Dispatch Manager

Job Description

Job Purpose

• Manage and oversee dispatch operations to ensure the efficient storage, movement, and delivery of products to offsite storage facilities and customers. The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining accurate stock control, managing fleet and driver activities, ensuring compliance with health, safety, hygiene, food safety, and quality standards, while leading the Dispatch team to achieve operational efficiency and service excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the efficient dispatch of products from the factory to offsite storage facilities or customers.
• Coordinate the smooth and efficient flow of products within dispatch operations.
• Manage Dispatch operations in line with company policies, procedures, and business objectives.
• Ensure stock is stored correctly and maintain high standards of housekeeping.
• Ensure accurate stock control and reconciliation across internal systems and third-party logistics providers.
• Manage driver control, and truck route planning to improve delivery efficiency and reduce costs.
• Maintain compliance with health, safety, hygiene, security, warehousing, shipping legislation, food safety, and quality standards.
• Lead and manage dispatch staff, including rostering, task allocation, coaching, motivation, and performance monitoring.
• Prepare regular operational reports and provide daily feedback to management while driving continuous improvement and develop zero tolerance to internal rejections.
• Ability to work in a cold environment.
• Produce reports and statistics regularly (IN/OUT status report, dead stock report etc.).
• Ensuring security procedures are followed and stock loss is minimized.

Qualification Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Warehousing, Logistics and Supply Chain.
• Must have a valid Driver’s Licence and a valid Forklift / Lift Truck Licence.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in logistics or supply chain, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience in food manufacturing, dispatch operations, and product handling within the manufacturing industry is required.
• Strong computer literacy, with excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; knowledge of Syspro will be advantageous.
• Must have strong people management and customer service skills, with previous experience managing a team.
• Knowledge of Food Safety Principles, CHEP processes, industrial relations, and workplace practices is required.

Key Outputs

• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Good communication and reporting skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure
• Computer Literacy