PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

• We are seeking an experienced Logistics Executive to oversee and coordinate the logistics operations of our 7 distribution centres, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of products to our 45 Econofoods retail stores and a large base of B2B customers, including Lesotho. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and optimizing all logistics processes and teams, improving supply chain efficiency, and providing excellent customer service, whilst supporting overall company profitability. Additionally, the individual will be responsible for enabling Econofoods’ large growth agenda through building a highly scale-able logistics operation. This position will require traveling and, at times, be based at different distribution sites.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Logistics structure: Ensure the effective application of a fit-for-purpose and standardised Logistics structure across all distribution centres – one that is suitable for scaling our operation and delivering improved cost per case metrics. Drive activity-based-resourcing principles and implement automation and mechanised equipment where suitable to improve on labour efficiencies.
• Supply grid optimisation: Design the optimal supply grid for the Econofoods supply chain in terms of DC to retail store and DC to B2B customer.  Identify future expansion requirements and solutions, including the optimal warehouse layout design and fit-for purpose fleet.
• Distribution Centre Management: Oversee the daily operations of 7 distribution centres, ensuring efficient receipt, storage, and dispatch of products, with appropriate daily routines and social systems well in place and adhered to.
• Organisational Health and Safety, Food safety and Cold chain compliance: Ensure the effective implementation of the necessary OHS, Food safety and Cold Chain standards to ensure the safety of our teams and the integrity of our product.
• Logistics Planning: Develop and implement logistics plans to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of products to retail stores and B2B customers, in support of the overall business strategy.
• Supply Chain Optimization: Identify opportunities to improve supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction, whilst driving adherence to set standards and procedures. Drive simplicity as an overarching principle in process and system design.
• Inventory Management: Monitor and manage inventory accuracy across distribution centres, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimizing stockouts or overstocking, whilst mitigating financial loss.  Drive full adherence to inventory management processes and address all areas of non-compliance both within Logistics and in the greater organisation.Â
• Transportation Management: Coordinate and manage transportation operations, including driver safety, route optimization, and fleet management. Maximise truck turns per day / reduce truck idle time through the driving of after-hour deliveries.  Work with sales and planning teams to maximise truck utilisation in terms of transported weight vs. weight capacity. Drive preventative maintenance and legislative adherence with all DC’s, and form mutually beneficial supplier relationships.
• Customer Service: Drive the delivery of excellent customer service, responding to customer inquiries and resolving issues in a timely and professional manner, whilst addressing issues at root cause for sustainable resolution and to avoid reoccurrence.
• Data Analysis: Analyse logistics data to identify trends, opportunities for improvement, and areas for cost savings. Enable Logistics teams through the provision of appropriate dashboards and on-point reporting for identifying areas of waste and opportunities for improvement.
• Leadership, Culture, Engagement, and Capability Building: Foster a positive and inclusive team culture, promote employee engagement, and develop the capabilities of logistics team members through training, coaching, and mentoring in support of our company values and HO HOLA Culture.
• Cost Containment: Drive efficiency and reduce waste in logistics operations to improve overall cost functioning, through analysing and optimizing logistics processes to eliminate unnecessary costs and deliberately implementing cost-saving initiatives
• Collaboration: Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including sales, retail, and procurement teams, to ensure alignment and effective supply chain operations.

Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in logistics or supply chain management, preferably in the FMCG or retail industry.
• Proven track record of improving logistics efficiency and reducing costs.
• Familiarity with logistics software and systems, such as transportation management systems (TMS) and warehouse management systems (WMS).
• Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes, inventory management, warehousing, transportation, distribution, corporate governance, and compliance requirements.
• Experience in the food service, retail, and/or cold chain industry would be an advantage.
• Experience leading teams through periods of transformation and growth.

KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Strategic thinking with the ability to connect logistics outcomes to broader business goals
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on Route optimization, cost-benefit analysis, and root cause analysis for delays or inefficiencies.
• Customer-centric approach ensuring service levels and delivery standards are met or exceeded.
• Adaptability by being flexible to adjust to changes in schedules, inventory, or supply chain disruptions.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset – seeking efficiency and performance improvement in logistics processes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and mentor the logistics team.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to partner with leadership on driving growth initiatives.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize multiple tasks.
• High attention to detail and a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Building and maintaining relationships with strong interpersonal skills – living out the company values and unique HO HOLA culture (Helpfulness; Obsession for Customers; Humility, Ownership, Learning, Appreciation).