Background

260 Brands is inviting applications from talented and results-driven professionals to join its Commercial Team.

ROLE PROFILE

Position: Sales & Distribution Manager

Department: Commercial / Supply Chain

Reporting to: Chief Commercial Officer / Chief Operations Officer

Grade: M1

Geographic Scope: Regional Hiring

Based at: Lusaka, Zambia

Direct Reports: Delivery drivers / Dispatch supervisor / Mechanic

Job purpose

To lead and manage the company’s downstream supply chain operations, ensuring optimal distribution of products to all regions, efficient vehicle and workshop management, fuel control, cost optimization, and achievement of customer service targets. This role is responsible for the strategic and operational management of the distribution network, ensuring timely and cost-effective product delivery that supports sales growth and enhances customer satisfaction.

Key responsibilities

Distribution Management

• Oversee the planning, scheduling, and execution of all product deliveries to customers, depots, and distributors.
• Maintain optimal route planning to maximize vehicle utilization and reduce turnaround time (TAT).
• Monitor adherence to delivery schedules, ensuring high levels of on-time, in-full (OTIF) performance.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards in transportation.

FG Inventory Management

• Effective inventory Planning & Tracking leveraging SAP inventory management to monitor stocks levels, movements and Shelf life through FIFO / LIFO methods.
• To conduct periodic stocks audits physically and ensure it is reconciled with SAP stocks to ensure accuracy.
• Continuous monitoring of Stocks losses, damages or expiry and implement best warehouse practices to minimize financial losses
• Maintain strong internal controls and comply with regulatory standards, supported by thorough documentation for audit trails and financial transparency.

Vehicle & Fleet Management

• Manage the entire company distribution fleet, ensuring roadworthiness, regulatory compliance, and preventive maintenance.
• Oversee workshop operations, including repair planning, spare parts management, and maintenance cost control.
• Implement systems to track vehicle performance, downtime, and utilization rates.

Fuel Management

• Develop and enforce fuel usage monitoring systems to track and reduce fuel consumption per delivery unit.
• Implement fuel control measures to prevent pilferage and wastage.
• Negotiate with fuel suppliers for optimal pricing and supply terms.

Distribution Cost Management

• Monitor and analyze distribution costs, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, driver allowances, and outsourced logistics.
• Develop and implement cost reduction initiatives without compromising service levels.
• Track cost-to-serve metrics and report variances against budget.

Turnaround Time (TAT) Improvement

• Establish and monitor TAT benchmarks for loading, transit, and unloading processes.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements to reduce delays and improve delivery cycles.

Sales & Market Support

• Work closely with the sales team to align distribution capacity with market demand.
• Support sales promotions and new product launches with adequate distribution planning.
• Resolve distribution-related customer complaints promptly.

People Leadership

• Lead, motivate, and develop distribution, fleet, and workshop teams to achieve operational excellence.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and training to enhance team capability.
• Enforce company policies, health & safety protocols, and discipline within the distribution team.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

1. On-Time, In-Full (OTIF) delivery rate (%)
2. Average Turnaround Time (TAT) per route
3. Distribution cost per ton/km
4. Fuel consumption per ton/km
5. Fleet utilization rate (%)
6. Vehicle downtime (days/month)
7. Workshop job completion lead time

INTERNAL CONTACTS

Sales & Marketing Teams

Office Administration

Upstream Supply Chain

Logistics & Workshop

Maintenance

Key Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum 7–10 years’ experience in distribution, logistics, or supply chain management, preferably in FMCG or manufacturing.
• Proven experience managing fleet operations, cost control, and distribution networks in a high-volume environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP B1) and route optimization tools.
• Valid driver’s license.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS

1. Strategic Thinking: Ability to align distribution strategies with overall business goals.
2. Operational Excellence: Strong focus on efficiency, cost control, and process improvement.
3. Leadership: Skilled at leading diverse teams and building high-performance cultures.
4. Decision Making: Data-driven approach with the ability to make timely, informed decisions.
5. Communication: Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.

• Oversee the planning, scheduling, and execution of all product deliveries to customers, depots, and distributors.
• Maintain optimal route planning to maximize vehicle utilization and reduce turnaround time (TAT).
• Monitor adherence to delivery schedules, ensuring high levels of on-time, in-full (OTIF) performance.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards in transportation.
• Effective inventory Planning & Tracking leveraging SAP inventory management to monitor stocks levels, movements and Shelf life through FIFO / LIFO methods.
• Conduct periodic stocks audits physically and ensure it is reconciled with SAP stocks to ensure accuracy.
• Continuous monitoring of Stocks losses, damages or expiry and implement best warehouse practices to minimize financial losses
• Maintain strong internal controls and comply with regulatory standards, supported by thorough documentation for audit trails and financial transparency.
• Manage the entire company distribution fleet, ensuring roadworthiness, regulatory compliance, and preventive maintenance.
• Oversee workshop operations, including repair planning, spare parts management, and maintenance cost control.
• Implement systems to track vehicle performance, downtime, and utilization rates.
• Develop and enforce fuel usage monitoring systems to track and reduce fuel consumption per delivery unit.
• Implement fuel control measures to prevent pilferage and wastage.
• Negotiate with fuel suppliers for optimal pricing and supply terms.
• Monitor and analyze distribution costs, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, driver allowances, and outsourced logistics.
• Develop and implement cost reduction initiatives without compromising service levels.
• Track cost-to-serve metrics and report variances against budget.
• Establish and monitor TAT benchmarks for loading, transit, and unloading processes.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements to reduce delays and improve delivery cycles.
• Work closely with the sales team to align distribution capacity with market demand.
• Support sales promotions and new product launches with adequate distribution planning.
• Resolve distribution-related customer complaints promptly.
• Lead, motivate, and develop distribution, fleet, and workshop teams to achieve operational excellence.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and training to enhance team capability.
• Enforce company policies, health & safety protocols, and discipline within the distribution team.

• Strategic Thinking
• Operational Excellence
• Leadership
• Decision Making
• Communication
• Analytical skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Negotiation skills
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP B1)
• Proficiency in route optimization tools

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum 7–10 years’ experience in distribution, logistics, or supply chain management, preferably in FMCG or manufacturing.
• Proven experience managing fleet operations, cost control, and distribution networks in a high-volume environment.
• Valid driver’s license.