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