Job Description

Our Client, a National blue-chip Group Leader in the FMCG industry, is seeking to URGENTLY appoint a dynamic Inventory Manager: Country Operations to be based at their Head Office in Umhlanga, KZN (Up to R900 pa).

MAIN PURPOSE FOR THE ROLE:

• To report directly into the Finance Manager
• Be responsible for optimal onsite Inventory stock holding from both a financial and operational perspective.
• Drive and be responsible for Working Capital Management by optimizing Inventory holding through: parameter management, correct classification of all inventories, ensuring obsolete/excess Inventory is identified and flagged for provision planning together with Finance.
• Maintain accurate inventory levels that are data driven & customer centric.
• Monitor demand and plan for anticipated future needs.
• Allocate workflow and manage the Inventory Operational teams activities (supervises the management of routine activities at stores)
• Implement and embed best practices, minimum standards, policies, processes, systems and enablers (i.e. LMC etc.) This includes identifying opportunities to improve local Inventory efficiency and productivity.
• Champion the implementation of Group Inventory strategy and objectives which include leading & managing inventory changes/projects/events at operations.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Accountabilities):

Responsible for Inventory Operations Management

• Manage the Inventory Operations team to ensure accurate and efficient receiving/receipting/issuing of stock; and strong customer support in terms of timing and product availability (In accordance with SLA)
• Ensure a % service level is maintained at site in accordance with Group Standards
• Ensure that Insurance & Critical items with zero stock on hand, zero on order and zero on request are managed daily with regular communication of the risk being shared with the manufacturing team.
• Manage the Verification team to ensure weekly stock counts is managed and completed in accordance with FCFQ and related % Error KPIs. Investigate discrepancies accordingly.
• Manage finalisation of the stock counting process and ensure stock adjustments are carried out timeously.
• Delegate daily workflow and manage Expeditors to ensure expediting of outstanding orders through engagement with buying team, suppliers and requisitioners to meet promised delivery dates.
• Provide guidance on prioritizing orders based on business needs and supplier evaluation to maintain OTIF targets.
• Engage with end-users to ensure delivery risks are communicated to requisitioners timeously.
• Be responsible for Stakeholder management.
• Partner with the business to implement and drive compliance to Inventory policies, strategies, processes, and guidelines.
• Partner with the business to drive the use of Master Data as well as initiating the creation of new MIDs to reduce spend via Directs/free text.
• Review operations physical Inventory requirements and propose improvements where applicable.
• Support continuous stakeholder engagement in supply and demand planning across all business functions (i.e. Off Crop, Capex projects, Packaging, Fertilizers, etc.). This includes effective delivery on agreed demand plans.

• Use analytical data and insights to partner with various stakeholders in optimizing stock holding, forecasting demand & delivering on category supply plans.
• Coordinates the ordering of Inventory items linked to demand forecasts (aligned to production and maintenance planning) for the operation.
• Makes use of data and historical usage trends to optimize local inventory (MID) parameters.
• Reports on and monitors continuous improvement practises within Inventory and manages implementation of these initiatives where applicable.
• Uses Qlik dashboards to drive and achieve Inventory KPIs
• Uses data to drive opportunities to consolidate orders which will lead to logistical cost savings.
• Lead, manage and develop capability in the local Inventory teams.
• Lead, inspire and develop the Inventory teams by demonstrating the Illovo leadership core behaviours. Give Direction, ensure Alignment and drive Commitment as part of Leadership activities.
• Establish and maintain clarity of responsibilities in the decision-making process and hold employees to account for their role within the business.
• Oversee Inventory personnel and support functions within the Inventory department.
• Ensure compliance to standardized Inventory management policies, strategy, processes and guidelines, considering customer requirements.
• Track and report on progress to ensure compliance with group minimum standards and processes for Inventory are adhered to
• Ensure compliance to the FCFQ is achieved through rigorous engagement with group and internal audit (this includes maintaining relevance to current systems, policies & procedures)
• Promote and adhere to procedures, policies and guidelines, including, without limitation, those relating to SHERQ, Competition Law and Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC)
• Maintain housekeeping of designated area (5S) in accordance with SHERQ and ISO standards (where applicable)

Logistics/Customs

• Manage the inbound logistics and customs clearance to ensure compliance to Country Regulations.
• Manage the outbound customs declarations for temporary exports Repair and Return.
• Approval and Accountability of Clearing instructions issued to appointed 3rd party service providers, ensuring correctness of declarations.
• Ensure inbound clearances are obtained prior to consignment arrival at entry port (land, air and seaports)
• Ensure accurate application of Customs tariffs to inbound declarations and allocation of SADC/COMESA certification to avoid higher import duties.
• Manage the Revenue Authority audits in terms of Inbound clearances, if applicable.
• Ensure Import/Export permits are applied for and available to avoid shipment delays.
• Ensure supply contracts are lodged with Customs/Reserve Banks to facilitate foreign payments.
• Initiate the sourcing of Forex Cover for foreign Purchases aligned to Company Policy
• Appointment and Contract Management of the 3rd Party Logistics providers (Bonded Warehouses, Clearing Agents, Freight Forwarders, etc)

MINIMUM KEY COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS:

• At minimum a relevant 3-year degree/diploma (Supply Chain/Commerce/B Com/ Engineering/BSc)
• 6+ years Procurement / Purchasing / Supply Chain management experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of stores management and Inventory management systems and processes
• Demonstrable track record in managing teams ESSENTIAL.

APPLY NOW.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

• Willingness to relocate (if not resident in Umhlanga, KZN
• Closing date for applications is the 18 August 2023.
• By applying for this vacancy, you give us consent to use your personal information as per POPIA. Should you withhold your consent and/or withdraw your consent before the Client has started and/or completed processing your personal information, the Client will be unable to conduct pre-employment or pre-contractual background screening which may render your application for the job position incomplete. This may result in your application being unsuccessful.
• Should you not receive our relayed invitation for an interview with the client within two weeks of the closing date, please accept that your application has not been unsuccessful.
• The client reserves the right not to make an appointment.

SHOULD THIS OPPORTUNITY NOT BE SUITABLE TO YOU, PLEASE FORWARD IT TO A FRIEND.

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