Head of Warehousing &Logistics

Job Description

• Woodlands Dairy is seeking an experienced, results-driven Head of Department: Warehouse & Logistics to lead and optimise our national warehousing, fleet management, and distribution operations. This role is pivotal in ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective movement of raw materials, milk, and finished products across our supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy & Operations: Oversee national distribution networks, primary/secondary transport, and depot operations to meet key delivery targets and service levels.
• Warehousing & Inventory: Manage on-site and off-site storage, ensuring inventory accuracy, batch traceability, stock-loss control, and strict FIFO/FEFO compliance.
• Milk Transport & Fleet: Direct farm milk collection, tanker utilisation, and vehicle maintenance while monitoring driver safety, telematics, and fuel efficiency.
• Third- Party Logistics & Partner Management: Drive service provider performance, manage SLAs and contracts, and handle claims for all outsourced transport and warehousing partners.
• Customer Delivery Performance: Ensure on-time, in-full OTIF deliveries while coordinating with Sales, Planning, and Manufacturing to manage returns and delivery exceptions.
• Compliance & Safety: Maintain cold-chain integrity, food safety GMP, load security, and full compliance with OHS and environmental regulations.
• Financial Management: Develop and manage operating budgets, track cost variances, and implement sustainable cost-saving initiatives.
• Leadership: Lead, mentor, and build high-performing warehouse and logistics teams, driving a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Knowledge and Skills

• Relevant Degree or Diploma in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transport Management, Operations Management, or a related field is required.
• A postgraduate qualification or relevant professional certification will be advantageous.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in logistics, transport, warehousing, or supply chain operations, including at least 5 years in a senior multi-site leadership role.
• Proven experience managing national or regional distribution networks, warehousing operations, owned fleets, and third-party logistics providers.
• FMCG, food, beverage, or dairy industry experience is preferred.
• Experience in milk collection or bulk liquid food transport will be advantageous.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, financial, and organisational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, manage, and control operational budgets and deliver measurable cost efficiencies.
• Strong project management capability with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven leadership ability with experience building and developing high-performing teams.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and make informed business decisions.
• Strong negotiation, influencing, and relationship management skills.
• High levels of professionalism, accountability, resilience, and attention to detail.
• Advanced knowledge of logistics, transport, warehousing, fleet management, inventory control, and supply chain best practices.