Inventory Manager at Code Red Recruitment

Role Intent:

• Responsible for optimal onsite Inventory stock holding from both a financial and operational perspective
• Responsible for Inventory Operations Management (receiving, issuing, verification and expediting)
• Responsible for Stakeholder Management (customer centric)
• Use analytical data and insights to partner with various stakeholders in optimizing stock holding, forecasting demand & delivering on category supply plans
• Lead, manage and develop capability in the local Inventory teams
• Ensure compliance to standardized Inventory management policies, strategy, processes and guidelines, considering customer requirements
• Logistics/Customs (where applicable to keep this in-house)

Responsible for optimal onsite Inventory stock holding from both a financial and operational perspective

• Drives and is responsible for Working Capital Management by optimizing Inventory holding through: parameter management, correct classification of all inventory, 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 team’s 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

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

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

• Supports 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 standardised 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 company 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 sea ports)
• 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)

Job requirements:

• Relevant 3 year degree/diploma (Supply Chain/Commerce/B Com/ Engineering/BSc)
• 5+ years Procurement / Purchasing / Supply Chain management experience
• Demonstrated understanding of stores management and Inventory management systems and processes
• Demonstrable track record in managing teams

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: R612,000.00 – R720,000.00 per year

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a demonstrated track record in managing teams?
• Do you have a demonstrated understanding of stores management and inventory management systems and procedures?

Education:

• Bachelors (Required)

Experience:

• Procurement: 6 years (Required)
• Supply chain: 6 years (Required)