Logistics Specialist at Bayer

Job Purpose:

• Manage the end-to-end logistics process, from order confirmation to delivery and returns, utilizing Bayer analytics tools (SAP, TMS, Smart Center, Four Kites systems).
• Coordinate with internal, direct customers and 3PL to ensure timely and efficient execution of logistics activities.

Key Task and Responsibilities:

• Lead and optimize logistics operations to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of products to customers.
• Analyze logistics performance data to identify opportunities for improvement and implement strategic cost saving solutions.
• Execute end-to-end TMS planning, including cost optimization, vehicle and route optimization, turnaround time management and communication
• Create shipments in TMS and manage the delivery confirmation process with commercial teams, direct customers, and 3PLs.
• Ensure accurate freight carrier information in TMS and validate freight bill costs against SAP. Submit necessary documents (PO, GRV) to finance for invoice processing.
• Maintain and update rate cards in the Transportation Management System (TMS) on a monthly and annual basis.
• Coordinate inter-facility stock transfers (STOs) for seed and crop protection portfolios.
• Consolidate daily VLO60 report and submit to the commercial & customer interaction teams.
• Manage the delivery confirmation process with the commercial team, direct customer & 3PL.
• Monitor EDI connection flow between 3PLs and Bayer internal systems.
• Maintain effective communication and collaboration with internal and external teams (commercial, direct customers, 3PL).
• Collaborate with the 3PL to conduct weekly and monthly inventory reconciliations. Identify and resolve any discrepancies between physical inventory and system records.
• Analyze inventory data to identify trends and potential issues. Manage and monitor logistics functionality KPI’s (Smart Center – TMS vehicle utilization, TMS optimization, TMS adoption, Tender adherence, on time pickup, on time delivery, freight cost, last mile visibility).
• Ensure all proof of delivery documentation (POD’s), goods return notes (GRN), exchange/return  approval is captured into TMS for each respective SAP delivery processed.
• Liaise with the commercial and 3PL warehouse teams to manage and coordinate the GRN process, enabling logistics to process return credits within 48 hours of receipt.
• Utilise Bayer analytics tools:
• Transport Management Systems (TMS:):
• Manage all aspects of transportation, including carrier selection, route planning, load optimization, and shipment tracking
• Optimize routes, consolidate shipments, and negotiate better rates with carriers, leading to cost savings Smart Center:
• Monitor the dashboard to manage TMS shipment status (on time, at risk, delayed) Four Kites:
• Monitor the progress of their goods in transit to provide real-time tracking of shipments SAP:
• Delivery release, EDI transmission flow
• Ensure all consignment stock is uplifted, processed, and inventory is returned to the 3PL warehouse.
• Provide updates to the 3PL regarding carrier arrival slots, customer and consignment returns.
• Process returned consignments within 48 hours of receipt in the SAP system accordingly.
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements for seed and crop protection warehouse and distribution activities, including freight carrier compliance.
• Liaise with suppliers/vendors and undertake vendor evaluations to ensure good service delivery while ensuring timely approval and payment of their invoices.
• Support customer complaints investigations
• Undertake additional administrative, project, and ad-hoc functional support tasks as needed

Qualifications and Competencies

• Minimum of 3 years experience within Distribution and Warehousing, Import & Exports, logistics
• Degree/Diploma in Supply chain management/ Distribution and Warehousing/ Logistics/ IT programming/systems
• Strong understanding & execution of logistics principles and practices
• Computer literate, Microsoft office proficient and SAP experience
• Excellent  written, verbal, interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledge of the Seed and Agricultural chemical markets is advantageous
• Fluent in English, Afrikaans,  local vernacular advantageous
• Results orientated
• Ability to work effectively in a global, team matrix-based environment (cross functional; cross cultural)
• Agile
• High level of engagement and communication