Distribution Controller

RCL FOODS is a deeply rooted South African food manufacturer that produces some of the country’s most-loved brands, including Yum Yum peanut butter, Nola mayonnaise, Ouma rusks, and Selati sugar, just to name a few. At the heart of our culture and strategy is our Purpose – WE GROW WHAT MATTERS – which reflects our belief in collectively doing that little more to create a positive impact that truly matters. Visit our website: www.rclfoods.com Our Talent Team is on the lookout for a Distribution Controller to join the Speciality Baking Division based in Centurion . This role would report to the Supply Planning Manager . The Distribution Controller will be responsible for coordinating distribution and fleet operations to support the accurate, on-time, and complete delivery of products to customers across multiple sites. The role will also require overseeing distribution activities at multiple locations and regular travel between sites to ensure operational effectiveness and consistency. The role manages dispatch, route optimisation, returns processing, delivery administration, and stakeholder coordination, contributing to efficient logistics operations, improved customer service, reduced distribution costs, and supply chain performance.

Minimum Requirements

• Degree in Supply Chain Management/Logistics Management/Transport Management or a related field.
• 5 years’ experience in Distribution / Supply Chain/Logistics.
• Computer literacy (SAP, Syspro and MS Office skills prerequisite).
• 5 years’ experience within the Food or FMCG environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

Equipment & Asset Management

• Manage the availability, reconciliation, and movement of distribution equipment, including lugs and dollies, across sites and customer delivery centres.
• Communicate equipment requirements, shortages, and peak demand needs with internal and external stakeholders to support uninterrupted operations.

Dispatch Operations & Distribution Control

• Coordinate daily dispatch activities to support accurate, on-time, and cost-effective product distribution.
• Verify stock, documentation, vehicle readiness, load configurations, and dispatch requirements before vehicle departure.
• Monitor product movement and address distribution exceptions that may impact delivery performance.

Stock Reconciliation & Inventory Control

• Reconcile physical stock against system records and dispatch documentation.
• Review driver returns, investigate variances, validate supporting documentation, and coordinate corrective actions.
• Conduct stock takes and manage inventory control processes across dispatch locations.

Fleet & Transport Management

• Manage fleet utilisation, vehicle turnaround times, trip scheduling, and resource allocation to optimise distribution efficiency.
• Monitor fleet performance, including vehicle maintenance, breakdowns, licences, fuel usage, fleet cards, and related transport administration.
• Coordinate third-party transport and storage resources during peak operational periods.

Customer Service & Stakeholder Coordination

• Liaise with customer delivery centres, transport providers, and operational teams to coordinate deliveries, manage expectations, and resolve service-related issues.
• Communicate delivery schedules, delays, stock availability, and distribution requirements to support customer service objectives and on-time delivery performance.

Distribution Administration & Systems Control

• Maintain accurate distribution records, reconciliations, and operational documentation.
• Verify goods received notes (GRNs), equipment received notes (ERNs), and the alignment of distribution, inventory, and production systems.
• Monitor compliance with fleet management procedures and maintain up-to-date operational records and reports.

Team Leadership & Operational Support

• Support, guide, and monitor drivers and distribution personnel to achieve operational objectives and service standards.
• Manage time and attendance activities, contribute to performance management processes, and provide leadership during daily distribution operations.