SUPPLY CHAIN OPTIMISATION MANAGER

Econo Foods
 2025/10/21   

Job Description

Econofoods is a fast-growing FMCG Retail company specializing in frozen foods. Dedicated to delivering high-quality products at unbeatable prices, we prioritize customer satisfaction every single day. Our commitment to excellence, simplicity and our vibrant colourful people working at Econofoods sets us apart in the industry. Central to our identity is our unique HO HOLA Culture, characterized by appreciation and recognition. We celebrate the contribution of every individual and foster a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

We are currently seeking a dynamic individual to join our team and contribute to our ongoing success. If you are passionate about delivering exceptional customer service, collaborating with a diverse team, and embracing continuous learning and growth, Econofoods could be the perfect fit for you. Join us in our mission to provide quality products, value, and service to our customers, every single day.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Supply Chain Optimisation Manager is accountable for building a world-class, future-ready logistics and supply chain capability that delivers both operational excellence and sustainable profitability. This role integrates systems, processes, and people to transform how we plan, execute, and measure supply chain performance.

Through leadership of key initiatives, including end-to-end process design, advanced inventory management, cost-to-serve modelling, warehouse labour optimisation, Integrated Business Planning (IBP), WMS design and rollout, and network optimisation, the role ensures that our supply chain is not only efficient today but scalable and competitive for the future.

As the organisation’s supply chain transformation lead, the Supply Chain Optimisation Manager acts as the bridge between strategy and execution: embedding best practices, leveraging digital tools (ERP, WMS, BI), and driving a culture of continuous improvement to deliver best-in-class logistics performance across service, cost, and capability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Process Design & Systems Enablement

• Optimise O2C, S2S, and Planning processes.
• Ensure ERP/WMS/BI integration supports automation, compliance, and accuracy.
• Define master data standards, workflows, and access controls.

2. Warehouse Management System (WMS)

• Lead design and rollout with FEFO, scanning, cycle counting, and productivity tracking.
• Integrate with ERP, TMS, and BI dashboards.

3. Inventory Management

• Govern parameters: safety stock, reorder points, replenishment cycles, lead times, FEFO, and MOVs.
• Balance service levels, working capital, and waste reduction.

4. Cost-to-Serve Model

• Build and maintain cost-to-serve to guide pricing, delivery, and network design.
• Present insights in Exco packs to inform decisions.

5. Integrated Business Planning (IBP)

• Embed a monthly IBP cycle aligning demand, supply, inventory, and finance.
• Enable scenario modelling and proactive exception management.

6. Network Optimisation

• Lead footprint and fleet optimisation; evaluate lease vs own and capex vs opex options.

7. Labour Optimisation & Productivity

• Utilise time-and-motion studies, workflow redesign, and overtime control.
• Suggest incentive schemes tied to productivity, quality, and shrinkage.

8. KPI Ownership & Reporting

• Track OTIF, R/kg, cost-to-serve, inventory accuracy, shrinkage, and labour efficiency.
• Automate reporting for real-time decision support.

9. Continuous Improvement & Projects

• Drive initiatives: GRV re-engineering, Warehouse of the Future, pallet strategy, and AI-driven surveillance.
• Track ROI and embed learnings.

10. Project Leadership & Change Management

• Lead ERP, WMS, IBP, and optimisation projects.
• Ensure adoption through structured change management.
• Track benefit realisation against KPIs.

Job Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• BCom in Supply Chain, Finance, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent); Honours / MBA / CIMA advantageous.
• Industrial Engineering or related technical qualification strongly preferred for expertise in process design, labour optimisation, and systems implementation.
• Professional certifications such as APICS CSCP/CPIM, Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt), or PMP/Prince2 highly advantageous.
• 7–10 years’ experience in supply chain and logistics optimisation within retail/FMCG.
• Proven success in ERP/WMS-enabled process design, IBP, cost-to-serve modelling, and network optimisation.
• Strong background in labour productivity analysis, scenario modelling, and KPI-driven performance improvement.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, WMS platforms, and BI tools (Power BI preferred).

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Building and maintaining relationships with strong interpersonal skills – living out the company values and unique HO HOLA culture.
• Friendly, helpful, confident yet humble, and able to work well in a team.
• Ability to work in a highly competitive, fast past and dynamic environment.
• Ability to communicate fluently in English (written and verbal).
• Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Analytical & Process Expertise: Strong quantitative and process design capability (e.g., time-and-motion studies, workflow optimisation, systems mapping).
• Systems & Technology Savvy: Comfortable driving ERP/WMS implementations, BI dashboarding, and digital automation initiatives.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Skilled in Lean Six Sigma or similar methodologies, with a bias for eliminating waste and improving efficiency.
• Strategic & Commercial Acumen: Able to link operational improvements to financial outcomes (e.g., cost-to-serve, ROI modelling, opex vs capex decisions).
• Project & Change Leadership: Proven ability to lead large-scale transformation projects, manage cross-functional teams, and drive adoption of new processes.
• Influencing & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage Exco, operations leaders, and frontline staff.
• Results Orientation: Resilient and proactive, focused on measurable outcomes across service, cost, and efficiency.
• Detail-to-Strategy Balance: Able to deep-dive into operational issues while keeping a long-term, strategic view.

HOW TO APPLYAPPLY HERE

If you are passionate about this position and possess the skills and experience to excel in this role, we invite you to join our team. Interested candidates should submit their application through this application portal.

We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to the team.

CLOSING DATE

31 OCTOBER 2025

Join us in shaping the future of Econofoods!

By submitting your application, you are giving Econofoods implicit consent to the storage and processing of your personal information. Econofoods is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Should you not receive a response within 4 weeks of your application, please consider your application to be unsuccessful