Supply Chain and Operations Manager

SUPPLY CHAIN & OPERATIONS MANAGER

Location: Lusaka, Zambia

Employment Type: Permanent

Reporting to: Operations Director / General Manager

About the Role

Our client, a leading international agricultural business, is seeking an experienced Supply Chain & Operations Manager to take responsibility for the efficient management of its supply chain, logistics and operational support functions in Zambia.

The role will oversee the end-to-end supply chain process, from product sourcing and procurement through transportation, warehousing, inventory management and final distribution. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring product availability, operational efficiency, cost-effective logistics and high levels of service.

The position will also provide leadership to the Operations and Supply Chain team and drive continuous improvement across the function.

Key Responsibilities

Supply Chain Management

Manage and optimise the end-to-end supply chain process from sourcing through to distribution.

Develop and implement effective transportation and supply chain policies and procedures.

Coordinate supply chain requirements across departments to optimise operational efficiency.

Oversee sales forecasting, procurement planning, product scheduling and inventory management.

Develop effective supply and inventory models to ensure product availability.

Identify and optimise appropriate regional supply corridors and logistics routes.

Work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure supply chain priorities are aligned with business requirements.

Logistics, Transport & Distribution

Manage the movement of products and materials from suppliers and company facilities to customers and receiving locations.

Develop and implement transportation strategies and procedures.

Negotiate transportation rates, contracts and service agreements with carriers.

Manage relationships with suppliers, logistics providers, vendors and transport contractors.

Coordinate shipment schedules and ensure timely delivery of products.

Monitor shipments and resolve transportation or delivery issues.

Ensure compliance with applicable transportation regulations and industry standards.

Continuously identify opportunities to improve logistics efficiency and reduce costs.

Warehouse, Inventory & Stock Management

Oversee warehouse and inventory management activities in Zambia.

Coordinate with sales and production teams to forecast demand and manage inventory accordingly.

Monitor stock levels and transfers to ensure adequate supply while minimising excess inventory.

Implement effective inventory control measures to reduce losses and improve stock accuracy.

Ensure adherence to stock-taking procedures and inventory management controls.

Maintain accurate inventory records and reporting.

Operations Management

Coordinate operational activities across relevant departments and functions.

Manage and optimise operational processes to improve efficiency and productivity.

Oversee the effective use of ERP systems, including monitoring the accuracy and timeliness of transactions.

Analyse operational performance and identify opportunities for process improvement.

Oversee local production requirements relating to blending and bagging operations where required.

Manage third-party operational activities and service providers.

Implement and maintain asset-care and maintenance programmes.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the Operations function.

People Management

Lead, develop and manage the Operations and Supply Chain team.

Set departmental objectives, KPIs and performance targets.

Build a safe, productive and engaging working environment.

Develop the capabilities of team members and ensure effective utilisation of resources.

Provide leadership and support to departmental staff and service providers.

Reporting & Performance Management

Monitor and measure operational and supply chain performance.

Prepare accurate and timely management reports.

Analyse supply chain and operational data to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities.

Monitor costs, service levels, inventory performance and logistics efficiency.

HSEQ & Compliance

Ensure compliance with relevant local and international regulations and standards.

Maintain appropriate quality-control processes and standards.

Coordinate with regulatory authorities and support audits where required.

Ensure implementation of applicable HSEQ policies, procedures and initiatives.

Promote a strong culture of health, safety, environmental responsibility and operational compliance.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Procurement, Operations, Engineering, Business or a related field.

Minimum 5 years’ experience in supply chain and/or logistics.

At least 3 years’ experience in a management role.

Proven experience in:

o Cross-border supply chains

o Distribution and customs clearance

o Demand forecasting and planning

o Warehouse operations

o Inventory management and stock control

o Transport and logistics management

o Supplier and transporter negotiations

o Contract/tender management

o Health and safety management

Experience working with ERP systems, preferably SAP.

Advanced Excel and strong computer literacy.

Strong understanding of supply chain processes, operational controls and reporting.

Professional affiliation with the Zambia Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (ZCILT) would be advantageous.

Key Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

Strong supply chain and logistics expertise

Commercial and financial awareness

Excellent planning and organisational skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving ability

Advanced Excel and systems capability

Strong negotiation and supplier-management skills

Effective people and departmental leadership

Ability to manage third-party service providers

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to identify problems, analyse data and implement practical solutions

High level of integrity, accountability and attention to detail

Ability to work effectively across multiple departments and stakeholders

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be an experienced Supply Chain & Operations professional with strong agricultural, manufacturing, industrial or FMCG exposure, who has managed complex supply chains involving procurement, cross-border logistics, warehousing, inventory, transport and distribution.

They should be commercially minded, systems-oriented and comfortable managing both people and operational performance, with the ability to bring structure, efficiency and continuous improvement to a growing operation.

To apply: Please submit your CV and a brief covering letter outlining your relevant experience and suitability for the position.