Supply Chain Manager

Rise Recruitment; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency seeks a Senior Supply Chain Manager with over 10 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, specifically with microwave and radio transmission hardware. Responsibilities include developing supply chain strategies, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. The ideal candidate will have exceptional negotiation skills, lead a high-performing team, and collaborate across various departments. This permanent role is based in Midrand, Gauteng, offering a market-related salary.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years experience within the telecommunications industry.
• Proven experience with microwave network equipment or radio transmission hardware.
• Professional certifications such as CIPS or CPSM are advantageous.
• Understanding of import and export processes and trade compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute supply chain strategies ensuring product availability.
• Manage supplier relationships and conduct performance reviews.
• Ensure compliance with procurement regulations and standards.
• Collaborate across teams to forecast demand and manage inventory.
• Lead a high-performing supply chain team and report to leadership.

Skills

Exceptional negotiation and vendor management skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving ability

Ability to manage complex supply chains involving technical equipment

High ethical standards and professionalism

Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration or a related field

Tools

ERP systems like SAGE

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Supply Chain Strategy and Cost Management

  • Develop and execute supply chain strategies that ensure product availability, cost efficiency and operational resilience.
  • Lead strategic sourcing of microwave equipment and telecom network hardware.
  • Analyse supply trends and implement cost reduction initiatives.
  • Ensure spending aligns with financial objectives and company policies.

• Supplier and Contract Management

  • Identify, evaluate and manage suppliers specialising in telecom and microwave transmission equipment.
  • Negotiate pricing, terms and service levels to drive maximum value.
  • Conduct ongoing supplier performance reviews and manage non-compliance.
  • Maintain strong vendor partnerships to support network infrastructure needs.

• Compliance, Risk and Process Management

  • Manage tendering, RFQs and bid evaluations for telecom equipment.
  • Ensure all procurement and supply chain activities comply with regulatory and industry standards.
  • Oversee accurate documentation, contract management and audit readiness.
  • Monitor supply risks and develop mitigation strategies.

• Inventory, Logistics and Demand Planning

  • Collaborate with technical, finance and operations teams to forecast demand for microwave equipment and related telecom hardware.
  • Manage inventory levels and ensure optimal stock flows.
  • Improve lead times, logistics efficiency and product availability.
  • Coordinate with logistics partners for local and international shipments.

• Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Lead and develop a high-performing supply chain team.
  • Collaborate with engineering, operations, finance, sales and legal teams to support overall business strategy.
  • Report to senior leadership on supplier performance, risks, cost optimisation and operational efficiency.

• Key Performance Indicators

  • Cost savings achieved through sourcing and negotiation.
  • Supplier reliability, delivery quality and service performance.
  • Efficiency of supply chain and procurement turnaround time.
  • Reduction of inventory risks and supply disruptions.
  • Cross-functional alignment with operational and technical requirements.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years experience within the telecommunications industry.
• Proven experience working directly with microwave network equipment or radio transmission hardware.
• Professional certifications such as CIPS or CPSM are advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems such as SAGE.
• Understanding of import and export processes and trade compliance.

Core Competencies and Skills

• Exceptional negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to manage complex supply chains involving technical equipment.
• High ethical standards and professionalism.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Work Level: Senior
Job Type: Permanent
Salary: Market Related
EE Position: No
Location: Midrand