Zanele Malesela
Boksburg,South Africa
Summary
Accomplished leader with over 12 years of progressive experience in FMCG, manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and distribution. Expert in leading large-scale operations and delivering productivity improvements, cost reductions, and service enhancements through Lean and Operational Excellence methodologies. Demonstrated success in directing complex projects such as multi-site plant consolidations while maintaining business continuity. Skilled in S&OP, capacity planning, workforce optimisation, compliance, and performance management. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage stakeholder relationships to drive sustainable business results.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work history
Depot Manager
Diplomat Distribution SA
2025.01 - 2026.06
- Accountable for overall depot management, ensuring national service delivery, quality control, and compliance with regulatory and corporate standards.
- Partner with Business Unit and Category Leads in S&OP processes to drive effective supply chain execution and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Lead EHS and Risk audit compliance; implemented emergency response and safety programs resulting in zero Lost Time Incidents (LTI).
- Analyze logistics performance data and implement corrective actions to optimize transportation efficiency, inventory flow, and resource utilization.
- Oversee financial performance of the depot, ensuring budget compliance and cost reduction through process optimization and operational efficiency.
- Lead cross-functional teams to achieve operational targets while maintaining high service levels and customer satisfaction.
- Key Achievements
- Achieved zero Lost Time Incidents through proactive safety and compliance management.
- Improved operational efficiency through logistics performance analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Successfully managed depot budgets while driving cost reduction and service excellence.
Warehouse Operations Manager
Diplomat SA
2023.10 - 2024.12
- Developed and operationalized logistics masterplans to enhance OTIF delivery and overall warehouse efficiency.
- Implemented Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies, achieving a 30% reduction in order processing time and a 15% increase in productivity.
- Maintained warehouse utilization between 70%–85%, balancing efficiency and storage optimization.
- Controlled operational expenditure by managing overtime, forklift maintenance, and resource allocation.
- Established and maintained SLAs with service providers, improving delivery reliability and client satisfaction.
- Designed depot logistics strategy aligned with corporate goals and operational requirements.
- Co-led diversity, inclusion, and leadership programs that improved employee engagement scores by 23%.
- Key Achievements
- Reduced order processing time by 30%.
- Increased warehouse productivity by 15%.
- Improved employee engagement by 23%.
- Optimized warehouse utilization and operational expenditure.
SPL Warehouse Specialist / Operational Excellence Lead
PepsiCo – Isando Manufacturing Plant
2022.06 - 2023.09
- Optimized route planning and load scheduling, reducing delivery time by 25% and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Improved inventory tracking accuracy to 98%, minimizing losses and strengthening operational control.
- Negotiated supplier contracts that reduced material costs by 10%, directly improving profitability.
- Facilitated stakeholder alignment through performance reviews, reporting dashboards, and operational governance forums.
- Analysed end-to-end operational and supply chain processes across warehousing, logistics, and project initiatives to identify improvement opportunities.
- Identified and eliminated process inefficiencies, bottlenecks, rework, and non-value-adding activities to improve operational performance.
- Designed and implemented lean, standardized, and scalable operational processes aligned with best-practice methodologies.
- Developed and maintained Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), workflow maps, process controls, and operational documentation.
- Collaborated with project managers, engineering teams, and cross-functional stakeholders to improve operational effectiveness and service delivery.
- Analysed project and operational performance metrics including cost variance, schedule adherence, productivity, and operational KPIs.
- Key Achievements
- Reduced delivery lead times by 25%.
- Increased inventory accuracy to 98%.
- Delivered 10% supplier cost savings.
- Improved operational efficiency through process standardization and Lean implementation.
- Strengthened governance, audit readiness, and compliance controls.
- Led the consolidation of three manufacturing plants into a single mega plant, optimizing operational efficiency, reducing overhead costs, improving resource utilization, and enhancing end-to-end supply chain performance.
DC Logistics Manager
PepsiCo – Robertville Distribution Centre
2021.04 - 2022.06
- Led a workforce of more than 60 employees across warehouse and logistics operations.
- Reduced staff turnover by 15% through leadership development and workforce engagement.
- Reduced operational expenses by 25% through strategic workforce planning and process optimization.
- Consolidated three distribution centres into a single efficient hub, improving order processing time by 12%.
- Achieved 99% product availability for key SKUs through data-driven inventory management.
- Managed budgets, Capex forecasting, and supplier contracts, delivering 12% year-to-date savings.
- Implemented SDCA, Lean, and 5S methodologies to strengthen operational excellence and safety performance.
- Key Achievements
- Reduced operational costs by 25%.
- Improved order processing efficiency by 12%.
- Achieved 99% product availability.
- Delivered 12% annual savings through budget and supplier management.
Warehouse Manager
South African Breweries (SAB)
2019.01 - 2021.05
- Managed end-to-end warehouse operations, inventory control, and distribution support activities.
- Led warehouse teams to achieve safety, quality, productivity, and service objectives.
- Implemented continuous improvement initiatives to optimize warehouse performance and customer service.
- Ensured compliance with company standards, safety regulations, and operational procedures.
Logistics Coordinator
South African Breweries (SAB)
2015.04 - 2018.12
- Coordinated transportation, warehousing, inventory movement, and distribution activities.
- Monitored logistics performance and implemented corrective actions to improve service levels.
- Managed operational reporting, supplier relationships, and customer service requirements.
Operations Trainee / Supply Chain Graduate
South African Breweries (SAB)
2014.01 - 2015.03
- Participated in supply chain, logistics, warehousing, and continuous improvement projects.
- Supported operational planning, process improvement, and performance reporting initiatives.
Part-Time Sales Administrator
Vendor Logistics
2013.01 - 2013.12
- Supported sales administration, customer service, reporting, and operational activities.
- Maintained accurate records and documentation to support business operations.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) - Business Administration
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Bachelor of Technology (BTech) - Operations Management
University of South Africa (UNISA)
National Diploma - Operations Management
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
Skills
- 12 years of progressive leadership experience in FMCG, manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and distribution
- Successfully led large-scale warehouse, depot, and distribution operations across nationally recognized organizations
- Delivered significant productivity improvements, cost reductions, and service enhancements through Lean and Operational Excellence methodologies
- Extensive experience in S&OP, capacity planning, workforce optimization, compliance, and performance management
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and drive sustainable business results
- Directed a multi-site plant consolidation project, integrating three manufacturing facilities into a centralized mega plant while maintaining business continuity, improving productivity, and standardizing operational processes
Timeline
Depot Manager
Diplomat Distribution SA
2025.01 - 2026.06
Warehouse Operations Manager
Diplomat SA
2023.10 - 2024.12
SPL Warehouse Specialist / Operational Excellence Lead
PepsiCo – Isando Manufacturing Plant
2022.06 - 2023.09
DC Logistics Manager
PepsiCo – Robertville Distribution Centre
2021.04 - 2022.06
Warehouse Manager
South African Breweries (SAB)
2019.01 - 2021.05
Logistics Coordinator
South African Breweries (SAB)
2015.04 - 2018.12
Operations Trainee / Supply Chain Graduate
South African Breweries (SAB)
2014.01 - 2015.03
Part-Time Sales Administrator
Vendor Logistics
2013.01 - 2013.12
Bachelor of Technology (BTech) - Operations Management
University of South Africa (UNISA)
National Diploma - Operations Management
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) - Business Administration
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)