Applications are invited for the DISTRIBUTION & LOGISTICS MANAGER position within Baker’s Inn Retail – Northern Region, Harare.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Logistics
- Closing Date: 2026-09-10
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee national distribution operations, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of products to outlets and customers.
- Develop and optimise delivery routes, schedules, fleet utilisation, and logistics processes to improve service efficiency and reduce costs.
- Coordinate with Operations, Shop Managers, Complex Managers, and Regional teams to ensure products and raw materials reach the correct destinations on time.
- Monitor stock movements, delivery performance, transport costs, fuel consumption, and distribution efficiency, taking corrective action where required.
- Oversee fleet management, including vehicle tracking, licensing, insurance, servicing, repairs, statutory requirements, and accident procedures.
- Lead the distribution team through effective scheduling, daily briefings, performance management, discipline, welfare, and conflict resolution.
- Analyse demand and operational requirements to prepare for peak periods and ensure adequate distribution capacity.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, transport procedures, safety requirements, and operational standards.
Requirements
- A Degree in Purchasing and Supply, Warehouse and Logistics, Transport and Logistics, Business Management, or a related field. An Administration or Accounting qualification will be an added advantage.
- At least 3 years’ experience in warehousing, logistics, distribution, or fleet management, with proven supervisory or management experience.
- Strong knowledge of logistics operations, route planning, fleet management, stock control, and cost management.
- A clean Class 2 Driver’s Licence is required.
How to Apply
Apply by email: [email protected]
About the Company
Baker’s Inn, a flagship brand under Simbisa Brands Limited, leads Zimbabwe's bakery sector with extensive retail operations. The company is dedicated to the daily production and wide-reaching distribution of high-quality bread, rolls, and confectionery products nationwide. Through a robust supply chain and a vast network of thousands of vendors and retail points, Baker's Inn ensures its fresh baked goods are readily accessible to communities across Zimbabwe, from major cities to rural areas. This expansive retail presence underscores its role as a vital contributor to the nation's food security and daily consumer needs, maintaining consistent product availability and quality.
Baker's Inn: Your Daily Bread. Delivering freshness across Zimbabwe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a Distribution & Logistics Manager role in Zimbabwe?
A bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field is commonly required. Professional certifications such as CILT(Z) (Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Zimbabwe) or CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) are highly valued and often preferred by employers. Relevant work experience in retail logistics—especially within Zimbabwe’s FMCG or food retail sector—is usually considered equally important as formal qualifications.
What does a typical day look like for a Distribution & Logistics Manager at a retail chain like Baker’s Inn in Zimbabwe?
Daily responsibilities include coordinating inbound deliveries from suppliers, managing warehouse operations, scheduling and tracking store replenishment runs, and liaising with transport contractors across Harare, Bulawayo, and other major centres. You’ll also handle customs documentation for imported goods, resolve last-mile delivery delays due to fuel shortages or road conditions, and ensure compliance with ZIMRA and ZTA regulations on transport permits and cargo manifests.
How does the local work culture in Zimbabwe affect expectations for this role?
Employers expect strong interpersonal skills to manage relationships with drivers, warehouse staff, and regional store managers—often requiring face-to-face coordination due to intermittent internet access outside urban areas. Punctuality, adaptability during load-shedding or fuel queue disruptions, and a solutions-oriented approach to logistical bottlenecks are culturally embedded expectations. Respect for hierarchy and clear communication through mobile phones (WhatsApp/voice calls) remain standard practice in daily operations.
What realistic career progression paths exist for someone starting in this role in Zimbabwe?
With 3–5 years’ experience, professionals often progress to Senior Logistics Manager or Head of Supply Chain roles within larger retail groups or FMCG distributors. Some transition into consultancy, especially supporting SMEs with ZIMRA-compliant import logistics or cold-chain setup. Others pursue further study locally (e.g., UNISA postgraduate diplomas) or internationally to qualify for regional roles with multinationals operating in SADC markets.
What benefits can I realistically expect—such as leave, medical aid, or pension—in this role?
Formal sector employers typically offer 22–30 days annual leave, statutory sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave per Zimbabwean labour law. Medical aid (e.g., NSSA-affiliated schemes or private providers like MASH) and pension contributions via NSSA or a registered provident fund are common, though coverage depth varies by employer size and financial capacity. Some retailers also provide transport allowances or fuel subsidies given prevailing mobility challenges.
How should I apply, and what do Zimbabwean employers specifically look for in candidates for this role?
Applications are usually submitted via email or LinkedIn, often requiring a detailed CV highlighting Zimbabwe-specific logistics experience—such as managing cross-border shipments from South Africa or navigating Harare’s freight corridors. Employers prioritise proven problem-solving in resource-constrained environments, familiarity with local transport regulations (ZTA, ZIMRA), and evidence of team leadership in high-turnover operational settings. References from previous Zimbabwe-based supervisors carry significant weight during shortlisting.