Supply Chain Lead – Durban

About the role

The Supply Chain Lead will oversee end‑to‑end supply chain and daily operations of the Asia Desk in Durban, coordinating customer requirements, sourcing, purchase orders, freight, customs and delivery commitments. This role ensures a disciplined operating rhythm that aligns commercial priorities with operational execution.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the day‑to‑day Asia Desk operating plan, allocate priorities and ensure follow‑through on customer, supplier and shipment commitments.
• Establish standard operating procedures, escalation paths, service standards and controls across the desk.
• Coordinate internal stakeholders to keep sales commitments, capacity, documentation, customs requirements and delivery plans aligned.
• Maintain an operational dashboard covering orders, production progress, bookings, departures, arrivals, customs status, delivery risks and customer actions.
• Oversee supply chain activity from demand and purchase order confirmation through supplier production, freight movement, customs clearance and final delivery.
• Monitor shipment milestones, identify risks early and implement recovery plans.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms and service levels with strategic service providers within approved authority.
• Ensure import and export documentation is complete, accurate and available within required timelines.
• Partner with the sales team to design competitive customer supply‑chain solutions and contribute to new‑business development.
• Validate invoices, accruals and cost allocations, protecting margins by identifying cost leakage.
• Prepare concise weekly and monthly reports on service, cost, pipeline, risks and supplier performance.
• Lead or support continuous‑improvement and strategic projects that simplify processes, improve visibility and reduce manual work.

Required profile

• Relevant qualification in supply chain, logistics, customs, procurement, international trade or business (advantageous).
• 7–8 years’ experience in a supply‑chain leadership role.
• Significant experience in international supply chain, import/export operations, freight forwarding or strategic sourcing.
• Demonstrated leadership of high‑volume operational workflows involving international suppliers and multiple logistics stakeholders.
• Practical experience with sea and air freight, customs processes, Incoterms and inland transport coordination.
• Strong commercial experience including supplier/carrier negotiations, quotations, tenders and cost control.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365, particularly Excel; experience with Shipshape is advantageous.
• Ability and willingness to travel when business requirements justify it.

Required skills

• Microsoft Excel (advanced)
• Shipshape (experience advantageous)