Job Description:
As a Distribution Controller at Tiger Brands, you will oversee the Driver Sales team to ensure timely and accurate deliveries in line with agreed schedules and volumes. Your role involves managing the effective distribution of products, optimizing routes, and implementing operational plans to enhance distribution channels and market penetration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Sales Management:
  • Support the Sales team in expanding into new markets and enhancing business with existing customers.
  • Foster strong relationships with trade customers and truck crews (Drivers & Van Assistants).
  • Conduct daily driver debriefs to review route performance and make improvements.
  • Monitor the distribution network for route viability and performance.
  • Manage returns and stock on trucks.
  • Liaise with Telesales and fill in as a relief Distribution Controller as needed.
  • Achieve daily, weekly, and monthly sales targets.
• In-trade Execution:
  • Minimize credit returns in line with bakery policies.
  • Manage basket movement, counts, and control.
• Customer Relations:
  • Open new accounts for cash and credit customers in general trade.
  • Collect outstanding payments daily.
  • Handle special deliveries and customer queries.
  • Regularly review and update customer data.
• Quality Management:
  • Understand product quality requirements and handle customer complaints.
  • Report consumer complaints and manage market incidents.
  • Understand and manage the withdrawal/recall process and logistics.
• Trade Marketing:
  • Support and implement customer and route plans to drive volume growth.
  • Understand and apply channel strategies, customer management processes, and pricing strategies.
• Vehicle and Stock Management:
  • Manage vehicle defects and liaise with distribution on mileage.
  • Oversee stock and money management, including driver orders, stock versus route sheets, balances, and returns.
• Staff Management:
  • Control weekly wages and implement leave rosters.
  • Manage crew attendance, pipeline time, and ensure professional appearance.
  • Handle disciplinary issues and conduct on-the-route coaching.
• Distributor and Truck Management:
  • Balance distributor orders and adjust truck capacities as needed.
  • Ensure on-time deliveries and manage emergency or second-round deliveries.
• Positive Basket Flow:
  • Oversee basket management and flow.
• Crew Supervision and Induction:
  • Manage crew discipline, transport arrangements, and invoice handling.
  • Ensure proper induction for new driver salespeople and van assistants.

Qualifications:

• Essential Skills & Qualifications:
  • Matric or equivalent qualification.
  • National Diploma or 3-year Degree in Sales & Marketing preferred.
  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a sales role within an FMCG environment.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Willingness to work long hours, weekends, and public holidays.
  • Ability to work in both informal and formal trade sectors.