Supply Chain & Despatch Operations Leadership Role – Baking Business Unit

RCL Foods is recruiting for a driven, highly energised Senior Despatch Controller within the Baking Business Unit. This permanent position is based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and reports directly to the General Manager.

The successful candidate will be responsible for organising and managing the day-to-day operations of the company’s despatch department. This includes ensuring all procedures are followed in accordance with standard operating procedures, overseeing cash sales and damage sales, supervising loading and offloading of trucks, and maintaining accurate record-keeping processes.

This role is suited to experienced supply chain professionals with supervisory expertise in distribution environments, particularly within FMCG operations.

Purpose of the Role

The Senior Despatch Controller is responsible for overseeing the full despatch function within the baking business unit. The role ensures that operational processes are executed efficiently, stock movements are accurately recorded, and financial controls are maintained.

The position plays a critical role in ensuring product flow from production to distribution is well managed, stock integrity is maintained, and operational procedures are consistently applied.

This role contributes directly to supply chain efficiency, cost control, and overall business performance.

Key Responsibilities

Despatch Sales Management

The Senior Despatch Controller must manage and ensure strict adherence to standard operating procedures related to cash sales and damage sales. All transactional processes must be monitored to ensure accuracy, accountability, and compliance with company policies.

Loading of Trucks

The role includes managing the loading of trucks and ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures related to the loading process. Proper coordination must be maintained to ensure that trucks are loaded accurately and efficiently.

Returns Management

The Senior Despatch Controller must manage procedures related to returns and damages, ensuring accurate documentation and adherence to standard operating procedures.

Crate Control

Full control of the crate function must be maintained. Accurate daily reporting of crate movements and balances is required to ensure proper asset management and minimise losses.

Cost Control

The role includes assisting with the preparation of the annual budget prior to the start of the new financial year. Expenses must be monitored and controlled against budget allocations, and deviations must be reported accordingly.

Cost efficiency must be ensured in relation to all expenditure within the despatch department.

Transactional Duties

Accurate stock counts must be conducted after every shift. Variances identified during stock counts must be analysed and reported.

The Senior Despatch Controller must ensure that production transfers are agreed upon and signed off with production teams.

Bread reconciliation must balance daily, ensuring that all stock movements are accounted for accurately.

Monthly KPI reports must be prepared and presented to the senior management team, highlighting performance indicators, variances, and operational insights.

People Management

Daily objectives must be set for staff to ensure productivity and value addition to the business.

Weekly staff performance must be managed, with regular feedback provided. Disciplinary action must be taken when necessary, and recognition must be given where performance standards are met or exceeded.

Formal performance reviews must be conducted twice yearly with despatch controllers.

Monthly meetings must be held with staff to discuss operational updates and performance expectations.

Leave planning must be managed effectively to ensure no leave is forfeited and operational continuity is maintained.

Rosters must be established to ensure proper team coverage.

Participation in recruitment processes for new employees is required.

General Responsibilities

The Senior Despatch Controller must attend inter-departmental meetings and provide input related to despatch operations.

The despatch area must be maintained in a clean and orderly condition at all times to ensure compliance with operational standards.

Minimum Requirements

Matric

Tertiary qualification in Logistics or Supply Chain Management

Minimum 5 years supervisory or management experience in distribution

FMCG experience

Experience working with JDE advantageous

Good numeracy skills

Good computer literacy, especially Excel and email

Candidates applying for this senior despatch controller job must demonstrate strong supervisory experience within FMCG distribution environments and possess solid numerical and reporting capability.

Technical and Professional Skills

Strong knowledge of despatch and distribution processes

Experience managing cash sales and damage sales

Stock control and reconciliation expertise

Budget monitoring and cost control capability

KPI reporting and data analysis skills

Supervisory and team leadership capability

Ability to enforce standard operating procedures

Strong organisational and planning ability

These competencies are essential for professionals seeking despatch controller jobs and supply chain management careers within FMCG operations.

Work Environment and Operational Focus

This role operates within a baking distribution environment in Durban. The position requires structured supervision of despatch operations, coordination with production teams, and management of stock and financial controls.

The Senior Despatch Controller must ensure compliance with operational procedures, maintain accurate reporting, and drive performance within the despatch department.

The environment demands accountability, attention to detail, and strong leadership to ensure operational efficiency.

Employment Details

Position: Senior Despatch Controller
Reference Number: RCL260211-2
Company: RCL Foods
Function: Supply Chain
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Closing Date: 25 February 2026

Applicants who do not receive feedback after the recruitment process may consider their application unsuccessful.

Employment Equity

RCL Foods supports fair and responsible employment practices in line with company policy and applicable labour legislation.

Apply for Senior Despatch Controller – Durban

Qualified candidates with distribution management experience and strong FMCG supply chain exposure are encouraged to apply before the closing date.

👉 Apply for Senior Despatch Controller – Durban

Applications close on 25 February 2026.

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