Group Supply Chain Manager

SUMMARY:
Our client is an international heavy industrial manufacturing group with operations in several countries. They are looking for a dynamic, decisive Group Supply Chain Manager who acts fast, adapts easily to change and is comfortable with extensive international travel.

Purpose of the Role
The Group Supply Chain Manager will own the group’s inbound value chain. The aim is to secure the right materials and external capacity at the lowest sustainable landed cost, in the right place and at the right time, for all manufacturing and distribution operations. This is a decision-making role, not a coordinating role.

POSITION INFO:
Location and Travel Mauritius is the primary place of work At least one week per month at the manufacturing operation in Gauteng, South Africa At least two supplier visits per year to China, with further travel to Europe, India and other supply markets as required Total travel of approximately 35 to 45 percent Key Responsibilities Lead and develop a multi-country supply chain team covering procurement, planning and logistics Own group category strategies across steel and plate, polyurethane and chemicals, rubber compound, bearings and shafting, castings and forgings, drives and motors, fasteners, consumables and freight Identify, qualify, appoint and negotiate with suppliers within delegated authority, including direct sourcing in China Operate supplier scorecards, drive corrective action and develop strategic suppliers Own the group supply plan and provide supply chain inputs to the monthly demand and supply reconciliation (S&OP) Own group inventory policy, days of inventory on hand, and excess and obsolete stock Own inbound and intercompany logistics, freight tendering, Incoterms, customs and duty optimisation Own the landed cost model with Finance and deliver verified year-on-year cost reductions Maintain the supply risk register and ensure alternate sources for critical items Ensure distributors and service parts are replenished reliably Own supply chain master data accuracy in SYSPRO and drive process automation Bring supplier technology, alternative materials and cost-down opportunities to Engineering and Operations Minimum Requirements Degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Commerce 12 years or more in industrial procurement and supply chain, of which at least 5 years in a group or multi-country role with delegated buying authority Category depth in at least two of: steel and plate, polymers and chemicals, rubber compound, bearings and power transmission, castings and forgings Proven direct sourcing from China (supplier identification, audit, qualification and negotiation without an agent) Demonstrated ownership of an S&OP or demand and supply reconciliation cycle Hands-on ERP experience (SYSPRO preferred), including MRP, item master, lead times and purchase pricing International logistics experience covering Incoterms, customs, and imports and exports into Africa, South America, Australia and Asia Ability to build and defend a landed cost model and present verified savings to a CFO Ability to read a bill of materials and understand fabrication, moulding, machining and assembly processes Experience in a multi-entity group with cross-border intercompany supply Fluent business English Advantageous Experience building a procurement or supply chain function from the ground up Background in mining, bulk materials handling or heavy industrial aftermarket supply French language skills Personal Attributes Dynamic, decisive and quick to act Adapts easily to change and shifting priorities Strong commercial negotiator with analytical rigour Willing and able to relocate to Mauritius and travel extensively