Head of Supply Chain Management

Prefered skills

Management, Business, Mechanisms, Succession Planning, Customer Satisfaction, Communication, Customer Service, Demand Planning, Strategy, Supply Chain Management

Job description

MAIN JOB PURPOSE
Accountable for the implementation of tactical work plans, formulate associated procedures and ensure the development and effective implementation of supply chain management initiatives intended to secure a total cost of ownership reduction for the SABS and to embed supply chain compliance and best practice in accordance with the applicable statutory and legislated protocols with the objective to achieve year-on-year improvement it total cost, quality and service delivery.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS AND OUTPUTS
Strategic Management

• Lead the development, management and execution of the SABS Supply Chain Management strategy and provide input into the overall strategy, policy and decision-making direction of the organisation.
• Ensure the alignment of the Supply Chain Management strategy with the requirements of all sub-divisions, through the development and execution of strategic work plans.
• Set and drive comprehensive goals and objectives for performance to support SABSs strategy and objectives.
• Ensure the effective management of the entire extended Supply Chain Management value chain (both internal and external) in line with SABS overall strategy.
• Lead and ensure the establishment, maintenance and improvement of Standard Operating Procedures, policies, and guidelines relating to Supply Chain Management in consultation with the CFO and other Executive members.
• Develop a Centre of Excellence to balance technical know-how with customer/stakeholder requirements.
• Ensure productivity is measured effectively against set objectives.
• Ensure that Supply Chain Management achieves set objectives and that corrective actions are taken where the operational objectives are not achieved.
• Develop and execute Supply Chain Management strategies (to secure total cost of ownership reductions).
• Develop and execute strategies to ensure supplier and enterprise development in line with relevant legislation
• Provide leadership and develop a strong team environment committed to the organisation's mission, vision, values and objectives in a manner that instils trust and credibility within the unit.

Operational Management

• Develop and execute the Supply Chain Management Operational Plan to meet capacity and requirements in line with the overall plans.
• Convert divisional operational plans into business activities and targets to attain growth targets.
• Manage the operating model within sphere of control and ensure the continuous improvement thereof so as to ensure business improvement
• Ensure that Supply Chain Management objectives are met through effective performance management and measurement
• Provide subject matter expertise to the organisation regarding Supply Chain Management protocols and processes.
• Organise and manage Supply Chain Management in terms of resources maximize productivity and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure clear alignment between the actions and goals of the Supply Chain Management team and business units.
• Communicate team progress and goal achievement to EXCO.
• Continuously assess areas for internal improvement and develop plans for implementation.
• Develop annual Integrated Demand Plans and report to the relevant authorities.
• Communicate overall Supply Chain Management trends / results for the various commodities / categories to Business Units Managers.
• Provide strategic reporting to EXCO and other relevant committees to enable strategic decision-making
• Oversee the travel management company and insurance contracts
• Develop and implement an effective and efficient system of contracts management.
• Review and authorise contractual arrangements with suppliers in accordance with the SABS Delegation of Authority procedure
• Engage with the business to improve the scoping of requirements, understand the business needs and manage the expectation and turnaround times.
• Track and deliver the overall forecasted versus actual savings across the category spend range with the assistance of the category specialists.
• Track and report non-compliance and deviation
• Ensure compliance with National legislation (e.g. PFMA, PPPFA, National Treasury, BBBEE, etc.) and SABS specific policies and procedures (including the Code of Ethics).

Financial Management

• Lead the overall financial performance and improvement of efficiency in service delivery within Supply Chain Management.
• Develop and manage financial planning, forecasting and budgeting that will be used to initiate, drive and implement all Supply Chain Management and related initiatives in line with the business strategy.
• Provide input in the planning and compilation of the annual budget aligned to the operational and strategic delivery plans to support the implementation of set objectives.
• Ensure the effective implementation, management, monitoring of the budget, and mitigate and report on any variances.
• Ensure the deployment of proper financial controls to manage the budget.

People Management

• Manage and lead Supply Chain Management by providing clarity of vision; prioritising resources; facilitating alignment of the team; managing non-performance, driving a customer-centric performance culture, setting appropriate KPAs and ensure the cascading thereof throughout Supply Chain Management and driving their achievement; inspiring commitment; encouraging mutual support; and enabling development opportunities
• Proactively manage all direct reports in order to ensure that the strategic objectives for Supply Chain Management is met.
• Maintain excellent human capital performance within Supply Chain Management through various people management practices such as employee engagement, empowerment, skills development, attraction and retention of key talent, succession planning, etc.
• Ensure that all people within scope of control are properly trained and developed including mentorship and coaching of employees.
• Maintain an environment where employees respect and adhere to company standards of integrity and ethics by integrating these values into all processes, procedures and practices.
• Implement a learning culture within scope of control.
• Develop and execute cluster technical and leadership skills development strategies in collaboration with Human Capital

Stakeholder Management

• Identify and mitigate internal systems and procedural barriers to enhance excellent customer service.
• Build and maintain effective internal and external stakeholder relationships for the purpose of expectations management, knowledge sharing and integration, and to manage the organisations reputation
• Represent and participate in the organisations committees and tasks teams when required.
• Convene, chair and attend meetings and present performance and business-related information to relevant stakeholders when required.
• Provide technical support and advocacy on Supply Chain Management related matters to the organisation.
• Actively liaise and build relationships with SABS clients and service providers so as to ensure that the service standards are met appropriately.
• Effectively analyse, manage and resolve operational complaints through timeous resolution and/or escalation as required, and develop mechanisms to proactively resolve common issues and share lessons learned.
• Align Supply Chain Management activities across divisions to ensure engagements are well coordinated.
• Analyze queries and develop mechanisms to proactively resolve common issues and share lessons learned across SABS.
• Ensure the documentation of all stakeholder engagements to ensure continuity for future engagements.

KEY COMPETENCIES
Communication | Results Orientation | Building Relationships | Customer Focus | Professional and Technical Depth and Credibility | Quality Focused | Teamwork | Personal Drive | Business and Technical Mastery | Problem Solving | Influencing and Negotiating | Managing Performance | Leadership | Leading Change |

APPLICATIONS & ENQUIERIES
Applicants with foreign qualifications must submit a SAQA evaluation report of the qualification.
CLOSING DATE: 21 December 2025
Only suitable candidates need to apply. If you have not received a response from us within four (4) weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

NOTE:
The candidate will be subject to: Security clearance, verification of qualifications and other assessments as required for Executive Positions. SABS is committed to increasing the representation of previously disadvantaged groups in line with its Employment Equity Plan.
Please note by responding to the advertisement, you consent to the collection, processing, and storing of your Personal Information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Your information will be used solely for purposes of recruitment and more specifically for the position you have applied for and will not be shared with third parties without prior consent unless required by law.
Please note that correspondence and communication will only be conducted with short-listed candidates and that SABS reserves the right not to appoint a suitable candidate who is not identified. SABS also reserves the right to withdraw or re-advertise the position at any time.
Please use the name of the position youre applying for as reference.

Qualifications

• Honours Degree in Supply Chain Management, Financial Management, Business Management or related field (NQF Level 8)
• MCIPS registration is an added advantage
• Experience
• 10 years relevant work experience in Supply Chain Management (Operational Level)
• 3 years senior managerial experience (Senior Managerial Level)
• 5 years managerial experience (Managerial Level)
• Proven track record of overseeing supply chain sourcing, negotiation, contracting, purchasing, supply chain management, inventory management and supplier payment processing at corporate level (Operational Level)