Manager (Machinery)

Tower Group South Africa (PTY) Ltd; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the automotive manufacturing sector seeks a Supply Chain Manager to oversee operations and drive profitability. The ideal candidate will possess a Commerce or Supply Chain degree, with significant experience in supply chain management and a solid understanding of financial analysis and budgeting. This role involves collaborating with various departments to ensure efficient operations, managing costs, and leading a team to achieve strategic goals.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of supply chain management experience.
• Experience in automotive manufacturing preferred.
• Safety & Project Management experience advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage supply chain operations and functions.
• Prepare sales and GP analyses, collaborate with Finance.
• Lead and motivate staff for organizational growth.

Skills

Supply Chain Management

Financial Analysis

Budgeting

Commercial Acumen

Logistics Knowledge

Operations Knowledge

Safety Management

Project Management

SAP Knowledge

Education

Commerce / Supply Chain Degree

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

Job description

To manage and guide the Machinery Department operations and functions, supporting growth, maximizing revenues, controlling expenses, managing risk, and overseeing the overall management cycle. To support and guide profitable, diversified growth of the Machinery Department and contribute to achieving the overall strategy.

Experiential and Educational Requirements:

• Commerce / Supply Chain Degree
• 5-7 years of supply chain management experience with exposure to financial analysis, budgeting, reporting, and business & commercial acumen.
• Experience in automotive manufacturing and SAP is preferred but not essential.
• Safety & Project Management experience would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of relevant SAP S/4HANA would be advantageous.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Possess supply chain management skills with relevant logistics, commercial, and operations knowledge in a manufacturing environment (automotive experience preferred).
• Understand upstream and downstream aspects of business processes from a customer and supplier perspective.
• Prepare sales and GP analyses and scheduled finance reports. Collaborate with the Finance department for monthly reporting.
• Liaise regularly with Credit Control to manage debtors and ensure timely payments.
• Manage costs, SGA expenses, and profitability focusing on efficiency and effectiveness.
• Monitor balance sheet measures such as stock levels, stock days, net working capital, and debtors’ days to ensure optimal ROCE.
• Oversee the APR (Annual Pricing Review) and prepare input sheets for management accounts.
• Ensure team compliance with business processes, including SAP operations, supplier payments, quarterly pricing, and price negotiations.
• Conduct weekly PDCA (Plan Do Check Act) meetings to address customer, supplier, and inventory issues.
• Promote a safety-first (Anzen) philosophy integrated into business processes to ensure safety and product quality.
• Manage orders and deliveries with third-party providers, ensuring compliance with inter-modal transport regulations.
• Apply kaizen principles to identify business improvement opportunities and support digitization initiatives.
• Guide teams across business areas to maximize customer satisfaction and expand customer base.
• Liaise proactively with suppliers to manage stock challenges and resolve ongoing issues.
• Implement Genba and Genchi Genbutsu (“go and see”) principles by visiting and checking with customers and suppliers regularly.
• Lead, manage, and motivate staff to support organizational growth, sustainability, and cross-functional teamwork.
• Ensure clear role definitions, responsibilities, and objectives for team members, with regular monitoring.
• Manage performance of all direct reports, including recruitment, development, performance management, discipline, recognition, career planning, and coaching.
• Proactively manage risks associated with the business environment.