Supply Chain Manager

Westfalia Fruit, is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe.

With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading #avoexperts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Africa.

Westfalia Fruit - situated in Midrand, has a vacancy for a suitably qualified and experienced: Supply Chain Manager

Purpose of the role:

The Supply Chain Manager is the most senior supply chain leader within the Westfalia Convenience Europe Market Unit, sitting on the local management team and accountable for the full end-to-end supply chain operations, including demand and supply planning, logistics, and customer services. The role plays a critical part in connecting our global supply chain strategies with the specific needs of the local market, ensuring seamless product flow from sourcing through to customer delivery.

Operating within a matrix structure, the Supply Chain Manager collaborates closely with the Global Convenience Supply Chain led to implement global processes, systems, and KPIs, while partnering with the Market Unit Director to ensure market-aligned execution. The role is essential to ensuring service excellence, reducing waste, managing cost, and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Supply Chain Leadership

• Build and lead the supply chain function in the market unit, aligning local execution with global supply chain strategies and standards
• Represent the supply chain function on the Market Unit leadership team
• Work closely with the Global Convenience Supply Chain lead to implement global policies, systems, and planning processes (e.g. S&OP)
• Develop and deliver local supply chain strategy in support of market growth, cost optimisation, and service targets

Demand and Supply Planning Oversight

• Oversee the Demand and Supply Planning Manager and team to ensure accurate forecasting and supply planning
• Drive the S&OP process locally, integrating inputs from Customer, Sourcing, and Operations functions
• Monitor forecast accuracy and inventory KPIs, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimal waste
• Ensure effective communication of planning assumptions across all relevant stakeholders
• Master Scheduling: Create production plans for stock

Logistics and Warehouse Management

• Ensure efficient and cost-effective movement and storage of goods from source to customer
• Responsible for warehousing, transportation, and third-party logistics providers
• Identify and deliver logistics process improvements and cost-saving opportunities
• Guarantee compliance with all local regulations and food safety standards
• Secure Master Data accuracy and manage waste declarations

Customer Services Management

• Lead the customer service function to provide excellent service to customers across retail, wholesale, and foodservice channels
• Ensure timely and accurate order fulfilment and manage customer communication around delays, product issues, or adjustments
• Develop KPIs and service level targets aligned with customer expectations and global benchmarks
• Handle escalations from customers in collaboration with commercial and quality teams

Team Development and Leadership

• Build, lead and develop a high-performing supply chain team across planning, logistics, and customer services
• Set clear objectives, coach direct reports, and support career progression
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and accountability across the team
• Ensure health and safety compliance within the supply chain team and partners

Financial Management and Performance Monitoring

• Manage the local supply chain budget, ensuring cost-effective operations
• Track and report key supply chain metrics, ensuring alignment with global KPIs and market-specific goals
• Identify and resolve variances in service levels, waste, costs, or delivery timelines
• Support the financial planning cycle (budgeting, forecasting) with supply chain input
• Provide accurate information to the Financial Manager to secure BOM accuracy.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Sourcing, Quality, Customer and Finance teams to align plans and drive joint success
• Participate in business reviews and provide insights on supply chain performance
• Ensure customer demand and sourcing realities are continuously reconciled
• Collaborate with global peers to share best practices and contribute to global supply chain innovation