Operations & Supply Chain Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in South Africa.

📋 Description

• Develop and oversee purchase orders with international suppliers, mainly in China, ensuring timely tracking of lead times and follow-up actions.

• Collaborate with US-based manufacturing partners to guarantee on-time delivery of packaging and hardware, maintain production schedules, and ensure the smooth flow of finished goods to 3PLs.

• Facilitate the sales and operations planning process, which encompasses demand forecasting, supply planning, and ongoing enhancement of forecast accuracy.

• Work alongside US-based 3PL warehouses to manage inbound receipts, ensure fulfillment quality, address exceptions, and oversee inventory movement.

• Organize international shipments of packaging and hardware to licensed partners in Europe and other regions.

• Monitor inventory levels and reorder points, proactively identifying stock-out risks.

• Manage the order desk, which includes processing orders and providing fulfillment support for a national retailer network.

• Develop AI-driven automations for reporting, tracking, and routine coordination tasks.

• Construct and maintain forecast models, supply chain KPIs, and efficiency reports.

⛳️ Requirements

• Located in South Africa.

• At least 3 years of experience in supply chain, purchasing, or operations within a distribution, CPG, or e-commerce environment.

• Proven proficiency with AI; regular utilization of AI tools and prior automation of real workflows, with concrete examples.

• Genuine experience in forecasting and S&OP, including model development.

• Practical experience coordinating with 3PLs and/or contract manufacturers.

• Advanced spreadsheet skills are essential.

• ERP experience is highly desirable.

• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to follow-through.

• Proficient in business English.

• Capability to work a split schedule that accommodates both China and US time zones.

• Bonus: direct experience working with Chinese manufacturers and freight forwarders.

• Bonus: experience in coordinating contract manufacturing/co-packing in CPG.

• Bonus: knowledge of just-in-time or lean inventory management, landed-cost analysis, and import/export documentation.

• Bonus: experience supporting a rapidly scaling retail distribution network.

🏝️ Benefits

• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.

• A collaborative and supportive work environment.

• Continuous training and professional development.

• The chance to contribute to the development and enhancement of a modern international supply chain.

• Exposure to suppliers, manufacturers, logistics providers, fulfillment operations, and retail distribution.

• Significant responsibility and the opportunity to make a direct impact in a lean, growing business.