Lead Supply Chain Optimization Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

International travel

Medical aid

Retirement fund

State-of-the-art tools

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Lead Supply Chain Optimization Engineer to design and implement advanced optimization across our logistics and distribution networks. This hybrid role requires on-site collaboration in Cape Town with remote flexibility.

You will lead a team of engineers and analysts, model supply chain scenarios, improve throughput, reduce costs, and align initiatives with business objectives. A master's degree and 7+ years' experience are expected.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, SCM, Operations Research, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in supply chain engineering and management.
• Experience with planning/execution software (SAP APO, Oracle SCM, Kinaxis).

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute end-to-end supply chain optimization strategies (inventory, warehousing, transportation, demand forecasting).
• Model supply chain scenarios using advanced analytical techniques and simulations to identify optimal solutions.
• Lead design and implementation of new supply chain processes, systems, and technologies.
• Mentor and manage a team of supply chain engineers and analysts.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to ensure alignment and efficiency.
• Monitor KPIs and report performance to senior leadership.
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses for proposed improvements and investments.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards.

Skills

Advanced modeling

Data-driven decision making

Team leadership

Analytical thinking

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering / SCM / OR

Tools

SAP APO

Oracle SCM

Kinaxis

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Lead Supply Chain Optimization Engineer to enhance their logistics and distribution networks in **Cape Town**. This role is a key strategic position responsible for designing, implementing, and managing sophisticated supply chain solutions. You will analyze existing operations, identify inefficiencies, and develop innovative strategies to improve throughput, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in supply chain management, advanced modeling, and data-driven decision-making. This **hybrid** position requires a balance of on-site collaboration with the **Cape Town** team and remote work flexibility. You will lead a team of engineers and analysts, ensuring the seamless integration of supply chain strategies with broader business objectives. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on a critical business function.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategies to optimize the end-to-end supply chain, including inventory management, warehousing, transportation, and demand forecasting.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques and simulation tools to model supply chain scenarios and identify optimal solutions.
• Lead the design and implementation of new supply chain processes, systems, and technologies.
• Manage and mentor a team of supply chain engineers and analysts, fostering their professional growth.
• Collaborate with internal departments (e.g., procurement, sales, manufacturing) and external partners to ensure alignment and efficiency.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the supply chain and report on performance to senior leadership.
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses for proposed supply chain improvements and investments.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and industry standards.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Research, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of progressive experience in supply chain engineering and management.
• Demonstrated experience with supply chain planning and execution software (e.g., SAP APO, Oracle SCM, Kinaxis).
• Strong analytical and quantitative modeling skills, including simulation, optimization, and forecasting techniques.
• Experience in leading project teams and managing complex supply chain initiatives.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Familiarity with lean principles and their application in supply chain environments.
• Based in or willing to commute to **Cape Town** for required on-site meetings and collaborations.

Benefits

• Attractive salary and performance bonus structure.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Access to state-of-the-art supply chain technology and tools.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment that encourages innovation.
• Partial remote work flexibility.