Agricultural Supply Chain Manager

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive health & retirement

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Agricultural Supply Chain Manager for a major food and agriculture client in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. You will oversee procurement, warehousing, transportation, and distribution to optimize efficiency, quality, and cost control across the farm-to-consumer chain.

The role blends on-site leadership with strategic remote planning in a hybrid environment, requiring expertise in agricultural commodities, market dynamics, and best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in SCM, Logistics, Business Admin, Agriculture or related field.
• 6+ years progressive experience in supply chain, with agricultural focus.
• Proven track record in procurement, logistics, and inventory control.
• Strong understanding of agricultural commodities and market dynamics.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee procurement, warehousing, transportation, and distribution across the supply chain.
• Develop strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers, growers, and logistics providers.
• Manage inventory levels, forecast demand, and optimize stock rotation.
• Build relationships with farmers, processors, distributors, and retailers.
• Monitor market trends and regulatory changes impacting the supply chain.
• Leverage SCM technologies for visibility, traceability, and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulations.
• Develop and manage budgets for supply chain operations.

Skills

Procurement

Logistics

Inventory control

Negotiation

Team leadership

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ERP

WMS

TMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the food and agriculture industry in **Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape**, is seeking an experienced Agricultural Supply Chain Manager. This role is crucial for optimizing the end-to-end flow of agricultural products, from farm to consumer. You will be responsible for managing procurement, logistics, inventory, and distribution, ensuring efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness throughout the supply chain. The position requires a strategic thinker with a strong understanding of agricultural commodities, market dynamics, and supply chain best practices. This hybrid role demands significant time on-site to oversee operations and engage with stakeholders, balanced with strategic planning and remote coordination. We are looking for a proactive leader adept at navigating the complexities of the agricultural sector to ensure a seamless and resilient supply chain for our client's operations in **Eastern Cape**.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all aspects of the agricultural supply chain, including procurement, warehousing, transportation, and distribution.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers, growers, and logistics providers to secure favorable terms and ensure consistent supply.
• Manage inventory levels, forecast demand, and optimize stock rotation to minimize waste and meet market needs.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including farmers, processors, distributors, and retailers.
• Monitor market trends, commodity prices, and regulatory changes affecting the agricultural supply chain.
• Implement and leverage supply chain technologies and systems for enhanced visibility, traceability, and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, quality control measures, and all relevant regulations.
• Develop and manage budgets for supply chain operations, tracking expenditures and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Lead and mentor a team of supply chain professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Agriculture, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, with a significant focus on the agricultural sector.
• Proven track record in managing complex supply chains, including procurement, logistics, and inventory control.
• Strong understanding of agricultural commodities, farming practices, and associated market dynamics.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in supply chain management software (e.g., ERP, WMS, TMS) and MS Office Suite.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing on-site supervision with strategic remote planning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel as needed within **Port Elizabeth** and the **Eastern Cape** region.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-based incentives.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and other benefits.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing company.
• Exposure to diverse agricultural products and supply chain challenges.
• Professional development and training programs.
• Be instrumental in shaping the supply chain of a key industry player.