Distribution Manager at Work Dey HR Services

Job Summary

• We are looking for a battle-tested Distribution Manager with proven experience in building and scaling beverage distribution at similar reputable companies.

Job Purpose

• To design, build, and lead the end-to-end nationwide distribution strategy for the brand.
• The Distribution Manager will be responsible for route-to-market design, distributor management, warehouse operations, and ensuring 100% product availability across all trade channels to drive volume and revenue growth.

Key Responsibilities
Route-to-Market & Network Development:

• Design and implement a scalable nationwide RTM covering General Trade, Modern Trade, HoReCa, and Key Accounts.
• Recruit, appoint, and manage a network of primary distributors and sub-distributors across all 6 geopolitical zones.
• Define territory coverage, route structures, truck requirements, and service frequency.
• Drive market penetration targets and ensure product availability in 90% of target outlets.

Distributor & Logistics Management:

• Negotiate distributor agreements, KPIs, margins, and incentives.
• Manage distributor P&L, credit, and performance. Conduct monthly business reviews.
• Oversee fleet management, 3PLs, and secondary distribution to ensure cost efficiency and on-time delivery.
• Implement DMS and track stock, sales, returns, and collections in real-time.

Sales Execution & Availability:

• Work with the Sales Team to ensure perfect store execution: distribution, visibility, cold drink equipment, and merchandising.
• Own the “Perfect Store” and “Cold Drink Availability” metrics.
• Forecast demand and liaise with Supply Chain to prevent stockouts.
• Drive new product launches and manage trade promotions at distribution level.

Team Leadership & Capability Building:

• Build and lead a team of Regional Distribution Managers, Distributor Sales Managers, and Logistics Officers.
• Train distributors and their sales teams on company SOPs, systems, and sales processes.
• Instill a performance culture focused on volume, coverage, and cash collection.

Reporting, Budget & Compliance:

• Develop and manage the annual distribution budget.
• Monitor distribution cost-to-serve and optimize for profitability.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, food safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare weekly/monthly reports on volume, coverage, out-of-stock, and distributor health.

Key Performance Indicators

• National Distribution Coverage %.
• Volume Delivered vs Target.
• Distributor Profitability & Health Score.
• Out-of-Stock % and Perfect Store Execution.
• Cost-to-Serve and Logistics Efficiency.

Requirements
Education:

• B.Sc / HND in Business, Marketing, Logistics, or related field.
• MBA is an advantage.

Experience:

• 8-10 years FMCG experience with at least 4 years as a Distribution Manager in a beverage company.
• Must-Have Background Proven track record working reputable non-alcoholic beverage company.
• Experience launching a new brand is a strong plus.

Technical Skills:

• Deep knowledge of nationwide distribution, distributor management, and logistics in Nigeria.
• Experience with DMS, SAP, or any route accounting system.
• Strong negotiation and commercial acumen.

Other Skills:

• Data-driven, analytical, and target-oriented.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Ability to travel extensively nationwide - 50% of time.
• Resilient, hands-on, and comfortable building systems from scratch.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary: N500,000 - N1,000,000 monthly + performance bonus.
• Company vehicle + travel allowance.
• Opportunity to build a national brand from the ground up.
• Career growth in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.