transport compliance
• Knowledge of budgeting, cost control, and operational reporting
• Sound understanding of bond stores

Functional Competencies

• Warehouse and distribution management
• Inventory and stock control
• Route and transport planning
• SLA and KPI management
• Cost and budget control
• Process improvement
• Client relationship management
• Risk and compliance management

Key Performance Indicators

The Logistics Manager may be measured against the following:

• On-time dispatch rate
• On-time in-full (OTIF) delivery performance
• Inventory accuracy %
• Order picking accuracy %
• Warehouse productivity rates
• Vehicle/fleet utilisation %
• Cost per case/order/km delivered
• Labour productivity and overtime control
• Claims, damages, and losses
• Safety performance (LTIs, incidents, near misses)
• Client SLA/KPI achievement
• Customer complaint resolution turnaround
• Budget adherence and cost savings delivered

If you are interested in applying for this role, please send a detailed copy of your CV to ***email_hidden***

If you have not been contacted within two (2) weeks, please consider your application as unsuccessful.