Supply Chain Manager - Food & Beverage FMCG

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional growth

International exposure

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks an experienced Supply Chain Manager to lead end-to-end operations in the FMCG sector. You will optimize procurement, logistics, warehousing and inventory to ensure on-time delivery and cost efficiency.

Candidates bring 8+ years in supply chain, strong ERP/WMS/TMS know-how, and a proven track record in negotiation and team leadership. The role offers a collaborative environment and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, or related field.
• APICS or similar certifications are highly desirable.
• 8+ years of progressive supply chain management experience in FMCG, especially food and beverages.
• Proven expertise in procurement, logistics, warehousing, inventory control, and demand planning.
• Strong knowledge of ERP, WMS, and TMS systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management abilities.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Familiarity with KwaZulu-Natal logistics landscape is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the overall supply chain strategy to improve efficiency and cut costs.
• Oversee procurement, logistics, warehousing, inventory, and demand planning.
• Optimize inventory to minimize carrying costs while avoiding stockouts.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers and logistics partners.
• Implement robust demand planning with sales and marketing input.
• Drive continuous improvement across the supply chain.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, safety, and quality standards.
• Lead and develop a high-performing supply chain team.
• Monitor KPIs using analytics and reporting tools.
• Manage the supply chain budget and track financial targets.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERP

WMS

TMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector specializing in food and beverages, is seeking an experienced and analytical Supply Chain Manager to oversee its operations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is critical for ensuring the efficient and cost-effective flow of goods from procurement to delivery, maintaining product quality, and meeting customer demand. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes, logistics, inventory management, and procurement within the FMCG context. You will be responsible for optimizing supply chain operations, implementing best practices, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to shape the supply chain of a growing business in a key coastal city.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage the overall supply chain strategy to support business objectives, focusing on efficiency, cost reduction, and service level excellence.
• Oversee all aspects of the supply chain, including procurement, logistics, warehousing, inventory management, and demand planning.
• Optimize inventory levels to minimize carrying costs while ensuring product availability and preventing stockouts.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, logistics providers, and other third-party partners, negotiating contracts and ensuring performance standards are met.
• Implement and maintain robust demand planning processes, collaborating with sales and marketing to forecast future demand accurately.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain, identifying opportunities for process enhancements and cost savings.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, safety standards, and quality control procedures throughout the supply chain.
• Lead and develop a high-performing supply chain team, fostering a culture of accountability and operational excellence.
• Utilize supply chain analytics and reporting tools to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and identify areas for improvement.
• Manage the supply chain budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to financial targets.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• APICS or other relevant certifications are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, with a significant focus on the FMCG industry , particularly food and beverages.
• Proven expertise in logistics, warehousing, inventory control, demand planning, and procurement within a complex operational environment in Durban .
• Strong understanding of supply chain technologies and software (e.g., ERP, WMS, TMS).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management abilities.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and quality standards in the food and beverage sector.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with the KwaZulu-Natal logistics landscape is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package that reflects the strategic importance of this role, along with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits are provided.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development, including advanced training and potential for international exposure, are available.
• You will work in a collaborative and supportive environment with a dedicated team.
• This role offers the chance to significantly impact the operational efficiency of a key player in the Durban FMCG market, working with products that reach consumers nationwide.