Supply Chain Manager (Retail)

Abantu Staffing Solutions; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Abantu Staffing Solutions is seeking a senior leader to drive the national supply chain strategy across procurement, inventory optimisation and supplier partnerships. You will manage a team of Category Specialists and ensure our product offering remains competitive and profitable.

The role requires a minimum of 10 years in supply chain disciplines within FMCG or retail, with strong leadership and advanced Excel skills to enable data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Commerce, Business, or related field.
• MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification advantageous.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in supply chain, procurement, logistics, category management, or inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procurement and sourcing strategies.
• Negotiate supplier agreements, rebates, trading terms, and opportunities.
• Lead category planning, range development, pricing, and promotions.
• Drive product selection based on customer needs, market trends, and profitability.
• Manage inventory performance, stock availability, and supply chain efficiencies.
• Analyse sales, margin, and inventory data to support decisions.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Distribution Centres to deliver objectives.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Category management

Excel reporting

Leadership

Supplier management

Data-driven decisions

Commercial acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

MBA advantageous

Tools

Excel

Job description

Drive the national supply chain strategy for the organization. This role is responsible for procurement, inventory optimisation, supplier partnerships, category management, distribution performance, and demand planning across our retail network.

You will lead a team of Category Specialists, manage key supplier relationships, and ensure our product offering remains competitive, profitable, and aligned with customer demand.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Commerce, Business, or related field

• MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification advantageous

Experience

• Minimum 10 years' experience in supply chain, procurement, logistics, category management, or inventory management within an FMCG or retail environment

• Proven track record in supplier management, inventory planning, and distribution operations

Key Competencies

• Strategic sourcing and procurement

• Advanced negotiation skills

• Category management and merchandising

• Commercial and financial acumen

• Data-driven decision making

• Supplier relationship management

• Leadership and people management

• Advanced Excel and reporting skills

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procurement and sourcing strategies

• Negotiate supplier agreements, rebates, trading terms, and commercial opportunities

• Lead category planning, range development, pricing, and promotions

• Drive product selection based on customer needs, market trends, and profitability

• Manage inventory performance, stock availability, and supply chain efficiencies

• Analyse sales, margin, and inventory data to support decision-making

• Collaborate with Marketing and Distribution Centres to deliver business objectives

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain function