Logistics Excellence Manager

Our client, an export trading business, is looking to hire a Logistics Excellence Manager, based in Durban.

The Logistics Excellence Manager will play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of their export and logistics business operations. The role involves analysing current processes, pinpointing bottlenecks, and implementing creative solutions to streamline workflows and boost overall productivity.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Process Analysis

• Conduct thorough assessments of current logistics and supply chain processes, including transportation, warehousing, and distribution.
• Identify opportunities to streamline order processing and shipment workflows throughout Business Units and Suppliers.
• Evaluate the performance of logistics partners and vendors - Analyse data to identify trends and areas for improvement.

Operations and Efficiency Improvement:

• Strategically manage and monitor transportation, inventory, and warehousing processes.
• Track shipments daily and respond promptly to any bottlenecks that may delay shipments. Develop innovative solutions to resolve issues and ensure on-time delivery to customers.
• Collaborate with the Internal Departments to help bring about great efficiencies within the export process.
• Collaborate with the Warehouse team to bring about great efficiencies within the export process.
• Implement process improvements to enhance logistics operations.
• Assess reasons for delays in shipments and prevent these problems from re-occurring in the future.
• Build supplier relationships to empower logistics optimization.

Reporting:

• Produce regular reports on order statuses and shipment performance for Export Coordinators and Business Development Managers.
• Analyse data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Provide insights and recommendations to management based on analysis.
• Identify opportunities for automation to streamline operations and improve visibility across the supply chain.

Customer Satisfaction:

• Ensure communication flows with carriers, suppliers, and customers to resolve issues and ensure smooth operations.

Decision Making:

• Excellent at commercial decision making based on a wide range of variables and considerations.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain management, exports or a related field.
• Advanced degree or professional certifications (e.g., APICS, Six Sigma) an added advantage.
• Proven experience in logistics optimization, supply chain management, or operations management within the exports or logistics industry.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis and interpretation.
• Experience with business intelligence tools is desirable such as Qlik Sense.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a track record of implementing innovative solutions to complex logistical challenges.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and drive results in a fast-paced environment.