Project Manager – Albany Returns & Ordering Optimisation (Western Cape) at Smollan

Description

Drive a significant reduction in Albany bread returns in the Western Cape to below the 2% target by leveraging deep category expertise, advanced data analytics, and operational optimisation strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

Data Analysis & Strategic Prioritisation

• Apply the 80/20 principle to identify high-return stores and prioritise interventions.
• Develop and maintain heatmaps to target red and amber stores for corrective action.
• Analyse SKU-level performance (white, brown, specialty loaves, rolls, GI ranges) to identify high-return SKUs and optimise assortment.
• Implement risk-based caps and SKU freezes where necessary.
• Maintain a daily Store Order Decision Log to track adjustments and outcomes.
• Map store radius, clusters, and travel routes to design an efficient visitation model.
• Determine visit frequency based on store risk tiers.
• Prepare and cascade weekly insights across the value chain, highlighting root causes, quick wins, and long-term opportunities.

Requirements

• Own car and valid driver’s licence; extensive travel across the Western Cape required.
• 3–5 years’ experience in FMCG retail or operations, ideally within the bakery or bread category.
• Strong understanding of bread shelf-life, rotation standards, and category drivers of waste and shrinkage.
• Advanced analytical skills (Excel, Power BI).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Project management experience is advantageous.

Core Competencies

• Analytical and data-driven mindset.
• Strong field execution and operational optimisation skills.
• Resilient, hands-on, and able to perform under pressure.
• Influential communicator with relationship-building ability.
• Detail-oriented with strong follow-through.
• Passionate about bread freshness and quality standards.