National Trade Centre Manager

**Date**:Sep 6, 2024

**Location**: Willawong, AU

**Company**:AkzoNobel

**About AkzoNobel**

Since 1792, we've been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people's lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands - including International, Sikkens and Interpon - is trusted by customers around the globe. We're active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It's what you'd expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that's dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today - while creating an even better tomorrow. Let's paint the future together.

2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

**About The Opportunity**:
**We will count on you to**:

- Oversee and enhance the efficiency of Trade Centre operations to meet ANZ Distribution targets and exceed customer expectations. This involves streamlining processes, implementing best practices, and ensuring that all operations are aligned with company goals.
- Manage site services activities at the Willawong site, including work permit management and compliance audits. Ensure that all site services are conducted in accordance with regulatory requirements and company policies to maintain a safe and compliant working environment.
- Monitor Trade Centre Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) through regular reviews and detailed analysis. Conduct monthly reviews to identify performance gaps, develop action plans to address these gaps, and continuously monitor progress to drive improvement.
- Control personnel and operating costs within the Trade Centres. Optimise local delivery and freight-related costs by negotiating with suppliers, improving logistics processes, and implementing cost-saving initiatives without compromising service quality.
- Lead investigations into customer complaints, develop action plans to resolve issues, and implement controls to prevent recurrence. Ensure that all customer complaints are handled promptly and effectively to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Conduct regular Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) and Quality audits on Trade Centres and transport providers. Ensure full compliance with HSE and Quality standards set by the company. Utilise incident report systems and root cause analysis to address any non-compliance issues.
- Provide strong leadership to Trade Centre teams, fostering a culture of integrity, engagement, and continuous improvement. Train and develop staff to enhance their product knowledge and customer engagement skills, ensuring they can effectively meet customer needs.
- Maintain a high standard of customer service through effective communication and coordination with Trade Centres, 3PL providers, Customer Service teams, and Commercial colleagues. Ensure that customer inquiries and issues are resolved efficiently and satisfactorily.
- Facilitate monthly Trade Centre continuous improvement meetings to identify opportunities for process enhancements and operational efficiencies. Develop and implement continuous improvement objectives to drive performance and service quality.
- Monitor and manage transport costs within the Trade Centre network. Ensure adherence to rate cards, optimize transport costs, and create purchase orders for various transport providers. Approve invoices and ensure accurate financial management.

**To be successful you should have**:

- Previous experience in a similar role, such as Warehouse Manager, Distribution Center Manager, or Logistics Manager.
- Proven management and leadership skills, with experience managing small teams across a large geographic area.
- Ability to inspire and motivate teams, drive performance, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
- Strong safety orientation with a thorough understanding of HSE regulations and standards.
- Experience in conducting safety audits and implementing safety improvement initiatives.
- Proficiency in using SAP Logistics and other relevant software tools for order and distribution management.
- Strong understanding of end-to-end order and distribution processes.
- Excellent customer service skills with the ability to effectively communicate and coordinate with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain positive relationships.
- Excellent problem-solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Ability to identify issues, develop solutions, and implement corrective actions to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.
- Strong financial management skills with experience in controlling costs, managing budgets, and optimising logistics expenses.
- Ability to analyze financial data and make informed decisions to achieve cost savings.
- High levels of resilience and the ability to work under pressure with mínimal s