National Supply Chain Manager - FMCG Logistics

Placements24; Riverton (UT); Remote; USD 109,000 - 182,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary and performance-based

Medical and retirement benefits

Career advancement

Fully remote work arrangement

Generous leave

Access to advanced SCM technologies

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a leading national FMCG organization to recruit a strategic National Supply Chain Manager. This fully remote role oversees warehousing, transportation, inventory, and order fulfillment across South Africa, driving cost efficiency, service levels, and continuous improvement through data-driven decisions.

The successful candidate will lead a dispersed team, develop KPI dashboards, negotiate with 3PLs, implement advanced SCM technologies, and collaborate with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field.
• Master's degree or professional certification (CSCP, CLTD) is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in supply chain management with significant leadership in FMCG.
• Proven expertise in managing national logistics, warehousing, transportation, and inventory management.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic supply chain initiatives.
• Strong understanding of optimization techniques and best practices.
• Proficiency in SCM software, ERP systems, and data analytics tools.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a remote team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement national supply chain strategies for warehousing, transportation, inventory, and order fulfillment.
• Oversee logistics operations across South Africa, focusing on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery.
• Manage inventory levels to minimize holding costs while ensuring product availability.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with 3PLs and supply chain partners.
• Implement advanced supply chain technologies to enhance visibility and efficiency.
• Develop and track KPIs for the supply chain and identify improvement opportunities.
• Lead a geographically dispersed remote team of supply chain professionals.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, safety standards, and quality protocols.
• Collaborate with production, sales, and finance to align supply chain activities with business goals.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize processes and reduce costs.
• Develop contingency plans to mitigate supply chain risks and disruptions.

Skills

Leadership

Remote team leadership

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Data analytics

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in SCM/Logistics/Business Administration

Master's degree or CSCP/CLTD certification desirable

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading national FMCG organization, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic National Supply Chain Manager to lead their entire logistics and distribution network. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa, driving efficiency and innovation across all operational touchpoints. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing warehousing, transportation, inventory management, and order fulfillment, ensuring the seamless flow of goods from production to the end consumer. You will play a critical role in optimizing supply chain costs, enhancing service levels, and implementing best practices in logistics and distribution. We are looking for a visionary leader with a deep understanding of FMCG supply chain dynamics, proven experience in managing large-scale operations, and a strong track record of driving continuous improvement. Your ability to leverage technology, develop strategic partnerships, and lead a remote team will be paramount. This role requires exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills to navigate the complexities of a national supply chain. We aim to set new benchmarks in operational excellence and require a candidate who can guide our client towards achieving its ambitious growth objectives through superior supply chain management. The ability to think critically and make data-driven decisions is essential for success in this demanding, yet rewarding, role.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive national supply chain strategies encompassing warehousing, transportation, inventory, and order fulfillment.
• Oversee all aspects of logistics operations, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery across South Africa.
• Manage and optimize inventory levels to minimize holding costs while ensuring product availability.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and other supply chain partners.
• Implement and leverage advanced supply chain technologies and systems to enhance visibility and efficiency.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for the supply chain, identifying areas for improvement.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a geographically dispersed (remote) team of supply chain professionals.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, safety standards, and quality protocols.
• Collaborate with internal departments, including production, sales, and finance, to align supply chain activities with business objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize supply chain processes and reduce operational costs.
• Develop robust contingency plans to mitigate supply chain risks and disruptions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A Master's degree or relevant professional certification (e.g., CSCP, CLTD) is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, with significant leadership experience in the FMCG sector.
• Proven expertise in managing national logistics, warehousing, transportation, and inventory management.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic supply chain initiatives.
• Strong understanding of supply chain optimization techniques and best practices.
• Proficiency in supply chain management software, ERP systems, and data analytics tools.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a remote team effectively.
• Must be eligible to work remotely from Upington, Northern Cape, ZA, or any other location within South Africa.
• A strategic mindset with a strong focus on results and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement benefits, and life insurance.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement within a leading national organization.
• Fully remote work arrangement offering exceptional work-life balance and flexibility.
• Generous leave allowance and potential for international professional development opportunities.
• Access to cutting-edge supply chain technologies and professional training.