Executive Head, Materials and Supply Chain Operations, North Coast, KZN at Dixie Recruitment

• We are seeking a seasoned executive to lead end-to-end Materials and Supply Chain Operations for an advanced manufacturing environment with a high-value, high-complexity portfolio spanning approximately 10,000 parts. This role is responsible for materials planning, flow, and governance, demanding a systems-oriented leader with a strong capacity for execution, compliance, and cost discipline amidst evolving operational demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the materials value stream, including forward sourcing, purchasing, launch logistics, warehouse management, and MRP/data governance.
• Lead the full function of factory lineside material feed and distribution to customers.
• Maintain uninterrupted production support and eliminate stoppages caused by material shortages.
• Manage inventory performance, expedite and airfreight charges, and deliver sustained cost reduction year-on-year.
• Direct and develop a department of 60 professionals, building robust processes and standards across supply chain operations.

Performance Measures

• Ensuring operational continuity and avoiding downtime or line stoppages.
• Controlling expedite charges, airfreight spend, and inventory optimization.
• Delivering annual cost reductions while upholding service, quality, and compliance standards.
• Driving supplier performance, logistics efficiency, and broader operational KPIs.

Leadership Competencies

• High cognitive assessment scores (GTA/GIA 85+), demonstrating sharp analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong systems-thinking capability and strategic foresight over a three-year horizon (MCPA/CPP score of 3/4).
• Personality profile: High D or I (decisive, results-driven, influential); Low S (adaptable, thrives on change); Enhanced C (disciplined, precise, compliant with standards).
• Executive-level experience leading supply chain, materials, procurement, or logistics in a complex manufacturing or industrial setting.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• MBA or relevant degree
• 10 - 15 years experience at directorship level
• Extensive track record managing large, multifaceted supply chain or materials portfolios.
• Advanced fluency in ERP/MRP systems, SAP and master data governance.
• Demonstrated ability to balance both strategic improvement initiatives and day-to-day operational control.
• Skilled in building stakeholder alignment, leading process innovation, and driving disciplined execution in fast-paced, metrics-driven environments.
• This role offers the opportunity for significant impact and transformation within a world-class manufacturing setting. If you are a strategic leader with strong execution capability and thrive in complex environments, we encourage you to apply.