Supply Chain Manager / Director

Job Description

• Positioned at executive level in a prominent FMCG manufacturing organisation, this role carries complete end-to-end operational accountability from raw material sourcing through to final customer delivery. Operating alongside the Managing Director, this position offers a direct, structured career progression opportunity from Manager to Supply Chain Director within the first year. We actively encourage applications from skilled managers seeking to progress their careers, who thrive in a supportive, team-first environment. Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Demand Planning & S&OP: Formulate and lead a cohesive monthly S&OP cadence across Sales, Marketing, NPD, Operations, and Finance to dismantle operational silos, uplift demand forecast accuracy, and consistently achieve customer service levels above 92%.
• Procurement & Supplier Governance: Lead strategic sourcing and procurement activities, negotiating robust supplier and contract packer agreements while cultivating sustainable international and local supply partnerships.
• Working Capital & Inventory Optimisation: Drive inventory management strategies to achieve an immediate 10% reduction in warehouse footprint, curbing excess and obsolete stock, minimising write-offs, and safeguarding product shelf-life and traceability.
• Logistics & Clearing Administration: Direct primary and secondary distribution networks, clearing and forwarding shipping agents, and bulk warehouse operations to maintain fluid inbound and outbound material flows.
• Proactive Supply Chain Risk Management: Design and deploy agile contingency frameworks—including secondary and tertiary supplier panels—to mitigate external disruptions, port delays, and operational bottlenecks.
• Cross-Functional Leadership & Operational Governance: Lead, mentor, and upskill the procurement and warehousing personnel, ensuring rigorous adherence to standard operating procedures, GRV systems, and product recall protocols.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Commerce, or an equivalent qualification.
• 10 years of progressive, demonstrable experience across supply chain, procurement, demand planning, and inventory management, ideally gained within an FMCG or manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated cross-functional management experience leading procurement and warehousing teams.
• Proven track record in successfully designing, institutionalising, and running an integrated monthly S&OP process.
• Sound commercial acumen with verified achievements in working-capital reduction, supplier contract negotiations, and service-level optimisation.
• Strong background in mitigating severe supply chain interruptions, managing shipping agents, handling port contingencies, and overseeing product recall protocols.
• Employment Equity alignment in accordance with the Organisation’s Employment Equity transformation plan.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant postgraduate qualification in Supply Chain Management, Operations, or Business Management (e.g., Honours, PDBA, or MBA).
• Professional certifications such as CIPS, CSCP, CPIM, or equivalent accredited professional credentials.
• Formal continuous improvement, contract management, or advanced demand-planning certifications.

Required Software Skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel (data modelling, forecasting, and analytical manipulation).
• Practical operational experience with enterprise ERP and MRP environments (e.g., SAP, Syspro, Navision, or similar).
• Demonstrated proficiency with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and dedicated Demand Planning tools.

Benefits

• Benefits & Culture
• Executive and management committee participation with direct influence on strategic and commercial direction.
• Opportunity: Clear, accelerated governance-backed career trajectory targeted to transition to Director level within 12 months.
• High-accountability, collaborative manufacturing culture focused on operational excellence, quality compliance, and ongoing development.

Work Type & Location

• On-site / Standard Operational Facility, Southern Suburbs, Cape Town, Western Cape