Head of Supply Chain & Procurement

Location: Edenvale, Gauteng

Salary: Up to R1,400,000 per annum

Employment Type: Permanent

Industry: Chemical Manufacturing | Feed Additives | Specialised Manufacturing

Level: Senior Management / Executive

Introduction

An established manufacturing organisation based in Edenvale, Gauteng, is seeking a highly experienced, commercially astute and exceptionally hands-on Head of Supply Chain & Procurement to take full ownership of its procurement and supply chain operations.

This is a demanding, operationally intensive leadership position requiring an individual who combines strategic expertise with the ability and willingness to personally execute critical operational responsibilities.

The successful candidate must have substantial experience in chemical manufacturing, feed additives, agricultural chemicals, food ingredients or a closely related process-manufacturing environment.

Relevant manufacturing industry experience is essential. General corporate procurement experience alone will not be sufficient.

This position is best suited to a resilient, resourceful and results-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, takes accountability and is comfortable working without extensive administrative or operational support.

Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement & Sourcing

• Develop, implement and manage procurement and supply chain strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Take direct responsibility for sourcing raw materials, manufacturing inputs, packaging materials and operational supplies.
• Identify, evaluate, negotiate with and manage local and international suppliers.
• Negotiate competitive pricing, commercial terms and supply agreements.
• Drive cost reduction, procurement efficiencies and supplier performance improvements.
• Identify alternative suppliers and mitigate sourcing and supply continuity risks.

Supply Chain & Manufacturing Operations

• Oversee end-to-end supply chain activities, including procurement, inventory, warehousing, logistics and distribution.
• Coordinate closely with manufacturing and production teams to ensure uninterrupted raw-material availability.
• Manage stock levels, inventory accuracy, replenishment planning and working capital requirements.
• Identify and resolve supply chain bottlenecks, delivery delays and operational inefficiencies.
• Support production planning through effective procurement forecasting and supplier coordination.
• Ensure appropriate controls for materials handling, storage and distribution.

Operational Execution & Problem-Solving

• Remain directly involved in daily procurement and supply chain activities.
• Personally manage complex supplier negotiations, urgent sourcing requirements and operational escalations.
• Resolve supply shortages, supplier disputes and delivery challenges.
• Implement practical solutions to improve operational efficiency and business performance.
• Work effectively in an environment requiring independent decision-making, adaptability and strong personal accountability.
• Balance strategic responsibilities with detailed operational execution.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Manage procurement budgets, expenditure and cost-control initiatives.
• Analyse supplier pricing, procurement trends, inventory costs and supply chain performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve margins, reduce waste and optimise working capital.
• Monitor and report on procurement KPIs, cost savings and operational performance.
• Support commercial decision-making through accurate data and financial analysis.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Establish and maintain appropriate procurement policies, processes and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, contractual obligations and applicable manufacturing standards.
• Identify and manage supplier, procurement and operational supply chain risks.
• Maintain accurate procurement records, supplier agreements and management reporting.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across procurement and supply chain functions.
• Build effective relationships with production, finance, operations and senior management.
• Lead by example through direct involvement and practical problem-solving.
• Drive accountability, efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Develop and support existing team members while remaining personally accountable for operational delivery.

Essential Requirements

Desired Experience & Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Logistics, Operations Management or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in procurement and end-to-end supply chain management.
• Proven experience in a senior supply chain or procurement leadership position.
• Direct experience in chemical manufacturing, feed additives, agricultural chemicals, food ingredients or a closely related process-manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing raw materials, production requirements, inventory management and supplier lead times.
• Proven expertise in local and international sourcing, strategic procurement and supplier negotiations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage both strategic and day-to-day operational responsibilities.
• Strong commercial acumen, cost management and financial analysis skills.
• Experience with ERP systems, procurement reporting and inventory controls.
• Excellent problem-solving, negotiation and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure, manage competing priorities and take ownership of outcomes.

Advantageous

• Postgraduate qualification in Supply Chain, Procurement or Business Management.
• CIPS or equivalent professional procurement certification.
• Experience procuring imported specialist chemicals, additives or manufacturing ingredients.
• Exposure to international logistics, import processes and supply chain risk management.
• Experience implementing procurement improvements or operational turnaround initiatives.

The Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a hands-on operational leader rather than a purely strategic executive.

The successful candidate will:

• Be comfortable personally handling procurement and supply chain challenges.
• Demonstrate resilience, sound judgement and composure under pressure.
• Take initiative and solve problems without waiting for extensive support.
• Have a practical, commercially focused and results-oriented approach.
• Be willing to work across both strategic and operational responsibilities.
• Demonstrate accountability, urgency and a strong work ethic.
• Be comfortable operating in a lean environment where responsibilities cannot always be delegated.
• Have a proven track record of delivering measurable improvements in a demanding manufacturing operation.

Important: This is not a purely strategic or delegation-focused executive position. The role requires substantial personal involvement in operational execution, problem-solving and day-to-day supply chain management.

Package & Remuneration

Salary: Up to R1,400,000 per annum (approximately R116,667 per month), depending on qualifications and experience.