Supply Chain Optimization Manager (Bellville ) at Econo Foods

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

• The Supply Chain Optimisation Manager is accountable for building a world-class, future-ready logistics and supply chain capability that delivers both operational excellence and sustainable profitability. This role integrates systems, processes, and people to transform how we plan, execute, and measure supply chain performance.
• Through leadership of key initiatives, including end-to-end process design, advanced inventory management, cost-to-serve modelling, warehouse labour optimisation, Integrated Business Planning (IBP), WMS design and rollout, and network optimisation, the role ensures that our supply chain is not only efficient today but scalable and competitive for the future.
• As the organisation’s supply chain transformation lead, the Supply Chain Optimisation Manager acts as the bridge between strategy and execution: embedding best practices, leveraging digital tools (ERP, WMS, BI), and driving a culture of continuous improvement to deliver best-in-class logistics performance across service, cost, and capability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Process Design & Systems Enablement

• Optimise O2C, S2S, and Planning processes.
• Ensure ERP/WMS/BI integration supports automation, compliance, and accuracy.
• Define master data standards, workflows, and access controls.

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

• Lead design and rollout with FEFO, scanning, cycle counting, and productivity tracking.
• Integrate with ERP, TMS, and BI dashboards.

Inventory Management

• Govern parameters: safety stock, reorder points, replenishment cycles, lead times, FEFO, and MOVs.
• Balance service levels, working capital, and waste reduction.

Cost-to-Serve Model

• Build and maintain cost-to-serve to guide pricing, delivery, and network design.
• Present insights in Exco packs to inform decisions.

Integrated Business Planning (IBP)

• Embed a monthly IBP cycle aligning demand, supply, inventory, and finance.
• Enable scenario modelling and proactive exception management.

Network Optimisation

• Lead footprint and fleet optimisation; evaluate lease vs own and capex vs opex options.

Labour Optimisation & Productivity

• Utilise time-and-motion studies, workflow redesign, and overtime control.
• Suggest incentive schemes tied to productivity, quality, and shrinkage.

KPI Ownership & Reporting

• Track OTIF, R/kg, cost-to-serve, inventory accuracy, shrinkage, and labour efficiency.
• Automate reporting for real-time decision support.

Continuous Improvement & Projects

• Drive initiatives: GRV re-engineering, Warehouse of the Future, pallet strategy, and AI-driven surveillance.
• Track ROI and embed learnings.

Project Leadership & Change Management

• Lead ERP, WMS, IBP, and optimisation projects.
• Ensure adoption through structured change management.
• Track benefit realisation against KPIs.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• BCom in Supply Chain, Finance, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent); Honours / MBA / CIMA advantageous.
• Industrial Engineering or related technical qualification strongly preferred for expertise in process design, labour optimisation, and systems implementation.
• Professional certifications such as APICS CSCP/CPIM, Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt), or PMP/Prince2 highly advantageous.
• 7–10 years’ experience in supply chain and logistics optimisation within retail/FMCG.
• Proven success in ERP/WMS-enabled process design, IBP, cost-to-serve modelling, and network optimisation.
• Strong background in labour productivity analysis, scenario modelling, and KPI-driven performance improvement.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, WMS platforms, and BI tools (Power BI preferred).

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Building and maintaining relationships with strong interpersonal skills – living out the company values and unique HO HOLA culture.
• Friendly, helpful, confident yet humble, and able to work well in a team.
• Ability to work in a highly competitive, fast past and dynamic environment.
• Ability to communicate fluently in English (written and verbal).
• Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Analytical & Process Expertise: Strong quantitative and process design capability (e.g., time-and-motion studies, workflow optimisation, systems mapping).
• Systems & Technology Savvy: Comfortable driving ERP/WMS implementations, BI dashboarding, and digital automation initiatives.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Skilled in Lean Six Sigma or similar methodologies, with a bias for eliminating waste and improving efficiency.
• Strategic & Commercial Acumen: Able to link operational improvements to financial outcomes (e.g., cost-to-serve, ROI modelling, opex vs capex decisions).
• Project & Change Leadership: Proven ability to lead large-scale transformation projects, manage cross-functional teams, and drive adoption of new processes.
• Influencing & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage Exco, operations leaders, and frontline staff.
• Results Orientation: Resilient and proactive, focused on measurable outcomes across service, cost, and efficiency.
• Detail-to-Strategy Balance: Able to deep-dive into operational issues while keeping a long-term, strategic view.

CLOSING DATE               

• 31 OCTOBER 2025