Supply Chain Manager

Frank Consult; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 700 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm is seeking a highly experienced Supply Chain Manager to lead operations in Cape Town. The successful candidate will oversee all supply chain functions, ensuring efficiency and sustainability while managing supplier relationships and inventory. Applicants should possess strong leadership skills, a relevant degree, and at least 10 years of experience in supply chain management, including managerial roles. This full-time, on-site position is vital for a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 10 years’ experience in supply chain management, with at least 5 years at managerial level.
• Proven forecasting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in Cosmetics, Pharmaceutical, FMCG, or Food industries.

Responsibilities

• Lead supply chain operations overseeing end-to-end functions.
• Negotiate supplier contracts for competitive pricing and quality compliance.
• Manage inventory to minimise stockouts and excess.

Skills

Leadership and people management

Communication and interpersonal skills

Negotiation and supplier relationship management

Problem-solving and analytical abilities

Commercial awareness

Proficiency in MS Office

Supply chain management software

Education

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

Tools

ERP software

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Job description

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Supply Chain Manager to lead their supply chain operations. This role requires an analytical thinker with strong leadership and problem-solving skills to oversee the end-to-end supply chain function. The successful candidate will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and play a key role in ensuring efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and recommend qualified suppliers of raw materials, packaging, and other critical components.
• Negotiate supplier contracts to secure competitive pricing, timely delivery, and compliance with quality standards.
• Build and manage supplier relationships, including performance monitoring, issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage inventory levels to minimise stockouts and excess inventory.
• Implement and monitor KPIs to measure planning and operational performance.
• Conduct supply chain audits to ensure compliance with quality standards and GMP regulations.
• Collaborate with production, quality, finance, and other cross-functional teams to ensure smooth production planning.
• Maintain and optimise inventory management systems (ERP / WMS).
• Identify and assess supply chain risks, developing contingency plans as required.
• Drive sustainable supply chain practices and ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and ethical standards.
• Lead, coach, and develop the Planning team, fostering a results-driven and positive work culture.
• Oversee the Warehouse Manager (with a team of 8–10 members), two Buyers (Raw Materials and Packaging), and a Planner.

Required Skills

• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement.
• Advanced negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Highly organised with strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Commercial awareness and business acumen in supply chain decision-making.
• Proficiency in MS Office and supply chain management software (ERP / WMS).
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, manufacturing environment.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in supply chain management, with at least 5 years at managerial level.
• Proven forecasting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in Cosmetics, Pharmaceutical, FMCG, or Food industries with solid GMP knowledge.
• Demonstrated track record of implementing process improvements in supply chain operations.
• Hands‑on experience managing cross‑functional teams and multiple supply chain functions.

Full‑time, on‑site position – manufacturing experience is mandatory.