Job Description

My client, a well-established company based on the outskirts of Somerset West, is seeking to employ an Operations Manager with at least 5 years' experience to join the team
The main purpose of this role is to oversee the day-to-day operations of the export distribution process, including managing personnel, optimizing processes, and ensuring the efficient and timely delivery of orders. The role plays a crucial part in achieving operational excellence, maintaining inventory accuracy and enhancing customer satisfaction by working closely with the Customer Success team.
Requirements:

• "Bachelor's degree in business administration, Operations Management, or a related field
• At least 5 years' experience proven experience in operations management, preferably within the beverage distribution industry; FMCG experience beneficial.
• Familiarity with wine export/distribution regulations and standards
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Initiative and proactivity essential
• Proficiency in logistics and inventory management software
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
• Experience with logistics in Africa a huge benefit

Duties will include, but not limited to:

• "Develop cost effective and efficient route planning for road freight deliveries and optimize distribution schedules to ensure timely and accurate deliveries while minimizing transportation costs. Publish weekly manifest to relevant parties.
• Ensure tracking of cross-border shipments with analysis and interrogation to identify areas for optimisation and improvement. Regular review of supply chain efficiencies and benchmarking.
• Assist with design and updates of LCCs (Landed Cost Calculators)
• Responsible for initial exploration of new market logistics and export requirements in the BD process
• Team Management; supervise the Ops team including procurement, export and warehouse staff. Set KPI's and review performance according to company cadence.
• Assist Brand Manager and Sales teams with forecasting of stock and management of Par levels
• Research and monitor quality control measures for wine during storage and transportation.
• Collaborate with the sales and customer success teams to ensure seamless communication, coordination and promises to customers are upheld. Address customer concerns related to deliveries and implement improvements based on feedback.
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with logistics and beverage suppliers.
• Negotiate contracts, monitor supplier performance, and ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of orders
• Health and Safety - ensure compliance with health and safety regulations in the warehouse including regular training of staff. Implement and enforce safety protocols to create a secure working environment.
• Implement and leverage technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency.
• Prepare regular reports on operational performance, including delivery metrics, inventory turnover, stock value, consignment stock and ensure other Ops Reports are complete and circulated.
• Prepare freight and transport annual budgets with goal of achieving profit.
• Identify areas for cost savings and implement budgetary controls.
• Design systems and processes which are documented to fulfil all of the above.
• Oversee Exports and manage all high-level export and duty-free processes and considerations including correct use of INCO terms"
• "Decrease in lead time on orders - track all orders and assess improvements in supply chain efficiencies
• Percentage of orders shipped without errors - assesses the accuracy of order picking and packing processes.
• Average time taken to deliver products to customers - Reflects the efficiency of the distribution process and customer service.
• Manage Stock Value - measures the efficiency of inventory management in the warehouse including shelf life (products are distributed and sold before expiration and stock is rotated - old vintages used first etc) and effectiveness of inventory forecasting and management.
• Warehouse space utilisation, assess the efficient use of storage space and identify opportunities for optimization.
• Compliance with export regulatory standards: adherence to regulations related to beverage distribution, including licensing and optimal storage conditions e.g. heat
• Customer satisfaction scores (NPS) related to the distribution process; reflects the overall success of the distribution operations in meeting customer expectations.
• Consistent and timely publication of Ops Reports to relevant parties.
• Risk management - INCO terms, storage and transport solutions - retrospective in imports - correct use of INCO terms, storage not to be over 2 weeks, insurance on transporters
• Market Research and Expansion: market research activities conducted and successful entry into new markets - based on successful first export. "

In return a competitive salary is on offer coupled with the opportunity to form part of a company with an international footprint.