Senior Supply Chain Operations Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Employee discounts

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Supply Chain Operations Manager for our Pietermaritzburg hub in KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead end-to-end supply chain activities across procurement, warehousing, inventory and distribution, while driving cost efficiencies and service improvements.

This role demands strategic thinking, strong leadership, and expertise in ERP/WMS systems to optimise performance in a major retail context.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 7 years in supply chain management with operations leadership.
• Proven track record optimizing supply chain performance in retail.
• Strong expertise in inventory management, warehousing, and transportation.
• Proficiency with planning software, WMS and ERP (SAP/Oracle).
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills; capable of guiding teams.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced retail environment with agility.
• Knowledge of national and international supply chain best practices for KwaZulu-Natal.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimise procurement, inventory, warehousing and distribution.
• Develop strategies to reduce costs and improve delivery performance.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, logistics providers and partners.
• Implement robust inventory controls to minimise stockouts and excess stock.
• Lead distribution centre operations and ensure efficient material handling.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing supply chain team.
• Monitor KPIs and drive data-driven improvements.
• Ensure compliance with safety and trade regulations.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing and finance to align objectives.
• Identify and implement tech solutions for better visibility and efficiency in Pietermaritzburg.

Skills

Supply chain leadership

Inventory management

Procurement

WMS

ERP systems (SAP/Oracle)

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related

Master's degree (advantageous)

Tools

SAP

Oracle ERP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading national retailer with a strong presence in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking an experienced Senior Supply Chain Operations Manager. This role is integral to ensuring the efficient and effective flow of goods from suppliers to customers, encompassing procurement, warehousing, inventory management, and distribution. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of end-to-end supply chain management, proven expertise in optimizing logistics operations, and strong leadership skills. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic professional to drive operational improvements and contribute to the sustained growth of a major retail brand in the region. You will be responsible for managing complex supply chain networks, implementing innovative solutions, and leading a dedicated team to achieve exceptional service levels and cost efficiencies from our Pietermaritzburg hub. The focus is on leveraging technology and best practices to build a resilient and high-performing supply chain within KwaZulu-Natal .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize all aspects of the supply chain, including procurement, inventory management, warehousing, and distribution.
• Develop and execute strategies to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, and improve delivery performance.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, logistics providers, and other supply chain partners.
• Implement and maintain robust inventory control systems to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize stockouts or excess inventory.
• Oversee the operations of distribution centers, ensuring efficient space utilization, material handling, and order fulfillment.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of supply chain professionals and operational staff.
• Monitor key supply chain performance indicators (KPIs) and implement data-driven improvements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, including safety and trade laws.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and finance departments to align supply chain operations with business objectives.
• Identify and implement technological solutions to enhance supply chain visibility and efficiency in the Pietermaritzburg area.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, with a significant portion in operations leadership.
• Proven track record of optimizing supply chain performance and driving cost savings in a retail environment.
• Strong expertise in inventory management, warehousing, and transportation logistics.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in supply chain planning software, WMS, and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment.
• Understanding of national and international supply chain best practices relevant to KwaZulu-Natal .
• Commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual bonus based on performance.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Generous employee discount on company merchandise.
• Significant opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• Be a key contributor to a leading retail company operating in Pietermaritzburg .
• A dynamic role with direct impact on business success and operational efficiency.
• Company pension fund and other benefits.