Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Manager Office Automation Solutions

Reports To: Chief Operations and IT Officer

Purpose of the Position

The Supply Chain Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the end-to-end Supply Chain and Annuity Logistics operations for the Office Automation Solutions division. This includes strategic planning, procurement, stock management, supplier liaison, logistics, warehousing, costings, and reporting. The role ensures the smooth and efficient flow of goods while maintaining optimal inventory levels and supporting annuity streams. The incumbent will also oversee franchise support, staff development, process control, and ensure compliance with Delegation of Authority (DOA), ISO standards, and JSE control requirements.

Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

• Strategic purchasing, forecasting, and backorder management

• Supplier and logistics partner relationship management

• Comprehensive inventory and stock control oversight

• Management of warehouse and shipping operations

• Oversight of agent account reconciliations and rate reviews

• Weekly and monthly reporting, including KPIs and board-level summaries

• Budget development and control for annuity and supply chain operations

• Oversight of annuity product and price list management

• Streamlining operational processes across annuity and support teams

• Management of franchise-related processes (orders, returns, invoicing, credit notes)

• Staff leadership, development, and departmental process improvement

• Compliance with DOA, JSE control requirements, and ISO procedures

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Purchasing, Forecasting & Backorder Management

• Manage international and local procurement using Athena and partner portals

• Ensure purchase approvals are in line with DOA

• Coordinate weekly sea freight and ad hoc airfreight shipments

• Use forecasting tools and stock data to maintain optimal inventory levels

• Maintain accurate ETDs/ETAs and control backorders

2. Supplier Liaison & Relationship Management

• Serve as the key point of contact for local and international suppliers

• Monitor purchase orders and franchise procurement activities

• Track product availability, backorders, and delivery timelines

3. Inventory Management

• Liaise with product and marketing teams for inventory planning

• Collaborate with the Shipping Costing Controller for urgent stock needs

• Conduct forecasting meetings and prepare stock write-off reports

• Investigate inventory discrepancies and ensure accurate costings

4. Shipping & Warehouse Operations

• Oversee end-to-end shipping and warehousing activities

• Supervise warehouse personnel and ensure accurate reporting

5. Agent Account Management

• Review and validate service provider invoices

• Conduct bi-annual rate comparisons and negotiate improved terms

6. Reporting & KPI Management

• Generate daily and monthly supplier and PO reports

• Compile board-level summaries and stock segment analyses

• Track KPIs and provide explanations for variances

7. Budgeting & Financial Oversight

• Set and manage budgets for annuity, franchise annuity, supply chain, and warehousing

• Monitor performance against budget and report on variances

8. Operational Improvements

• Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities

• Update and optimize departmental roles and workflows

9. Franchise Management

• Ensure compliance with franchise invoicing, stock returns, and credit note processes

• Oversee support team performance and maintain service excellence

10. Staff & Process Development

• Lead and develop supply chain and support teams

• Drive continuous improvement and adherence to processes and controls

11. ISO & JSE Control

• Maintain and update ISO procedures and departmental objectives

• Ensure compliance with all JSE-related controls and governance

Requirements and Qualifications

Education

• Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, or related field (essential)

• Postgraduate qualification or certification in Supply Chain, Logistics, or Procurement (preferred)

• ISO and/or JSE compliance training or certification (advantageous)

Experience

• Minimum 10+ years in a supply chain or logistics management role

• Proven experience in procurement, shipping, warehousing, and inventory management

• Experience in annuity-based product and consumable logistics (advantageous)

• Strong track record in budget and KPI management

• Exposure to office automation or tech distribution sectors (advantageous)

Technical Skills

• Proficient in ERP systems (e.g., Athena, Just Enough, SAP, Oracle)

• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capability

• Knowledge of forecasting tools and inventory planning systems

• Understanding of import/export regulations and logistics documentation

Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management

• High attention to detail and problem-solving ability

• Excellent negotiation and communication skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure

• Financial and commercial acumen

• Process-oriented with a focus on continuous improvement

Other Requirements

• Valid drivers license

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally if required

• South African citizenship or valid work permit