Route Controller - Pietermaritzburg at RCL Foods

• RCL Foods is recruiting for an energetic individual to join their sales team, the primary role of the Route Controller is to oversee the Drivers and Van Assistants, ensuring they are complying with their job functions, manage day to day operational issues and drive sales and customer service.

The following position is in Ladysmith

Minimum Requirements    
Education

• NQF level 4/5/6, matric and preferably a diploma in sales or marketing.

Skills

• Ability to read, write, understand and communicate in English.

Good numeracy.

• Good computer literacy – especially Excel and e-mail.

Experience

• Previous experience in supervising employees in sales environment, demonstrating good competence in supervision.
• Track record on sales delivery Driver’s licence a prerequisite.

General

• Expected to work over weekends and public holidays, expected to work overtime as required.
• Expected to be on stand by and to come in to assist in the event of absenteeism.

Duties & Responsibilities    
Early Morning Shift

• Assist despatch to ensure trucks loaded and despatched on time, prioritizing where necessary
• Ensure all Drivers and VA’s are present and arrange cover if absenteeism
• Daily communication on Whatsapp regarding any orders that had to be cut, driver changes, absenteeism and late deliveries
• Conduct crate count and report on Whatapp
• Accurately complete register
• Check crate sheet and follow up with drivers on outstanding balances
• Meet with Sales Supervisor to discuss each day’s challenges, the next day’s planning and crate issues
• Liaise with Customer Service Centre regarding second deliveries
• At Despatch, check on BOT’s (Bread on Truck), crate returns, bread returns and damages.
• Assist driver with action plan if necessary where BOT’s, returns and damages are higher than the norm or if problems with crate losses

Afternoon Shift

• Handover meeting with Early Morning Route Controller
• Follow up on second deliveries, ensuring they leave on time
• At Despatch, ensure correct procedure adhered to in terms of BOT’s, returns, damages and crate returns
• Verify earlier crate count
• Ensure drivers are using the vehicle safe
• Inspect trucks for any new damages/faults and report to Transport Manager
• Ensure crate sheets being completed correctly
• Train new drivers to follow the correct procedures
• Ensure drivers place order with Customer Service Centre timeously and before cash up
• Remain on site until the last truck arrives, ensuring the cash is deposited in the cash office safe
• Report problems or changes on Whatsapp before leaving

Route Rides

• Conduct x route rides weekly
• Complete Route Ride Analysis form per route ride and give feedback to Sales Supervisor within 24 hours regarding the successes, challenges and threats on the route
• Complete Pricing Monitor
• Conduct Sales Analysis, using the data to inform action plans to increase sales and distribution efficiencies
• Visit schools on routes to obtain participation in School’s Competition
• Update crate sheet
• Conduct follow up visits with Sales Supervisor or Sales Manager
• Gain 5 new customers per route ride
• Follow up on lost business and if possible, regain the customer
• Ensure customers are experiencing good customer service and if not, take action to improve it
• Look for advertising opportunities and liaise with Marketing to obtain sign boards or similar material
• Where possible, facilitate COD customers to move onto JDE
• Monitor competitor activities and take action to counter potential sales loss

People Management

• Set daily objectives for the drivers and van assistants, ensuring full productivity
• Monitor employee performance weekly and give regular feedback, taking disciplinary action when necessary and giving recognition where it’s due.
• Conduct formal performance reviews twice yearly with all Drivers and VA’s
• Conduct team meetings with Drivers and VA’s at least once a month to hear about challenges and concerns and assist to resolve the issues

General

• Must be willing to assist as a driver as and when necessary.