Job Title: Supply Chain Manager
Department: Supply Chain & Logistics
Reports to: Operations Director
Location: Johannesburg South
Company Overview
Cobra Projects is a leading manufacturer of customised Mining Support Equipment, committed to delivering innovative, durable, and high-quality solutions to our clients. We pride ourselves on operational excellence, customer focus, and a collaborative working culture that drives success.
Role Purpose
The Supply Chain Manager will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the entire supply chain function, encompassing procurement, stores and inventory management, Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems, inbound and outbound logistics, and fleet management. The role requires a forward-thinking leader who can optimise costs, improve efficiency, and ensure uninterrupted supply of materials and services to meet production schedules and customer commitments.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Procurement & Supplier Management
- Develop and implement procurement strategies that ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery.
- Lead strategic negotiations with suppliers to secure the best possible pricing, terms, and service agreements.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to foster reliability, innovation, and partnership.
- Monitor supplier performance using KPIs and take corrective action where necessary.
- Identify and qualify new suppliers to mitigate supply risks and improve competitive advantage.
2. Stores & Inventory Control
- Oversee the management of all store’s operations, including raw materials, consumables, and finished goods.
- Ensure accurate stock control, storage, and handling practices that comply with safety and quality standards.
- Oversee the Implementation of effective cycle counting and stock reconciliation processes.
- Minimise stock obsolescence and optimise inventory levels to balance working capital and production needs.
3. MRP System Management
- Manage and maintain the company’s MRP system to ensure accurate demand forecasting and material planning.
- Collaborate with Production, Engineering, and Finance to ensure data integrity and accurate Bill of Materials (BOMs).
- Drive continuous improvement in MRP utilisation for efficiency and decision-making.
4. Logistics & Fleet Management
- Oversee inbound logistics for imported materials and components, ensuring compliance with customs and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee outbound logistics to ensure safe, on-time delivery of products to clients.
- Develop and maintain cost-effective transportation plans for local and export deliveries.
- Oversee the company’s fleet management, including scheduling, maintenance, utilisation, and cost control.
5. Cost Optimisation & Risk Management
- Continuously seek cost-saving opportunities across procurement, logistics, and inventory management.
- Identify potential supply chain risks and implement mitigation strategies.
- Develop contingency plans for supply disruptions.
6. Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop the supply chain team to achieve operational excellence.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and collaboration.
- Work closely with other departments to ensure supply chain activities align with business objectives.
7. Health & Safety, PPE and Environment
- Promote and enforce the health and safety policy of the company throughout the department.
- Ensure all safe work procedures are followed to ensure zero injuries and incidents
- Ensure the disposal of hazardous substances are disposed of through the supplier network with the necessary documentation and acquiring of disposal certificates.
- Control the issuing of PPE on the companies required rotation system. One for one.
- Ensure the control of consumables are handled in a sufficient way in order to prevent wastage and loss of consumables.
- The control of diesel receipts and issuing to operations, needs to be monitored and managed.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong strategic and analytical thinking skills.
- Excellent negotiation and contract management abilities.
- Proficiency in MRP/ERP systems, preferably with manufacturing industry experience.
- Advanced knowledge of supply chain principles, inventory control, and logistics operations.
- Financial acumen to manage budgets, cost analysis, and supplier contracts.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Exceptional problem-solving, organisational, and communication abilities.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Procurement, or related field (Master’s degree advantageous).
- Minimum 8–10 years’ progressive experience in supply chain management, preferably in the manufacturing sector.
- Proven track record in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and operational efficiency improvements.
- Experience with cross-border logistics and customs processes.
- Experience in manufacturing environment
- Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations applicable to logistics and stores.