Head of Supply Chain & Logistics - FMCG

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 2,800,000 - 4,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive executive-level salary

Medical aid

Pension fund & life cover

Relocation assistance

Professional development

Generous annual leave

Resources for SCM

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Head of Supply Chain & Logistics for a major FMCG client based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The role oversees inventory, warehousing, transportation and logistics, driving cost-efficient, reliable supply chains and sustainable practices.

You will lead a high-performing team, implement advanced SCM technologies, manage budgets and KPIs, and partner with external logistics providers to transform supply chain into a competitive advantage in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in SCM, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive supply chain and logistics experience with significant FMCG leadership.
• Proven track record in complex supply chains and optimized logistics.
• Extensive warehousing, inventory, transportation, and demand planning knowledge.
• Experience with SAP or Oracle ERP systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Data-driven decision making and strong analytical abilities.
• Experience negotiating contracts with suppliers and 3PLs.
• Knowledge of SA FMCG market and logistics challenges.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement SCM strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Oversee warehousing, inventory management, transportation, and logistics operations.
• Optimize processes to cut costs and improve service levels.
• Manage relationships with 3PLs, suppliers, and partners.
• Implement advanced SCM technologies for forecasting and planning.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, safety, and environmental policies.
• Lead and develop a high-performing SCM and logistics team.
• Monitor KPIs and report SCM performance to senior management.
• Drive continuous improvement across the supply chain.
• Manage the SCM budget and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Data-driven decisions

Education

Master's degree in SCM / Logistics / MBA

Tools

SAP

Oracle ERP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major force in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a visionary and experienced Head of Supply Chain & Logistics to oversee all aspects of their supply chain operations. This critical, office-based role is situated in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA . The ideal candidate will be responsible for optimizing inventory management, streamlining logistics, ensuring efficient warehousing, and driving cost-effective supply chain solutions. This leadership position demands a strategic mind with extensive experience in supply chain management within the FMCG environment, focusing on efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. You will be tasked with transforming our supply chain into a competitive advantage, ensuring seamless product availability for our customers and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive supply chain strategies aligned with the company's business objectives.
• Oversee all warehousing, inventory management, transportation, and logistics operations.
• Optimize supply chain processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service levels.
• Manage relationships with third-party logistics providers, suppliers, and other supply chain partners.
• Implement and utilize advanced supply chain technologies and systems for forecasting, planning, and execution.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, safety standards, and environmental policies.
• Lead and develop a high-performing supply chain and logistics team.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide regular reports on supply chain performance to senior management.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the supply chain.
• Manage the supply chain budget, identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiency gains.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in supply chain management and logistics, with significant leadership experience in the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex supply chains and optimizing logistics operations.
• Extensive knowledge of warehousing, inventory control, transportation management, and demand planning.
• Strong experience with supply chain software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Excellent leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Experience in negotiating contracts with suppliers and logistics providers.
• In-depth understanding of the South African FMCG market and its logistical challenges.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, demanding operational environment.

Benefits

• Competitive executive-level salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, pension fund, and life cover.
• Opportunity to lead and transform the supply chain for a leading FMCG company.
• Strategic influence on business operations and cost management.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
• Be part of a company culture that values operational excellence.
• Company-provided resources and tools for effective supply chain management.
• Generous annual leave allowance.