Supply Chain Optimisation Manager at Ackermans

• We are in search of a strategic and analytically driven Supply Chain Optimisation Manager to lead the design and continuous improvement of our end-to-end supply chain within a high-volume value retail environment.
• This role is central to translating business and merchandise strategy into scalable, efficient supply chain solutions that ensure product availability, operational excellence, and sustainable cost-to-serve. Partnering cross functionally you will use data insights, process optimisation, and cross-functional collaboration to strengthen service delivery, improve predictability, and build a future-ready, scalable network.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead end-to-end supply chain design and planning integration to ensure alignment across functions and optimise network performance.
• Develop and implement network and capability strategies to support long-term business growth, capacity readiness and operational resilience.
• Drive process optimisation and flow efficiency initiatives to improve service levels, productivity, and performance.
• Own and continuously refine the cost-to-serve framework, enabling data-driven trade-off decisions.
• Enhance supply chain visibility and analytics to enable data-driven decision-making and performance tracking.
• Integrate cross-functional stakeholders and lead change delivery initiatives to embed sustainable improvements.
• Manage Distribution Centre CAPEX planning and investment programs, ensuring effective governance and return on investment.
• Lead and deliver strategic project management initiatives within scope, time, and budget parameters.
• Build organisational capability through effective talent management, leadership development, and succession planning.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Essential:

• Degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Logistics or related field

Preferred:

• Postgraduate qualification in Operations, Engineering or Business
• Retail or analytics certifications

​​​​​​​EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Essential: 

• 8–10 years supply chain experience within retail or distribution environments
• Minimum 3 years leadership experience
• Proven experience improving supply chain flow, efficiency or network performance
• Strong understanding of retail merchandise lifecycle and inbound-to-store processes
• Experience working across multiple business functions
• Experience in capacity modelling, cost optimisation and capital investment evaluation

​​​​​​​Preferred: 

• Fashion or value retail experience
• Supply chain design, optimisation or transformation projects
• Experience in logistics or network optimisation initiatives

​​​​​​​KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Knowledge required:

• Retail merchandise flow and critical path management
• Distribution centre operations and logistics models
• Supply chain analytics and optimisation principles
• Cost-to-serve modelling
• Supply chain systems (WMS, planning systems, reporting tools)

​​​​​​​Key skills and competencies required:

• Strong analytical capability with advanced analysis, problem assessment, and sound judgement
• Strategic thinking and alignment
• Well-developed business acumen
• Effective in stakeholder engagement, influence and management
• Data interpretation and modelling
• High level of independence and accountability in decision-making
• Facilitation and presentation
• Strong problem-solving capability
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Change leadership
• Coaching and talent development