Distribution and Logistics Service Provider Business Partner South Africa & SAC CP at Bayer

Job Purpose:

• Being part of the Supply Chain Operations Mission Team delivering to the mission of Supply Products that Wins Customers. 
• This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong operational background in warehouse management, inventory control, and distribution logistics. The ideal candidate will drive continuous improvement initiatives, optimize processes, and lead a high-performing team to achieve operational excellence.
• Ensuring on-time and cost-efficient delivery of finished goods for Crop Science Division of South Africa customers by collaborating with Customer Facing Squad, Commercial Operations, Value Proposition, Supply Chain Operations and Finance. 
• Driving compliant safe and economical warehousing and distribution environment for Crop Protection, Row Crop products to our customers and partners.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Execution

• Develop Long-Term Logistics Strategies: Collaborate with the Supply Chain Mission Team to create a roadmap for warehouse & logistics operations that aligns with business goals and market demands. Not only from a Bayer perspective but with Customers (Distributors, Coops etc)
• Market Analysis: Conduct thorough analyses of market trends, customer preferences, and competitive landscape to inform strategic logistics decisions driving cost savings.
• Focusing on Tools: Strategically optimize logistics operations and support supply chain initiatives using TMS and Smart Center and looking for efficiencies with CFS.
• Partnership Development: Identify and establish strategic partnerships with key logistics providers to enhance service offerings and operational capabilities. Correct execution on waybills and payments

Tactical Process Improvement

• Process Mapping: Analyze current logistics & warehouse processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement, creating detailed process maps for clarity working with Transformation Enablement Team and Warehouse Managers .
• Implementation of Best Practices: Research and implement industry best practices in logistics and supply chain management to enhance operational performance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with various departments (e.g., procurement, sales, and operations) to ensure tactical alignment and integration of logistics processes.
• Change Management: Lead change management initiatives to facilitate the adoption of new processes and technologies within the warehouse & logistics function.

Operational Performance Monitoring

• KPI Development: Establish clear and measurable KPIs that reflect the performance of logistics operations and align with the Supply Chain Mission Team's objectives.
• Regular Performance Reviews: Conduct monthly and quarterly performance reviews to assess logistics efficiency and identify areas for tactical improvement.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize data analytics tools to analyze performance metrics, driving informed decisions that enhance logistics operations.
• Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging feedback and suggestions from team members regarding operational performance.

Vendor and Service Provider Coordination

• Vendor Selection and Evaluation: Follow Bayer criteria for selecting logistics service providers and regularly evaluate their performance against established benchmarks.
• Performance Metrics Monitoring: Implement a system for tracking vendor performance metrics, facilitating timely feedback and corrective actions when necessary.
• Collaboration and Communication: Establish regular communication channels with vendors to address issues proactively and enhance collaboration on logistics projects. Ensuring all procurement processes are followed and payments happen timely

Inventory and Quality Control Management

• Inventory Optimization Strategies: Develop and implement strategies for optimizing inventory levels across multiple sites, balancing supply and demand. Linking between Planning and Warehouse Teams
• Quality Assurance Protocols: Establish quality control protocols to ensure that products meet required standards and specifications throughout the logistics process.
• Cycle Counts and Audits: Conduct regular co-created cycle counts and audits to maintain inventory accuracy and identify discrepancies early with Warehouse Teams .
• Training and Development: Provide training for staff on inventory management best practices and quality control measures to enhance overall operational effectiveness.

Warehousing, Transport, and Expense Budget Consolidation

• Budget Management: Consolidate and manage the OPEX budget for all logistics facilities, ensuring alignment with operational goals and financial targets.
• Warehouse Operations Oversight: Work closely with Warehouse Managers to optimize warehousing processes, ensuring efficient space utilization and inventory management.
• Transport Coordination: Oversee transportation logistics to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of goods, while maintaining compliance with service level agreements.

HSE Compliance and ISO Standards: 

• Ensure that all warehousing and transport operations comply with health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations and ISO standards, conducting regular audits and assessments to maintain compliance. Steer operating tools like Intelex as well as join monthly HSE meetings and Management Reviews. 

Required Qualifications:

• University Degree, preferably with focus on SCM or Logistics, Hons and higher is a plus; alternatively equivalent experience
• 10+ years of experience in and good knowledge of Supply Chain, Customer Service and Logistics processes
• Key competencies: Collaborates, Customer Focus, Drives results, Strategic Mindset, Manages complexity / ambiguity, Builds Effective Teams
• Outstanding communication, organization and coaching skills
• Visionary, Architect, Catalyst, Coach
• Strong influencing
• Fluency in local language of country English & Afrikaans required