Supply Chain Lead

Recruitpartners; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Recruitpartners is seeking a Supply Chain Leader in Durban with a minimum of 10 years in senior supply chain roles within manufacturing or industrial settings. You will lead across procurement, logistics, warehousing, and materials management, directing a high-impact team to drive efficiency and cost savings.

You will shape strategy, set KPIs, manage budgets, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless operations, adherence to safety standards, and strong performance reporting

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Commerce or equivalent degree; postgraduate qualification is a plus.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in a senior supply chain leadership role.
• Proven experience managing supply chain operations in manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the supply chain team, driving performance and development.
• Set strategic direction for procurement, warehousing and distribution aligned with company goals.
• Define KPIs and align them with broader objectives for continuous performance tracking.
• Oversee sourcing, supplier negotiations and contract management for cost-effective procurement.
• Ensure efficient distribution through 3PL partners and manage SLAs and delivery performance.
• Direct raw materials and finished goods warehousing with optimal inventory levels and cost control.
• Plan and control of raw materials and additives to support uninterrupted production.
• Coordinate month-end and annual stock counts and deliver detailed supply chain reports.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Education

Bachelor of Commerce or equivalent degree

Job description

Supply Chain Leader | Durban | Manufacturing Sector

Are you a seasoned supply chain professional ready to lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment? Our client, a well-established industry leader, is seeking a Supply Chain Leader to join their team in Durban. This is a senior management role with strategic influence across procurement, logistics, and materials management.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and inspire the supply chain team, driving performance, accountability, and professional development.
• Set strategic direction for procurement, warehousing, and distribution aligned with company goals.

KPI Development & Alignment

• Define and implement functional key performance indicators in alignment with broader supply chain and business objectives, ensuring continuous performance tracking and improvement.

Procurement Management

• Oversee sourcing, supplier negotiations, and contract management to ensure high-quality, cost-effective procurement.
• Establish and manage budgets for all procurement-related functions.

Logistics & Distribution Oversight

• Ensure efficient distribution of finished goods through third-party logistics partners.
• Manage service-level agreements and ensure delivery performance meets internal and external customer expectations.

Warehouse Operations

• Direct the management of raw material and finished goods warehousing.
• Implement best practices to ensure optimal inventory levels, cost control, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Raw Materials & Additives Management

• Lead the planning and control of raw materials and additives, ensuring timely availability to support uninterrupted production.

Stock Management & Reporting

• Coordinate month-end and annual physical stock counts.
• Ensure data accuracy and integrity in inventory systems.
• Prepare and deliver detailed supply chain performance reports for senior leadership.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Foster strong relationships with cross-functional teams and external service providers.
• Engage proactively with internal departments to support business needs and ensure seamless operations.

Process Ownership & Continuous Improvement

• Own and enhance key supply chain processes, identifying opportunities for efficiency, automation, and cost reduction.

Third-Party Management

• Oversee the performance and compliance of third-party contractors responsible for logistics and packaging services.

Cost Optimization

• Develop and deliver cost-effective warehousing and packaging solutions.
• Analyze cost drivers and implement strategies to improve the supply chain's bottom line.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure all supply chain activities adhere to internal policies, safety standards, and relevant legislation.

Executive Participation

• Actively contribute to strategic decision-making as a member of the Management Committee.

Requirements:

• Bachelor of Commerce or equivalent degree (Postgraduate qualification is a plus).
• Minimum 10 years' experience in a senior supply chain leadership role.
• Proven experience managing supply chain operations in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and stakeholder management skills.
• trategic thinker with an eye for operational efficiency.
• Experience managing budgets and leading cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with managing service-level agreements and performance reporting.