Lead Consultant - Supply Chain Optimization

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings options

Generous paid time off

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development/training

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Consultant to spearhead supply chain optimization from the Richards Bay office. You will transform client operations, optimize networks, reduce costs, and improve resilience across logistics, procurement, and manufacturing.

You will lead project teams, partner with senior client leaders, and drive adoption of new tools and practices. The role requires strategic vision, deep industry knowledge, and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in relevant field.
• 7+ years of experience in supply chain management or operations consulting.
• Proven experience leading complex supply chain projects and delivering measurable results.
• Deep understanding of logistics, procurement, demand planning, and manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in supply chain planning software, ERP systems, and data analytics tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to travel to client sites within Richards Bay and KwaZulu-Natal.

Responsibilities

• Lead the assessment and redesign of client supply chain networks including logistics, inventory, and procurement.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize costs, improve service levels, and enhance agility.
• Manage project teams to deliver supply chain transformation projects on time and within budget.
• Use analytics and modeling to identify improvement opportunities and forecast outcomes.
• Collaborate with client senior management to align supply chain strategies with business goals.
• Drive adoption of new technologies and methodologies in client operations.
• Foster strong client relationships and ensure satisfaction throughout engagements.
• Contribute to the development of client expertise in supply chain management.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Travel flexibility

Education

Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Data analytics tools

Supply chain planning software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier management consultancy, is seeking a results-oriented Lead Consultant to spearhead supply chain optimization initiatives from their Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal office. This critical role involves transforming complex supply chain operations for clients, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving resilience. You will lead project teams in analyzing end-to-end supply chain processes, identifying bottlenecks, and designing innovative solutions leveraging best practices and cutting-edge technologies. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of global supply chain dynamics, logistics, procurement, and manufacturing operations. This position offers the chance to make a significant impact on clients' operational performance and strategic positioning within the Richards Bay region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the assessment and redesign of clients' supply chain networks, including logistics, inventory management, and procurement.


• Develop and implement strategies to optimize supply chain costs, improve service levels, and enhance agility.


• Manage project teams, ensuring successful delivery of supply chain transformation projects on time and within budget.


• Utilize advanced analytics and modeling techniques to identify areas for improvement and forecast outcomes.


• Collaborate closely with clients' senior management to align supply chain strategies with overall business objectives.


• Drive the adoption of new technologies and methodologies within client supply chain operations.


• Foster strong client relationships, building trust and ensuring client satisfaction throughout engagements.


• Contribute to the development of our client's expertise in supply chain management and operations consulting.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related quantitative field.


• A minimum of 7 years of experience in supply chain management, operations consulting, or a similar strategic role.


• Proven experience leading complex supply chain projects and delivering measurable results.


• Deep understanding of supply chain principles, logistics, procurement, demand planning, and manufacturing processes.


• Proficiency in supply chain planning software, ERP systems, and data analytics tools.


• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.


• Ability to travel to client sites as required within Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal and other locations.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.


• Demonstrated experience in working with clients in the KwaZulu-Natal region is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, recognizing the strategic importance of this role.


• Employees benefit from a comprehensive health insurance plan, retirement savings options, and generous paid time off.


• This position offers unparalleled opportunities for professional development, including specialized training, certifications, and exposure to diverse industry challenges.


• The company culture promotes innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.


• A hybrid work arrangement offers a blend of focused office work and remote flexibility, supporting a healthy work-life balance.


• Career progression within the firm is clearly defined and performance-driven, with opportunities to lead larger engagements and shape practice development.