International Planning Manager

Permanent

Thekweni

Overview

We are a Supply Chain and Sales & Merchandising partner adding value to your business through a fully integrated, temperature-controlled network in Southern Africa.

But we are also more than that. We are people serving people. While we boast the best in tech and infrastructure, our people are our greatest resource. With our skilled, curious, can-do people at the forefront, our assets become your assets, our service your solutions.

Vectors vehicle fleet includes a food industry first in multi-temperature vehicles enabling the company to service business across frozen, chilled and ambient temperature zones on a single delivery.

Job Purpose

The main purpose of the role is to lead and manage the import / export division by creating a reference point of expertise and applications while developing sustainable growth within Vector's international business.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting

The Individual will report into the Managing exec customer services at the Thekwini control tower.

Staff Management

Current 1 CU direct Report, as the department grows, there will be space available for a CU planning role as well as additional CL Assistant Roles.

Coordination

Coordinate and effectively communicate vital information between internal and external stakeholders and managers to ensure that the legal/operational requirements are understood and met, and everyone has clarity on what needs to be achieved.
The incumbent will be managing the contracts and collaborating the planning function between the following stakeholders/service providers:
Customer/Principal.
State Vets.
Clearing/Forwarding Agents.
Shipping Companies.
Logistic/Transport Companies.
Container Agents.
Shipyards and Depots.
Manufacturing Teams and Suppliers.
Operation Teams.

Process

The Individual is responsible for:
Engaging with international suppliers and establish effective processes to order stock into South Africa.
Import orders equate R500 000 to R1million per load coming into South Africa.
Work with local suppliers and logistics providers to develop effective distribution channels into export countries.
Develop and implement the import/export process, ensuring it is fully documented and followed to avoid financial setbacks.
Identify solutions by taking cost implications into consideration and ensuring risks are mitigated and/or avoided through an understanding of the legislation, marine insurance cover, international trade agreements (Incoterms) and foreign financing.
Drive cost for Expediting Stock vs. Working Capital.
Drive consensus between stakeholders to maximize profitability and understanding of financial implications.
The total business for the 1st year is in excess of R250million.
Manage customer expectations and ensure that suppliers maintain the agreed lead times and service level agreements.
Long lead times add to the complexity of planning to get stock in to ensure the customers needs are met. This can range from 6 weeks to 3 months.

Short Term Supply Planning

Ensure correct procedure is followed by the supply planning team in the case of exports across border.
All decisions made must drive optimal customer service while maximizing profitability and minimizing transport costs between regions.

Sales And Operations Planning

Develop the overall supply plan that will be used as input into the compan wide S&OP process.
Identify gaps and opportunities and make appropriate recommendations to close these with the National Planning Manager.
Encourage market growth by understanding customer needs and working alongside the commercial / customer team to accurately cost international projects / business.

Innovation / Discontinuation

Identify and assist in the co-ordination for delivery of innovation into the supply chain.
Supervise the supply planning team in terms of cross border orders to ensure all processes are being followed to mitigate risk.
Work closely with all teams in the Vector System, in the case of a project go-live across border to ensure correct procedures are being followed and stock is able to effectively cross the border with the required documentation.

Outbound Supply Chain Reporting

Update the scorecards with the relevant KPIs on a weekly/monthly basis.
Issue the agreed national Outbound Supply Chain reports on a week/monthly basis as appropriate.
Understand the variances against targets for key KPIs and provide explanations and corrective actions required.
Manage the annual budget for the international department and tracking of the progress.

Supply Chain Projects

Identify and/or be involved in projects that drive cost savings (warehouse, transport, supply planning) or system improvements (eg: SAP, SHIPSHAPE and other system tools).
Integral member of cross functional teams to deliver business projects and expansion.
Involved in new import/export customer take-on projects.
Work closely with the customer and commercial teams in order to do costings for the take on of new Import/export business.
KPIs Deliver value add projects such as project Ship Shape.
Achieve an EBIT agreed Target.
Work for continuous improvement in the current import/export process with sign off from various stakeholders.
Cost management.
Customer Satisfaction survey.

Key Relationships

Internal

The Individual will be required to interact with:
Internal stakeholders.
Depots.
Finance team.
Production planning.
Customer team.
Supply Planning.
Demand Planning.

External

Externally he/she will be required to interact and sign off contracts with:
Customers and Principals.
State Vets.
Clearing/Forwarding agents.
Shipping companies.
Logistic/Transport companies.
Container agents.
Shipyards and depots.
Manufacturing teams and suppliers.
Operation teams.

Qualifications And Experience

Qualifications, Skills and Experience Required for the Job

Degree/ diploma in Supply Chain/ Logistics A minimum of 3 years' experience in an Exports/Imports environment preferably Foods/ FMCG.
2 years experience working in an FMCG or manufacturing environment. Knowledge of SAP MM and BW advantageous.

Skills and Competencies

Leadership Standards

Provide inspirational leadership.
Create a culture of execution.
Display business insight and innovate.
Develop customer service obsession.
Develop commitment through engagement.

Knowledge

Systems.
SAP working Knowledge is essential.
Microsoft WORD, EXCEL (Advanced), POWERPOINT, ACCESS
Good understanding and working knowledge of business processes within a logistics / Warehousing environment.
Understanding of the exports/imports Landscape for Food related products is essential.

Skills