Lead Consultant, Supply Chain Optimization

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Professional development

Annual leave

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Lead Consultant focused on Supply Chain Optimization in Durban. You will guide client engagements, diagnose complex issues, and design actionable solutions to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

You will lead cross-functional teams, develop data-driven models, and oversee implementation while staying abreast of trends like automation and digital twins in logistics and procurement.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a quantitative field related to SCM.
• 7+ years in supply chain consulting or similar strategic roles.
• Expertise in supply chain design, network optimization, inventory & procurement.
• Proven experience leading project teams and client engagements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; proficient in relevant software.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Experience in KwaZulu-Natal region is advantageous.
• Willingness to travel for client engagements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of supply chain strategies for clients across industries.
• Assess existing supply chain operations to identify bottlenecks and improvements.
• Develop data-driven models to optimize inventory, transport routes, and network design.
• Oversee project teams delivering supply chain transformation initiatives.
• Collaborate with clients' operations and procurement teams to embed new processes.
• Advise on procurement, warehousing, distribution, and demand forecasting.
• Manage client relationships and align with project goals.
• Stay informed on trends like automation and digital twins; present findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Leadership

Client engagement

Supply chain knowledge

Project management

Education

Master's degree in SCM/OR/Industrial Eng

Tools

LLamas

SAP APO

Kinaxis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier management consultancy firm, is seeking an experienced Lead Consultant to focus on Supply Chain Optimization within their practice based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is crucial for advising clients on enhancing their supply chain networks, improving operational efficiency, and reducing costs. You will lead project teams in diagnosing complex supply chain issues, designing innovative solutions, and overseeing their implementation. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of global supply chain dynamics, advanced analytics, and a passion for driving tangible improvements in logistics and procurement. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute significantly to the operational success of businesses in the vibrant Durban region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of supply chain strategies for clients across various industries.
• Conduct thorough assessments of existing supply chain operations, identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
• Develop data-driven models and simulations to optimize inventory levels, transportation routes, and network design.
• Oversee project teams in executing supply chain transformation initiatives, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
• Collaborate closely with clients' operational and procurement teams to embed new processes and technologies.
• Advise clients on best practices in procurement, warehousing, distribution, and demand forecasting.
• Manage client relationships, ensuring alignment with project goals and delivering exceptional value.
• Stay informed about emerging trends and technologies in supply chain management, such as automation and digital twins.
• Present findings and recommendations clearly and persuasively to senior client stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in supply chain consulting, operations management, or a similar strategic role.
• Demonstrated expertise in supply chain design, network optimization, inventory management, and procurement strategy.
• Proven experience leading project teams and managing client engagements successfully.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in relevant software tools (e.g., LLamas, SAP APO, Kinaxis).
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of engaging effectively with all levels of an organization.
• Experience working within or advising companies in the KwaZulu-Natal region is advantageous.
• Familiarity with lean principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Ability to travel as required for client engagements.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary and performance-related bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Retirement fund contributions and life insurance benefits.
• Extensive opportunities for professional development, including certifications and specialized training.
• Exposure to a diverse portfolio of challenging and impactful projects.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment that promotes innovation.
• Potential for career advancement within a leading consultancy firm.
• Generous annual leave and paid time off.