Supply Chain Operations Manager - FMCG

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Supply Chain Operations Manager to lead end-to-end supply chain activities in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. You will drive efficiency across logistics, warehousing, inventory, and demand planning, aligning with procurement, production, and sales for commercial success.

The role demands strong leadership, analytical thinking, and a proven FMCG track record in optimizing cost and service levels. Expect a strategic, high-impact position in a dynamic FMCG environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in SCM, logistics, business administration, or related field.
• Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in supply chain management, preferably in FMCG.
• Proven experience in logistics, warehousing and inventory operations.
• Strong demand planning and forecasting knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement supply chain strategies to optimize efficiency and cut costs.
• Oversee logistics, warehousing and distribution activities.
• Manage inventory levels to ensure availability and minimize carrying costs.
• Collaborate with procurement, production and sales to align operations.
• Lead demand forecasting and planning processes.
• Mitigate supply chain risks and ensure business continuity.
• Lead and mentor the supply chain team and drive continuous improvement.
• Negotiate with 3PLs and suppliers for favorable terms.
• Monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure regulatory and policy compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

Supply chain software

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading name in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is looking for a highly experienced and dedicated Supply Chain Operations Manager to oversee critical operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. This role is pivotal in ensuring the efficient and cost-effective flow of goods from production to market. You will be responsible for managing the entire supply chain, including logistics, warehousing, inventory management, and demand planning, ensuring that our products reach consumers seamlessly and on time. We are seeking a strategic thinker with a proven track record in optimizing supply chain performance, reducing costs, and enhancing operational efficiency within the FMCG sector. Here this position requires strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of supply chain best practices, and the ability to manage complex networks. The ideal candidate will possess excellent problem-solving abilities and a commitment to continuous improvement. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the operational excellence of a well-established FMCG company and play a key role in its continued success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive supply chain strategies to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service levels.
• Oversee all aspects of logistics, including transportation, warehousing, and distribution.
• Manage inventory levels to ensure product availability while minimizing carrying costs.
• Collaborate with procurement, production, and sales teams to ensure alignment of supply chain operations with business needs.
• Implement and manage demand forecasting and planning processes.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, ensuring business continuity.
• Lead and mentor the supply chain team, fostering a culture of performance and continuous improvement.
• Negotiate with third-party logistics providers and suppliers to secure favorable terms.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the supply chain and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and company policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in supply chain management, with a significant portion within the FMCG industry.
• Proven experience in managing complex logistics, warehousing, and inventory operations.
• Strong understanding of demand planning and forecasting techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to optimize supply chain costs and improve efficiency.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in supply chain management software and ERP systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience in negotiating with suppliers and logistics providers.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and other employee benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
• Work in a critical role for a leading FMCG company.
• Potential for relocation assistance.
• Dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Exposure to modern supply chain technologies.
• Collaborative team culture focused on operational excellence.