Principal Consultant - Supply Chain Optimization

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development

Generous PTO

Flexible work options

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Principal Consultant in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, to lead end-to-end supply chain optimization engagements for top clients across manufacturing, retail, and agriculture. You will shape strategies in network design, S&OP, and inventory optimization, while guiding multi-stakeholder projects to measurable results.

The role requires a Master's in a related field and 8+ years of experience, with strong analytical and client-management skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in SCM, Operations Research, Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in supply chain management or consulting with focus on optimization.
• Expertise in network design, S&OP, inventory optimization, and logistics management.
• Experience leading large-scale transformation projects within complex supply chains.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative modeling skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and client relationship management abilities.
• Familiarity with SAP, Oracle, Kinaxis.
• Ability to travel to client sites as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end supply chain consulting engagements, from assessment and strategy development to implementation and performance monitoring.
• Analyze current supply chain processes, identify bottlenecks, and recommend data-driven solutions for optimization.
• Design and implement strategies for procurement, inventory management, logistics, and network design.
• Develop and manage detailed project plans, ensuring timely and successful delivery of client objectives.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with senior client stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor.
• Mentor and guide junior consultants, fostering their development in supply chain analytics and consulting methodologies.
• Conduct benchmarking studies and best practice research to inform client recommendations.
• Contribute to the development of proprietary tools and methodologies for supply chain analysis and optimization.
• Support business development initiatives, including proposal writing and client presentations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Quantitative modeling

Education

Master's degree in SCM

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Kinaxis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized management consultancy, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Consultant specializing in Supply Chain Optimization to join their thriving practice in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**. This role is critical in advising leading organizations on enhancing their supply chain operations for greater efficiency, resilience, and cost-effectiveness. You will leverage your deep expertise in logistics, procurement, and inventory management to design and implement transformative supply chain strategies. The position demands a strategic mindset, exceptional analytical capabilities, and the ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects. You will work closely with clients across various sectors, including manufacturing, retail, and agriculture, to diagnose issues, develop innovative solutions, and drive sustainable improvements. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact within a respected firm, contributing to critical business outcomes for clients in the vibrant **Durban** economic hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end supply chain consulting engagements, from assessment and strategy development to implementation and performance monitoring.
• Analyze current supply chain processes, identify bottlenecks, and recommend data-driven solutions for optimization.
• Design and implement strategies for procurement, inventory management, logistics, and network design.
• Develop and manage detailed project plans, ensuring timely and successful delivery of client objectives.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with senior client stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor.
• Mentor and guide junior consultants, fostering their development in supply chain analytics and consulting methodologies.
• Conduct benchmarking studies and best practice research to inform client recommendations.
• Contribute to the development of proprietary tools and methodologies for supply chain analysis and optimization.
• Support business development initiatives, including proposal writing and client presentations, particularly within **KwaZulu-Natal**.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Research, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in supply chain management or consulting, with a strong focus on optimization.
• Proven expertise in areas such as network design, S&OP, inventory optimization, and logistics management.
• Demonstrated experience in leading large-scale transformation projects within complex supply chains.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative modeling skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and client relationship management abilities.
• Familiarity with supply chain technologies and software solutions (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Kinaxis).
• Ability to travel to client sites as needed.
• Experience within the **Durban** industrial landscape is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and a significant performance-based incentive program.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits package.
• Extensive professional development and leadership training opportunities.
• Generous paid time off and flexible work options.
• Opportunity to work on high-impact projects for leading organizations in **Durban**.
• A collaborative and innovative work culture within a leading global consultancy.