About the position
Role Purpose
The Dispatch Manager is responsible for overseeing and optimising all dispatch and delivery operations to ensure accurate, efficient, and timely order fulfilment within a busy industrial and general hardware environment.
The role focuses on managing dispatch staff, coordinating deliveries, maintaining stock accuracy, and improving operational efficiency across outbound logistics operations.
This position requires a hands-on operational leader capable of managing people, processes, vehicles, and workflow in a fast-paced distribution setting.
Key Responsibilities
Dispatch & Logistics Management
- Oversee daily dispatch operations and outbound delivery scheduling.
- Ensure all customer orders are picked, checked, and dispatched accurately and on time.
- Coordinate closely with Sales, Warehouse, and Receiving departments.
- Monitor dispatch workflow and prioritise urgent deliveries.
- Maintain accurate dispatch documentation and delivery records.
- Ensure operational efficiency and adherence to dispatch procedures.
Route Planning & Fleet Coordination
- Plan and optimise delivery routes across Johannesburg and surrounding areas.
- Allocate vehicles and drivers according to delivery volumes and priorities.
- Monitor driver performance and delivery timelines.
- Minimise delivery delays, damages, and logistical inefficiencies.
- Maintain oversight of vehicle scheduling and utilisation.
Team Leadership & Staff Management
- Supervise dispatch staff, drivers, and loaders.
- Manage daily staffing allocations and workflow planning.
- Enforce discipline, productivity standards, and accountability.
- Train, coach, and develop dispatch team members.
- Promote teamwork and maintain a positive operational culture.
Stock Control & Accuracy
- Monitor stock movement between warehouse and dispatch.
- Ensure correct loading procedures and verification processes.
- Prevent stock losses, damages, and discrepancies.
- Maintain strong coordination with inventory and receiving teams.
Customer Service & Problem Resolution
- Resolve delivery queries, shortages, and dispatch-related issues promptly.
- Liaise with internal departments to ensure service excellence.
- Maintain professional communication when handling operational challenges.
Operational Compliance & Safety
- Maintain housekeeping and safety standards within dispatch areas.
- Ensure compliance with operational and health & safety procedures.
- Implement and maintain dispatch control and tracking systems.
- Identify and implement improvements to dispatch turnaround times.
Minimum Requirements
- Proven experience in a Dispatch Supervisor or Dispatch Manager role.
- Experience within industrial hardware, building materials, paint, timber, FMCG distribution, or related industries will be advantageous.
- Strong leadership and staff management skills.
- Computer literate (Email, Excel, invoicing or dispatch systems).
- Ability to work under pressure and manage strict deadlines.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving ability.
- Valid driver's licence preferred.
- Reliable, trustworthy, and disciplined work ethic.
Preferred Experience
Exposure to:
- Hardware or building supply environments
- High-volume dispatch operations
- Multi-drop delivery coordination
- Fleet scheduling and route optimisation
- Warehouse and logistics operations
Key Competencies
- Operational leadership
- Logistics coordination
- Staff supervision and discipline management
- Planning and organisational ability
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Strong communication skills
- Problem-solving capability
- Time management and prioritisation
Personal Attributes
- Proactive and hands-on management style
- Strong sense of ownership and accountability
- Ability to work calmly under pressure
- Solution-driven mindset
- Team-oriented approach
- High level of integrity and reliability
Working Environment
- Busy industrial hardware and warehouse setting.
- High daily dispatch volumes.
- Fast-paced and deadline-driven operational environment.
Success Measures
The successful candidate will:
- Improve dispatch turnaround times.
- Reduce delivery errors and stock discrepancies.
- Maintain high staff productivity and operational efficiency.
- Ensure consistent on-time deliveries.
- Strengthen coordination between dispatch, warehouse, and sales teams.
***Salary - R15,000.00 (Negotiable, based on skills, experience and in relation to current package)
Desired Skills:
