Supply Chain Director - Western Cape Distribution Network

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Executive health, life, and disability

Pension and provident fund

Car scheme or car allowance

International career development

Cutting-edge supply chain technologies

Executive leave package

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks an accomplished Supply Chain Director to lead a large FMCG distribution network and shape regional strategy. You will oversee procurement, planning, logistics, warehousing and distribution to drive efficiency and service excellence.

You will manage a high‑performing team, set KPIs, negotiate with key suppliers, implement advanced SCM tech, and ensure compliance and sustainable growth across the Western Cape. Travel within the region is expected.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration or related field; MBA preferred.
• 10–15 years of progressive supply chain leadership in FMCG/beverage sectors.
• Experience managing complex distribution networks, end-to-end supply chains, and Western Cape exposure.
• Strong negotiation, budgeting, and supplier/logistics vendor management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive supply chain strategy for the Western Cape region.
• Oversee and optimize all supply chain functions including sourcing, planning, inventory, warehousing and transport.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team.
• Drive cost reductions and efficiency improvements through process optimization and supplier relationships.
• Establish and monitor KPIs for all supply chain activities.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers and logistics partners; ensure value and service.
• Implement advanced SCM technologies and analytics for visibility and forecasting.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards and ethical sourcing.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing and manufacturing to align with market demands.
• Manage the regional supply chain budget.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Change management

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Data analytics

Team mentorship

Travel readiness

Education

Master’s degree in SCM or MBA

10–15 years in supply chain leadership (FMCG/beverage)

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Data analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in the beverage industry, is seeking an accomplished and strategic Supply Chain Director to lead and transform their extensive distribution network across the Western Cape , with key operational oversight from Stellenbosch . This executive role demands a visionary leader with a profound understanding of end-to-end supply chain management, including procurement, planning, logistics, warehousing, and distribution, specifically within the FMCG sector. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing innovative strategies to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, improve service levels, and ensure sustainable growth. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of our supply chain operations in one of South Africa's most dynamic economic regions. You will be instrumental in driving competitive advantage through supply chain excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive supply chain strategy for the Western Cape region, aligning with global corporate objectives and local market dynamics.
• Oversee and optimize all supply chain functions, including strategic sourcing, demand and supply planning, inventory management, warehousing, and transportation for operations based around Stellenbosch .
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of supply chain professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability.
• Drive significant cost reductions and efficiency gains across the supply chain through process optimization, technology adoption, and strategic supplier relationship management.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for all supply chain activities, ensuring targets are met or exceeded.
• Manage and negotiate contracts with key suppliers, logistics partners, and service providers to ensure optimal value and service delivery.
• Implement advanced supply chain technologies and analytics to enhance visibility, forecasting accuracy, and operational decision-making.
• Ensure full compliance with all relevant industry regulations, safety standards, and ethical sourcing practices.
• Collaborate closely with sales, marketing, and manufacturing departments to ensure seamless alignment and responsiveness to market demands.
• Manage the overall supply chain budget for the region, ensuring fiscal responsibility and optimal resource allocation.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field. An MBA is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in supply chain leadership roles, with a strong emphasis on FMCG or the beverage industry.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex distribution networks and end-to-end supply chains, ideally with exposure to the Western Cape region.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and implementing supply chain strategies that deliver measurable business results.
• Expertise in demand planning, inventory optimization, warehouse management, and transportation logistics.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and change management capabilities.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience managing large-scale supplier and logistics contracts.
• Proficiency in advanced supply chain planning software, ERP systems (e.g., SAP), and data analytics tools.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the Stellenbosch and wider Western Cape region.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including a significant base salary, bonus potential, and long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive executive health, life, and disability insurance coverage.
• Generous pension and provident fund contributions.
• Car scheme or car allowance.
• Significant opportunities for international career development within the global organization.
• Access to cutting-edge supply chain technologies and infrastructure.
• Executive leave package.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for exceptional candidates.