The role of a Brewery Logistics Manager at AB InBev, located in Dar es Salaam, is a multifaceted position that demands a high level of responsibility and expertise. This role is crucial in ensuring that the brewery’s operations run smoothly, safely, and efficiently. AB InBev, a leading brewery company, emphasizes a culture of dreaming big, continuous improvement, and fostering an environment where passion, talent, and curiosity thrive.
Safety and Compliance Management
Implementing Safety Standards
One of the primary responsibilities of the Brewery Logistics Manager is to implement and uphold AB InBev’s safety standards. This involves ensuring that both brewery and regional distribution operations comply with legal and ethical standards, particularly those specified in the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, Road Transport Act, and Governance Codes relevant to safety and fleet management. The manager must maintain a safe and healthy work environment for all stakeholders.
To achieve this, the manager actively promotes safety protocols and conducts regular training sessions for staff to ensure they are well-informed and compliant with the necessary regulations. Furthermore, a culture of safety is instilled through regular communication and the consistent enforcement of safety rules. Continuous monitoring and updating of safety procedures also play a crucial role in preempting potential hazards and maintaining a secure workplace.
Conducting Safety Reviews
Quarterly and annual safety reviews are mandatory to identify risks and implement appropriate mitigation plans. The manager is responsible for sustaining a robust Safety Incident Observation (SIO) system. Additionally, the operational condition of the brewery fleet must be rigorously maintained to ensure safety and efficiency.
In conducting these reviews, the manager examines all aspects of the logistics operations, from vehicle maintenance to warehouse conditions, ensuring that every component meets AB InBev’s strict safety criteria. Any identified risks are promptly addressed with strategic solutions designed to prevent future incidents. These comprehensive reviews are essential for maintaining an environment where both employees and products can operate safely and effectively.
Quality Assurance and Inventory Management
Adherence to Quality Guidelines
Quality assurance is a critical aspect of the Brewery Logistics Manager’s duties. This involves adherence to quality guidelines provided by the Zone to ensure customers receive stock that meets AB InBev’s high standards. A stringent mechanism to block and manage stock is essential to prevent compromised stock from affecting internal and external stakeholders.
Strict quality control measures are enforced throughout the entire supply chain, from production to delivery. The Brewery Logistics Manager works closely with the production and quality control teams to verify that all products meet the established quality benchmarks. By maintaining these high standards, AB InBev ensures that its reputation for delivering top-quality beverages remains intact, reinforcing consumer trust and satisfaction.
Proactive Inventory Management
Proactive management of finished goods inventories to avoid write-offs due to stock age is emphasized. The manager must collaborate with Planning, Sales, and Supply teams to optimize inventory management. This collaborative approach ensures that inventory levels are maintained efficiently and effectively.
By employing advanced inventory management techniques and technologies, the manager can accurately forecast demand and adjust stock levels accordingly. This reduces the risk of overproduction and underproduction, ensuring that the brewery’s operations are both cost-effective and responsive to market needs. Effective inventory management also minimizes waste, which is critical for maintaining sustainability standards and optimizing the overall supply chain performance.
DPO and VPO Process Management
Meeting Routines and SOPs
The management of DPO (Dream People Organization) and VPO (Vision People Organization) processes is a recurring theme in the job responsibilities. The manager must ensure that mandatory meeting routines at daily, weekly, and monthly intervals are followed according to DPO/VPO guidelines. Conducting daily logistics meetings and standardizing processes through Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are essential activities.
Regular meetings provide a platform for discussing operational challenges, sharing updates, and aligning team goals with organizational objectives. These meetings also facilitate open communication and collaboration across different departments, fostering a cohesive work environment. The use of SOPs ensures consistency and efficiency in operations, as all team members adhere to standardized procedures, thereby reducing errors and enhancing productivity.
Monitoring and Improving Work Standards
Utilizing Operational Work Diagnoses (OWDs) to monitor and improve work standards is crucial. The manager is responsible for handling out-of-range Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) by applying suitable problem-solving tools. This ensures that the brewery’s operations are continuously improving and meeting the set standards.
By closely monitoring KPIs, the manager can identify areas that require improvement and implement corrective actions. This proactive approach enables the brewery to maintain high operational standards, drive continuous improvement, and achieve business objectives. Regular performance assessments and the adoption of best practices also contribute to a culture of excellence and innovation within the organization.
Service Level Maintenance
Carrier Relationships
Developing and maintaining strong relationships with Tier 1 and Tier 2 carriers is essential to ensure continuous brewery throughput. The manager must engage with Planning Teams to manage glass availability and sales requirements. This ensures that the brewery can meet its production and sales targets effectively.
Building robust relationships with carriers involves regular communication and collaboration to ensure that transportation needs are met efficiently. The manager negotiates favorable terms, monitors carrier performance, and addresses any issues that arise to maintain smooth operations. Effective management of carrier relationships is crucial for ensuring timely and reliable delivery of products to customers.
Managing SLAs
Stringent adherence to inventory policies within the warehouse is necessary to maintain service levels. Additionally, the manager must manage and monitor Service Level Agreements (SLAs) weekly with Fleet, Quality, and Sales/Customer Interaction Centers to optimize performance and mitigate packaging downtime.
Regular evaluation of SLAs helps identify any gaps in service delivery and provides opportunities for improvement. The manager works closely with different departments to ensure that service standards are consistently met or exceeded. This collaborative approach enhances customer satisfaction and supports the brewery’s commitment to delivering high-quality products on time.
Cost Management
Budget Adherence
Cost management plays a vital role in this position. The manager must enforce strict adherence to flexed budgets with delivery, warehouse, fleet, safety, and inventory management teams. This ensures that the brewery’s operations are cost-effective and within budget.
Effective cost management requires a comprehensive understanding of the brewery’s financial processes and the ability to analyze expenditure patterns. The manager ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and that spending aligns with budgetary constraints. By closely monitoring expenses and implementing cost-saving measures, the manager helps optimize the brewery’s financial performance.
Accountability for Expenditures
The manager assumes overall accountability for Brewery Logistics expenditures. This involves ensuring alignment with package owners and providing detailed accounts of over/underspends on a weekly and monthly basis. Effective cost management is crucial for the financial health of the brewery.
Regular financial reporting and analysis enable the manager to identify variances and take corrective actions promptly. By maintaining transparency and accountability in financial matters, the manager supports the brewery’s strategic goals and contributes to its long-term success. Effective fiscal management also ensures that the brewery can invest in growth opportunities and maintain its competitive edge.
People Management
Aligning Goals and Industrial Relations
People management is an overarching theme that entails aligning shop floor goals and maintaining robust industrial relations. The manager must foster open communication channels and address issues from Engagement Survey results. This ensures a harmonious and productive work environment.
Establishing trust and collaboration among team members is essential for achieving operational excellence. The manager implements strategies that promote employee engagement, satisfaction, and professional development. By addressing concerns and recognizing achievements, the manager cultivates a positive work culture that enhances morale and productivity.
Talent Recruitment and Development
The manager is responsible for recruiting talent, building strategy pipelines, conducting 180-degree performance reviews, and implementing improvement plans or disciplinary actions as necessary. Effective people management ensures that the brewery has a skilled and motivated workforce.
Attracting and retaining top talent requires a strategic approach to recruitment and development. The manager identifies skill gaps, designs training programs, and mentors employees to ensure they reach their full potential. Regular performance reviews provide valuable feedback and support continuous improvement, while clear pathways for career advancement motivate employees to excel in their roles.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
Educational and Market Knowledge
For the role, the minimum requirements include holding a logistics degree or another relevant three-year degree. Familiarity with the local market, knowledge of legislative requirements, and customer service principles are essential. These qualifications ensure that the manager is well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of the role.
The manager must also have a thorough understanding of the brewery industry, including market trends, regulatory frameworks, and customer expectations. This knowledge enables the manager to make informed decisions that align with the company’s strategic goals and drive operational success. A strong foundation in logistics and supply chain management is crucial for effectively overseeing the brewery’s complex logistics operations.
Key Skills
The role of a Brewery Logistics Manager at AB InBev, based in Dar es Salaam, is both complex and vital, demanding a high degree of responsibility and expertise. This position is key to ensuring that the brewery’s operations are executed smoothly, safely, and efficiently. AB InBev, a top brewery company, prides itself on a culture that encourages dreaming big, promotes continuous improvement, and nurtures an atmosphere where passion, talent, and curiosity are highly valued.
As a Brewery Logistics Manager, you’ll be responsible for overseeing and coordinating logistics activities, including managing supply chain operations, leading a team, and ensuring proper inventory control. The role requires close collaboration with different departments to enhance efficiency and productivity within the brewery. AB InBev looks for professionals who can contribute to a dynamic environment, emphasizing innovation and excellence in all processes. In summary, the Brewery Logistics Manager is essential to maintaining the high standards and operational success of AB InBev’s brewery in Dar es Salaam.
