Zone Inventory Specialist

Sab; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in South Africa is seeking a Zone Inventory Specialist to manage returnable assets and oversee financial performance. The role requires strong communication, financial management skills, and experience in supply chain management. Join a team committed to sustainability and excellence in the FMCG industry.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in logistics, supply chain management, and finance.
• Experience in FMCG industry is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage zone ownership and oversee empties losses in the supply chain.
• Prepare reports and presentations for directors on empties and losses.
• Collaborate with global teams to ensure best practices.

Skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Financial Management

People Management

Education

Bachelor's or Post-Graduate degree in Engineering

MBA

Tools

SYSPRO

SAP

Job description

Zone Inventory Specialist

Location: HQ Bryanston | Type: Full time | Posted: Yesterday | Application deadline: May 21 (6 days left) | Job ID: Dreaming big is in our DNA.

At our company, dreaming big is part of our identity, culture, heritage, and future. We seek passionate, talented, and curious individuals and provide them with the resources and opportunities to reach their full potential. Together, our combined strengths are unstoppable. Are you ready to join a team that dreams as big as you do?

Role Purpose

The primary purpose of this role is to act as the Zone Owner for returnable assets (Empties), overseeing financial performance, KPIs, and related projects. The role involves managing the control and overall management of returnable containers across the Zone.

Key Responsibilities

1. Manage zone ownership and actively oversee empties losses in the supply chain.
2. Develop cross-functional action plans and mitigation strategies to reduce empties' losses.
3. Prepare high-level reports and presentations for directors and VPs on empties, losses, and root-cause analysis.
4. Collaborate with global teams to ensure best practices are adopted in the Zone.
5. Track and report on empties losses and implement gap closure mitigation plans.
6. Coach teams and implement best practices to reduce inventory losses.
7. Ensure adherence to inventory count procedures and coordinate monthly stock counts.
8. Manage losses across all supply chain areas, optimize loss targets, and track progress.
9. Identify and implement value-add initiatives.
10. Manage budgeting, tracking, and monitoring of returnable containers losses.
11. Review daily controls affecting empties and standardize best practices across the Zone.
12. Maintain high data accuracy in inventory reporting systems.
13. Coordinate with planning teams for medium- and long-term inventory planning.
14. Contribute to annual budgeting and team performance measurement.
15. Participate in excellence programs like DPO, VPO, LCP.
16. Apply knowledge of MBFU and FRI processes.

Attributes and Competencies

• Extensive experience in finished goods/raw materials management and supply chain expertise.
• Effective communication skills at senior levels, including MANCOM and global teams.
• Ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong financial management skills.
• People management and influencing skills.
• Excellent presentation and written communication skills.
• Problem-solving skills and independent decision-making.
• Goal-oriented work ethic.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's or Post-Graduate degree in Engineering, Econometrics, Finance, Supply Chain, Economics, Accounting Science, or MBA (preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in logistics, supply chain management, and finance.
• Experience in FMCG industry is advantageous.
• Proficiency in SYSPRO and SAP systems.

Additional Information

Band: VISAB / ABInBev is an equal opportunity employer. All appointments will adhere to SAB / ABInBev's employment equity plan and talent requirements. The advert lists minimum requirements; management may consider additional relevant information during shortlisting.

About Us

The South African Breweries (SAB) has reimagined what a beer company can be, driven by our brand purpose: "We Dream Big to Create a Future With More Cheers." We are more than just beer—focused on sustainability, responsible consumption, and economic contribution. Our portfolio includes brands like Castle Lager, Carling Black Label, Corona, Brutal Fruit, and Flying Fish.