Programme Manager- Warehouse & Logistics

SUMMARY:

About the Role

Our client  in Cape Town is seeking a highly experienced Programme Manager – Supply Chain & Logistics Transformation to lead one of the organisation's most critical strategic initiatives. This programme is currently ranked as the second most important strategic programme in the business, underscoring its visibility and impact across the organisation.
The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of a large-scale logistics transformation programme comprising multiple workstreams, strategic vendor partners, and complex business change activities. The programme business case and programme plan have already been approved, requiring an experienced delivery leader who can immediately drive execution, stakeholder alignment, risk mitigation, and benefits realisation.
This role requires an individual with extensive experience within Retail Supply Chain, Warehouse Operations, Distribution Centres (DCs), Logistics Networks, and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
The Programme Manager will operate at executive level and must possess the maturity, gravitas, and resilience to engage effectively with senior leadership, challenge stakeholders when necessary, manage vendors, and drive programme outcomes in a complex and demanding environment.

POSITION INFO:
Do not apply if you do not fully qualify Programme Leadership Lead the end-to-end execution of a large-scale Supply Chain and Logistics transformation programme. Manage multiple interdependent programme workstreams simultaneously. Ensure alignment between business objectives, programme outcomes, project deliverables, and operational readiness. Drive programme governance and delivery excellence across all streams. Monitor programme milestones, dependencies, budget, risks, issues, and benefits realisation. Ensure successful implementation and adoption of programme outcomes across the logistics network. Stakeholder & Executive Engagement Partner closely with the Executive for Logistics and senior business leadership. Build strong relationships with key business stakeholders, operational leaders, strategic partners, and external vendors. Facilitate executive decision-making through clear reporting and communication. Provide constructive challenge and professional pushback where required to protect programme outcomes. Drive alignment between local operations and global platform owners. Governance & Steering Committees Establish and lead Programme Governance forums. Chair and facilitate Steering Committee (Steerco) meetings. Develop executive-level programme reporting and presentations. Escalate critical risks and issues appropriately. Ensure governance standards and decision-making frameworks are adhered to throughout programme delivery. Warehouse Management System (WMS) Delivery Manage the implementation and integration of a vendor-provided Warehouse Management System solution. Work closely with global platform owners to ensure local business requirements are met. Oversee operational readiness, testing, deployment, and transition planning. Ensure solution delivery supports business objectives across distribution and fulfilment operations. Risk & Change Management Proactively identify, assess, and manage programme risks and dependencies. Resolve complex issues through stakeholder engagement and structured decision-making. Drive organisational change and adoption activities. Ensure business readiness and operational transition plans are successfully executed. Operational Engagement Regular travel to Distribution Centres and operational sites as required. Engage directly with operational teams to understand processes, challenges, and opportunities. Ensure programme decisions support day-to-day logistics and supply chain effectiveness. Essential Experience The successful candidate must have: 7+ years of programme and project delivery experience. Proven experience leading complex Supply Chain and Logistics transformation programmes. Extensive experience within a large Retail environment. Deep understanding of: Warehouse Operations Distribution Centres (DCs) Logistics Networks Inventory Management Fulfilment Operations Transportation Management Supply Chain Planning Demonstrated experience delivering Warehouse Management System (WMS) programmes. Experience managing vendor-led implementations. Experience operating within highly complex, matrix-managed environments. Proven track record of delivering programmes involving multiple concurrent workstreams. Experience working with executive stakeholders and leadership teams. Strong governance, risk management, and programme controls experience. Essential Relevant Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Information Systems, Commerce, Engineering, or related field. Preferred Programme Management Qualification MSP (Managing Successful Programmes) PgMP PMP PRINCE2 Practitioner Supply Chain or Logistics Qualification advantageous.