TRAFFIC Western Cape

Supply Chain Optimisation Manager

Ackermans
South African Rand . ZAR 300,000 - 400,000

Job Description

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 programmes, 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

At Ackermans, we're committed to an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone feels respected and valued. We believe diverse perspectives inspire innovation and invite individuals from all backgrounds to grow with us.

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