Senior Supply Chain Optimization Manager

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Career development

Retirement savings plan

Generous leave and holidays

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Supply Chain Optimization Manager to lead end-to-end optimization across planning, sourcing, manufacturing logistics, and distribution at the Richards Bay facility in KwaZulu-Natal. The role drives efficiency, costs, and service levels with global scope.

You will implement advanced analytics, develop KPIs, and mentor a high-performance team while partnering with procurement, operations, and finance to enable sustainable, resilient supply chains.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Master’s degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, with focus on optimization and strategy.
• Proven track record of cost savings and efficiency gains through supply chain improvements.
• In-depth knowledge of supply chain planning, inventory management, logistics, and procurement best practices.
• Experience with SCP software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in chemicals or materials manufacturing is highly desirable.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, global environments.
• APICS certification (CSCP, CPIM) is a significant advantage.

Responsibilities

• Analyze end-to-end supply chain operations to identify optimization opportunities.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service levels.
• Manage and optimize inventory levels across the network.
• Collaborate with procurement, operations, sales, and finance and external partners.
• Implement and leverage analytics tools to improve forecasting, planning, and execution.
• Develop and maintain KPIs to measure performance and guide improvements.
• Lead and mentor a team of supply chain professionals.
• Oversee risk management strategies for the supply chain.
• Drive sustainability initiatives aligned with corporate goals.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with logistics providers and other key partners.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem solving

Negotiation

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field

Master’s degree

Tools

SAP

Oracle ERP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in the chemicals and materials industry, is actively seeking a strategic and results-driven Senior Supply Chain Optimization Manager to be based at their facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA . This pivotal role will be responsible for enhancing the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and resilience of the entire supply chain network. You will analyze complex supply chain operations, identify areas for improvement, and implement innovative strategies to streamline logistics, inventory management, and procurement processes. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in supply chain management, a deep understanding of global logistics, and a proven ability to drive significant operational improvements. This is a key leadership position within our client's operations, offering substantial impact and growth opportunities within a thriving industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze end-to-end supply chain operations, including planning, sourcing, manufacturing logistics, and distribution, to identify opportunities for optimization.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to improve supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service levels.
• Manage and optimize inventory levels across the network to balance working capital requirements with service level objectives.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (procurement, operations, sales, finance) and external partners (suppliers, logistics providers) to ensure seamless supply chain performance.
• Implement and leverage advanced supply chain technologies and analytics tools to improve forecasting, planning, and execution.
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure supply chain performance and identify areas for continuous improvement.
• Lead and mentor a team of supply chain professionals, fostering a culture of high performance and collaboration.
• Oversee risk management strategies for the supply chain, identifying potential disruptions and developing mitigation plans.
• Drive sustainability initiatives within the supply chain, aligning with corporate environmental and social responsibility goals.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with logistics providers and other key supply chain partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, with a focus on optimization and strategy.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing supply chain improvements that have resulted in cost savings and efficiency gains.
• In-depth knowledge of supply chain planning, inventory management, logistics, and procurement best practices.
• Experience with Supply Chain Planning (SCP) software and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in the chemicals or materials manufacturing industry is highly desirable.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, complex, and global environment.
• APICS certification (CSCP, CPIM) is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, with an annual remuneration of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA .
• Employees are provided with a comprehensive health insurance plan, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development are actively supported.
• A robust retirement savings plan with employer contributions is available.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays are standard.
• Performance-based bonuses are awarded to recognize significant contributions.