Supply Chain Manager / Director

About the role

An executive-level position in a prominent FMCG manufacturing organisation, with complete end-to-end operational accountability from raw material sourcing to final customer delivery. The role sits alongside the Managing Director and offers a clear, accelerated path to Supply Chain Director within the first year. It is based on site at a standard operational facility in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a monthly S&OP cadence across Sales, Marketing, NPD, Operations and Finance to raise forecast accuracy and keep customer service above 92%
• Drive strategic sourcing and procurement, including supplier and contract packer agreements and international and local supply partnerships
• Manage inventory to reduce warehouse footprint by 10%, curb excess and obsolete stock and protect shelf life and traceability
• Direct primary and secondary distribution, clearing and forwarding agents and bulk warehouse operations
• Build contingency plans, including secondary and tertiary supplier panels, to cover disruptions, port delays and bottlenecks
• Mentor procurement and warehousing staff and ensure adherence to SOPs, GRV systems and product recall protocols

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Commerce or equivalent
• 10 years of progressive experience in supply chain, procurement, demand planning and inventory management, ideally in FMCG or manufacturing
• At least 3 years leading procurement and warehousing teams
• Proven track record of running an integrated monthly S&OP process
• Experience reducing working capital, negotiating supplier contracts and managing product recalls
• Preferred: postgraduate qualification (e.g. Honours, PDBA, MBA) and certifications such as CIPS, CSCP or CPIM

Required skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel (data modelling, forecasting)
• ERP and MRP systems such as SAP, Syspro or Navision
• Warehouse management systems and demand planning tools

What we offer

• Executive and management committee participation with direct influence on strategy
• A career trajectory aimed at reaching Director level within 12 months
• A collaborative manufacturing culture focused on operational excellence and quality compliance