Head of Supply Chain

SUMMARY:
Our client, a large FMCG manufacturer, seeks a Head of Supply Chain for their Swellendam site. The role provides strategic and operational leadership of the end-to-end supply chain, ensuring efficient movement of raw materials to production and finished goods to customers. It oversees warehouse operations (internal and third-party), procurement and supplier management, logistics (in-house and outsourced), inventory management, and distribution planning.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities
Supply Chain Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement the supply chain roadmap.
• Align warehouse, logistics, inventory, production planning, and sales demand strategies.
• Lead optimisation initiatives to reduce costs and improve service levels.

• Oversee Swellendam warehouse operations including receiving, storage, and stock control.
• Manage third-party warehouse performance through SLAs and compliance monitoring.
• Ensure warehouse layout and handling processes support efficient throughput.
• Manage full pallet control including reconciliation, cost optimisation, loss reduction, and compliance with exchange procedures.

• Manage internal fleet operations including routing, scheduling, driver management, and vehicle uptime to ensure profitability.
• Manage outsourced transport providers through SLAs, cost control, and performance reviews.
• Ensure delivery lead times, cost targets, and transport compliance requirements are met.

• Maintain accurate inventory and full batch traceability across all sites.
• Oversee cycle counts and annual stock takes.
• Drive inventory optimisation using rate-of-sale analysis, stock cover, promotions, and seasonal planning.

• Prepare and manage the annual supply chain budget.
• Monitor monthly costs and implement cost-saving initiatives.
• Negotiate transporter rates and supplier contracts while benchmarking for competitiveness.

• Maintain supply chain KPIs, dashboards, and reporting accuracy.
• Ensure effective use of ERP and WMS systems.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean principles and ensure audit compliance.

• Execute procurement strategy to optimise cost, quality, delivery, and service levels while supporting BEE requirements.
• Manage supplier onboarding, evaluations, and performance monitoring.
• Negotiate pricing and contracts, ensuring compliance and cost efficiency.
• Align procurement with demand planning and production requirements.
• Identify savings, consolidation opportunities, and supply chain risks.

• Ensure compliance with policies and clearly defined roles for all team members.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching and development support.
• Ensure succession planning and adequate resource allocation.
• Communicate team activities effectively and support ongoing capability development.

• Participate in safety forums, meetings, and training sessions.
• Follow up on assigned safety actions and report incidents.
• Comply with all safety policies and ensure required PPE is used.

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Supply Chain Management, Logistics or related field.
• Postgraduate qualification (Adv. Diploma/Honours/MBA) advantageous.
• At least 8 years’ relevant working experience in supply chain management in a manufacturing environment.
• Senior leadership role overseeing warehousing and logistics recommended
• Experience managing 3PL/outsourced logistics providers.
• Strong ERP experience and data driven decision making.
• Experience with fleet management and distribution planning.