Supply Chain Executive at McCain Foods

Job Purpose:

• The Head of Supply Chain will lead and manage the supply chain function for our operations in South Africa, ensuring the seamless flow of goods from agronomy to product distribution to customer across the country.  
• This leadership role will drive supply chain strategy, operational efficiency, and cost optimisation, while aligning with the company’s overall goals for growth and sustainability.
• The incumbent is expected to strategically strengthen Demand and Supply Planning, S&OP processes, import and export planning and execution, frozen distribution network expansion and management while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• The role will ensure efficient and dimensioned operations supply chain activities including: end to end network optimization, physical logistics, planning/scheduling, materials management, and flow, in order to meet expected customer service while meeting or exceeding inventory and logistics cost targets. The incumbent has to drive a culture of accountability and results through process, system, strategy deployment and effective performance management. 

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Strategy & Execution

• To lead the execution of supply strategies in South Africa spearheading the commercial activities required between the supply base and the business.
• To lead the development of a Robust S&OP process for South Africa. Ensuring it becomes a “contact sport” and that each month leadership is held accountable for striving for balance in Demand and Supply against the Service Operating Strategy and Inventory Targets.
• Responsible for creating Organisation’s supply chain strategy and delivering at highest quality, optimal customer service and best possible cost for the region.
• Lead the alignment of work / priorities between the Global Supply chain Function and the Regional Business Unit by cultivating relationships within both groups. 
• To play an active role in the Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) programs within the region in accordance with the program principles established by Global Procurement function. .

Financial Management

• To manage and be accountable for all South Africa Supply Chain budgets. SG&A, Freight and Distribution spend.
• To lead the delivery of identified savings opportunities for all supply chain activity in South Africa.
• Responsible for total logistics cost and network optimisation, delivery cost. 

Supply Chain Planning 

• Oversee demand planning processes, ensuring accurate forecasting to optimise inventory levels, minimise waste and meet customer demand.
• Collaborate closely with sales, marketing, and production teams to align on forecasts and ensure smooth execution across supply chain activities.
• Ensure effective setup of the SAP IBP Light environment to ensure the Demand Planning execution is accurate.

Contract Management

• Partner with Procurement in the development of and maintain a robust contract management system to monitor and manage contracts. Coordinate supplier performance requirements to ensure effective service delivery and compliance.
• 3PL Management & Negotiation: Manage SLAs and negotiate costs, pricing, and terms with 3PL suppliers to drive efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Supplier Payment & Authorization: Oversee the seamless authorization of monthly supplier payments, ensuring accuracy and compliance with organizational policies.
• Tender and RFQ Management Colaborate with procurement on the execution of RFQs and tender processes in compliance with SCM standards and regulatory requirements.

People Leadership & Development

• Build, engage and drive high performance in the supply chain organization. 
• Manage and deliver on succession plans to enable the development of a future generation of leaders and specialists and ensure optimal turnover and retention levels are maintained. Champion staff training and development through the utilisation of available training opportunities or contributing to the development of new training solutions in collaboration with national training specialists.
• Governance & Sustainability
• Focus on safety, health, environmental compliance, and community activities.
• Ensure adherence to legislative requirements.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, for example, KEBS, PPB,KEPHIS, KRA, ISM etc and company policies as well.

Job Holder Requirements:

• Qualification & Expereince
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field. 
• APICS Certification in Supply Chain will serve as an advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in supply chain management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, preferably within the food or FMCG sectors.
• Strong understanding of supply chain operations in South Africa, including working knowledge of Demand and Supply Planning, Material management, Distribution management, capacity planning, Order management and fulfilment or Operations Management experience.