Materials Manager

Introduction

This position will be based at the Head Office in Woodmead.

Description

The purpose of this position is to manage the physical activities of the Supply Chain function, which includes but is not limited to:

• Supply Chain systems
• Business communication
• Warehouse management
• Inbound and outbound logistics
• Inventory management

Qualification Requirements

• Grade 12 or Equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, or a related degree, honours degree will be advantageous. CIPS certification is preferred.

Experience and Skills Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in supply chain management with at least 3 years in a managerial position; Key areas:

• Materials Management
• Logistics
• Inventory Management
• Supply Chain systems
• Warehouse Management

• Experience with master data management
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage a team and collaborate with various departments and teams
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with people at all levels of the organization
• Deep understanding of materials management processes and best practices
• Knowledge of logistics and transportation management
• Competent in operational and strategic supply chain processes and relevant legislation
• English language proficiency
• Financial management skills
• Experience in Sage V12, Onkey, Netstock, Power Bi an advantage
• Strategic thinker
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Clear, confident, and articulate communicator
• Demonstrates a high level of initiative in problem solving and organizational agility
• Demonstrates strong customer service ethics
• Valid driver’s licence code B, EB or C1
  
• Supply Chain Management:

• Effective management of warehousing, logistics and inventory supply chain activities towards achieving operational excellence
• Application of sound supply chain principles in alignment to the Supply Chain Strategy
• Effective cross-functional collaboration / co-operation to ensure that efficient supply chain services are provided, and value added to the business
• Manages activities related to material requirements planning, inventory control, warehousing and in and outbound logistics
• Align to the objectives of strategic sourcing including the co-operative actions from the various working meetings
• Design, implement, or oversee product take back or reverse logistics programs to ensure products are recycled, reused, or responsibly disposed of
• Reports on performance metrics for measurement, comparison, and evaluation of supply chain factors, such as cost or quality, spend analysis etc.
• Ensures that the Supply Chain Policy is implemented and complied to by all relevant parties
• Develops and closely manages critical support and administrative processes to ensure that the Supply Chain Strategy is complied with
• Ensures efficient and effective support systems including:

• Supply Chain systems selection & training
• Forecasting and planning system
• Demand Management system

• Lead Standards Committee
• Ensure optimal inventory levels are maintained at all sites while minimizing working capital requirements and stock holding costs
• Manage the movement of materials between sites and ensure efficient use of transportation resources
• Produce monthly reports on materials management performance, including inventory levels, stock accuracy and delivery times
• Regular site visits to support Material Controllers
• Strong understanding of technology platforms and their application in supply chain management
• Inventory Management:
• Ensure proper decision making on stock reorder levels and other parameters affecting inventory control
• Ensure effective stock counting and reconciliation processes to ensure data integrity in the Supply Chain / Materials Management system
• Responsible for the codification and content management function
• Accurate stock replenishment information:

• Reviews and establishes of stock ABC classifications
• Constructs appropriate cycle counting models to enable continuous stocktaking
• Directs cycle counting processes and reconciliation activities
• Investigates stock discrepancies and implements corrective action programmes
• Conducts regular audits on cycle counting and reconciliation processes
  
• Supply Chain / Materials Management system integrity and utilisation:

• Builds detailed knowledge of the system
• Interprets stock replenishment reports, investigates unreasonable results, and decides on manual intervention if necessary
• Ensures ongoing input accuracy (e.g. unit of purchase vs. unit of issue) to optimise stock replenishment signals
• Ensures the integrity of data captured on to the system
• Generates reports to assist in managing inventory turn, obsolescence, efficiency ratios and service levels

• Proactive decision making on stock levels:

• Decides on final release of orders for replenishment of stock items at the warehouse
• Coordinates between user demand and supplier delivery reports, and schedules to manage capacity utilisation
• Drives down stock levels by negotiating with suppliers on economic order quantities and shorter lead times
• Analyses order cycle times and recommends actions to improve
• Shrinkage and fraud control:

• Maintains a high level of awareness of the potential for stock losses at various points in the work processes
• Investigates and identifies causes of loss, and institutes remedial action
• Investigates stock shortages throughout the Receiving, Storage and Dispatch processes, for possible incidents of fraud or theft
• Liaises with suppliers and management on security issues