Head of Supply Chain & Logistics

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 241,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation

Relocation support

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Welkom, South Africa, seeks a Head of Supply Chain & Logistics to lead end-to-end operations for a major FMCG client and drive a resilient, cost-efficient supply network.

The role requires designing and implementing strategies across procurement, inventory, warehousing, distribution and transport; mentoring a senior team; setting KPIs; managing budgets; and mitigating risks through data-driven decisions, with relocation support.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10-12+ years of progressive experience in supply chain and logistics with leadership responsibility.
• Proven track record in optimizing complex supply chains, preferably FMCG in similar markets.
• Experience managing warehousing, transportation, and distribution networks.
• Strong inventory management knowledge and best practices.
• Excellent negotiation, vendor, and contract management skills.
• Proficiency with supply chain planning software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Data-driven decision making and budget management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive supply chain strategy aligned with business goals for Welkom, ZA operations.
• Oversee procurement, demand planning, inventory, warehousing, transportation, and distribution.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing supply chain and logistics team.
• Optimize inventory levels to balance availability and carrying costs.
• Negotiate favorable terms with suppliers, carriers, and logistics partners.
• Implement and manage advanced supply chain technologies and systems for efficiency and visibility.
• Develop and monitor KPIs to measure performance and identify improvements.
• Manage the supply chain budget for cost-effectiveness and ROI.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks and develop contingency plans.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and best practices in logistics and supply chain management.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the FMCG sector, is seeking a visionary and strategic Head of Supply Chain & Logistics to lead their comprehensive supply chain operations from their Welkom, Free State, ZA headquarters. This senior executive position is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing an efficient, cost-effective, and resilient supply chain strategy that supports the company's growth objectives. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in end-to-end supply chain management, including procurement, inventory, warehousing, distribution, and transportation, with a strong focus on optimizing performance and mitigating risks. This is a critical leadership role impacting the company's operational excellence and competitive advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive supply chain strategy aligned with the company's overall business goals for the Welkom, Free State, ZA operations.
• Oversee all aspects of the supply chain, including procurement, demand planning, inventory management, warehousing, transportation, and distribution.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing supply chain and logistics team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Optimize inventory levels to ensure product availability while minimizing carrying costs.
• Negotiate favorable terms and contracts with suppliers, carriers, and logistics partners.
• Implement and manage advanced supply chain technologies and systems to enhance efficiency and visibility.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure supply chain performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Manage the supply chain budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and maximum return on investment.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, developing contingency plans to ensure business continuity.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and industry best practices in logistics and supply chain management within the Welkom, Free State, ZA area.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in supply chain and logistics management, with significant leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated success in optimizing complex supply chains, preferably within the FMCG sector in South Africa or similar emerging markets.
• Proven experience managing warehousing, transportation, and distribution networks effectively.
• Strong understanding of inventory management principles and best practices.
• Excellent negotiation, vendor management, and contract management skills.
• Proficiency in supply chain planning software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong analytical skills and a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Ability to manage budgets and control costs effectively.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including a substantial base salary, annual bonus, and long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid, executive life insurance, and superior retirement fund.
• Significant annual leave and executive travel opportunities.
• Access to advanced professional development programs and executive coaching.
• Company vehicle or generous travel allowance.
• Opportunity to shape the future of supply chain operations for a major brand.
• A stimulating work environment with challenging strategic initiatives.
• Performance-driven culture with strong recognition and rewards.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates relocating to Welkom, Free State, ZA.
• Regular opportunities to present strategic plans to the board of directors.