Head of Supply Chain Management (SCM)

Vodafone Global Enterprise; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 000 000 - 1 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading telecommunications company is seeking a Head of Supply Chain Management in Johannesburg. This role is accountable for the execution of the supply chain strategy, improving efficiency, and driving performance. The ideal candidate has 10+ years of experience in procurement and logistics, strong leadership skills, and an analytical mindset. This position offers a unique opportunity to enhance commercial performance and manage critical relationships across the DRC market.

Qualifications

• Ten years of relevant Procurement, Logistics, Finance or Telecom experience.
• Experience in both procurement and logistics operations.
• Ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for delivering world-class process performance.
• Drive SCM Performance and Strategic KPIs across DRC market.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop a Process Strategy Roadmap.

Skills

Excellent communication and negotiation skills

Strong leadership skills

Analytical and solution-oriented mindset

Integrity and business ethics

Cross-functional thinking

Education

University degree

Post Degree

Job description

Job title: Head of Supply Chain Management (SCM)

Job Location: Gauteng, Johannesburg

Deadline: November 21, 2025

Role Purpose / Business Unit

• Accountable for the execution of the TowerCo’s supply chain strategy to support the business strategy and performance in accordance with our strategic sourcing practices, Buying Code and Health & Safety principles.
• Responsible for building strong relationships across all relevant business functions and be the ambassador of TowerCo’s credibility and driving commercial performance throughout the extended supply chain.
• Deliver excellent service in the region / local market, acting as the single point of contact for SCM within the TowerCo for the DRC Market.
• Act as a catalyst for the successful adoption of Key Supply Chain “needle-moving” process improvement that result in efficiencies, effectiveness and standardization.
• Proactively maintain an external industry perspective through SCM Benchmarking and Best Practice, thus engaging with industry peers and other relevant players in the market to identify best practices and implement them across the process landscape.
• Find continuous improvement opportunities and deliver projects with the goal to establish a world-class supply chain.

Your responsibilities will include

• Accountable for delivering world-class process performance and unmatched user experience while proactively mitigating risk
• Drive SCM Performance and Strategic KPIs across DRC market.
• Design and implement SCM processes and policies
• Collaborate with the TowerCo’s leadership, and other key stakeholders across the DRC market to develop a Process Strategy Roadmap and translating the strategic vision into execution and measurable results, keeping the SCM function accountable and provide stability.
• Design suitable governance structures to ensure SCM function’s requirements and KPIs are monitored, robustly driven, and achieved.
• Ensure business needs are represented and incorporated into procurement and logistics plans and execution.
• Partner with the business in driving robust demand management practices to deliver the best possible outcomes for savings, cost, quality, delivery, and ensure interlock with Finance and business owners.
• Drive and implement procurement and logistics strategy, operational excellence and special projects to support TowerCo’s strategy and performance.
• Exercise control over direct and indirect resources and accountability for SCM end results.
• Drive operational excellence in Networks & Enterprise logistics operations in accordance with key performance indicators and operational targets.
• Identify and deliver commercial best practices and synergy benefits through effective collaboration across key stakeholders.
• Ensure internal customer satisfaction with SCM performance within the TowerCo including relationship management of key internal stakeholders.
• Establish a service review process through the tracking of KPI’s and performance, managing local budgets in line with agreed targets.

Communicate & Engage

• Communicate overall supply chain vision, strategy, and guiding principles across the TowerCo.
• Manage stakeholder relations at an executive level and ensure “buy-in” from key stakeholders for major supply chain initiatives, KPIs and overall SCM performance expectations.
• Influence, challenge existing cost structures to drive structural change and cost savings and overall performance.

Manage & Develop our People

• Lead the supply chain function in accordance with the TowerCo’s leadership values and principles.
• Clearly communicate performance expectations and drive effective performance management for SCM & Logistics staff.
• Create an environment where coaching, mentoring, talent development and succession planning are embedded in the culture and act as a mentor and coach of selected talent.
• Develop plans and actions to improve employee engagement and satisfaction.

Demand Planning and Budget

• Prepare annual demand plans for SCM & Logistics and facilitate approval.
• Prepare, manage, monitor and report on annual SCM & Logistics OPEX budget.

Systems & Tools

• Support the implementation of supply chain systems & tools.
• Make recommendations on potential tools to drive efficiencies.

The ideal candidate for this role will have

• University degree, Post Degree will be an advantage.
• Ten years of relevant Procurement, Logistics, Finance or Telecom experience.
• Excellent insight into telecommunications business and market, both from a commercial and technical perspective.
• Experience in both procurement and logistics operations.
• Strong leadership skills, people management experience and experience in managing / leading in a matrix TowerCo.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Integrity and business ethics.
• Cross-functional thinking and acting.
• Analytical, data-driven, and solution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Role Requirements

• Supply Market Dynamics and Insights.
• Clear understanding of global / regional / local industry trends, economic, financial and market dynamics, commercial models and demonstrates business foresight.
• Solid understanding of TowerCo operations, telecom rollout dynamics, and multi-stakeholder environments.

Commercial Contract Management

• Protect TowerCo’s interests by developing commercial contracts based on thorough understanding of legal and ethical environments and manages contract related KPIs and ensure minimal value leakage.

Demand Optimisation

• Analyse data and generate insights to question and influence local business requirements to optimize demand linked to local business strategy and budget.

Procurement Negotiation

• Ability to support centrally led complex and high value negotiations as well as lead local tactical negotiations by applying creative models, leveraging various cost programs and using various behavioural techniques to achieve best commercial outcome for TowerCo.

Business Partnering

• Demonstrates robust understanding of business, identifies and prioritises stakeholders, builds sustainable relationships to drive increased business performance and best value outcomes.

Warehouse / Inventory Management

• Strategic Logistics Planning & Optimization – Develop and implement efficient logistics strategies to streamline transportation, distribution, and inventory management.
• Warehouse Operations & Inventory Control – Oversee warehouse processes, including receiving, storing, and dispatching goods. Implement best practices for inventory management, minimizing waste, and optimizing storage capacity.

Logistics

• Drive local DRC market supply and demand planning using blueprint from Group or other best practices.
• Support the implementation of regional logistics strategy, operational excellence and KPIs.

Closing date for Applications: 20 November 2025.