Supply Chain & Logistics Manager - Agri-Produce

Placements24; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid benefits

Retirement savings plan

Generous annual leave

Sick leave entitlements

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a rapidly growing supplier of fresh agricultural produce to recruit an experienced Supply Chain & Logistics Manager for East London, Eastern Cape. You will oversee end-to-end operations from farms to distribution centers, optimize procurement, inventory, and transport, and drive sustainability and cost efficiency.

Join a dynamic team focused on reducing waste, maintaining produce quality, and expanding market reach.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in SCM, logistics, business or related field.
• At least 5 years in supply chain and logistics management.
• Experience with complex logistics: transport, warehousing, inventory control.
• Strong knowledge of cold chain management for fresh produce.
• Excellent vendor negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Proficient in SCM software and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage an efficient supply chain strategy for fresh produce.
• Oversee procurement and ensure quality and timely delivery.
• Manage inventory levels, storage, handling and rotation.
• Optimize transportation networks and select carriers/routes.
• Negotiate contracts and rates with logistics providers and suppliers.
• Implement tracking systems for produce across the supply chain.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and quality standards.
• Analyze performance data to identify improvements and cost savings.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets for financial efficiency.
• Lead and motivate the supply chain and logistics team.

Skills

Supply chain management

Logistics leadership

Vendor management

Cold chain management

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing supplier of fresh agricultural produce, is seeking an experienced Supply Chain & Logistics Manager to oversee their operations in the East London, Eastern Cape region. This role is crucial for ensuring the efficient and timely movement of produce from farms to distribution centers and ultimately to customers. The manager will be responsible for optimizing the entire supply chain, from procurement and inventory management to transportation and delivery, with a strong focus on maintaining produce quality and minimizing waste. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in supply chain management, particularly within the perishable goods sector, and possess strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the logistics strategy of a key player in the agricultural supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage an efficient supply chain strategy for fresh produce.
• Oversee procurement of agricultural products, ensuring quality and timely delivery from suppliers.
• Manage inventory levels, including storage, handling, and rotation to minimize spoilage.
• Optimize transportation and distribution networks, selecting appropriate carriers and routes.
• Negotiate contracts and rates with logistics providers, suppliers, and other partners.
• Implement and manage systems for tracking and tracing produce throughout the supply chain.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety regulations and quality standards.
• Analyze supply chain performance data to identify areas for improvement and cost reduction.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, ensuring financial efficiency.
• Lead and motivate the supply chain and logistics team, fostering a collaborative work environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in supply chain and logistics management, preferably within the agricultural or perishable goods industry.
• Proven experience in managing complex logistics operations, including transportation, warehousing, and inventory control.
• Strong understanding of cold chain management and best practices for handling fresh produce.
• Excellent negotiation, vendor management, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in supply chain management software and ERP systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the East London, Eastern Cape area.
• A proactive approach to identifying and mitigating supply chain risks.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and expertise.
• This includes comprehensive medical aid benefits and a retirement savings plan.
• Generous annual leave and sick leave entitlements are provided.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced logistics and supply chain training, are available.
• Employees will work in a dynamic and growing company with opportunities for career advancement.