Job Details

📍 Location: Ackermans Support Centre, Kuils River, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
🏢 Company: Ackermans
💼 Job Title: Supply Chain Optimisation Manager
🕒 Job Type: Full Time
🏭 Department: Supply Chain

Company Overview

Ackermans is one of South Africa’s leading value retail brands, providing affordable clothing, footwear, homeware, and accessories to millions of customers across Southern Africa.

The company operates an extensive retail network supported by advanced distribution and supply chain systems that ensure product availability across stores. With a strong focus on customer value, operational excellence, and continuous innovation, Ackermans continues to invest in technology, supply chain optimisation, and talent development to support its growth in the competitive retail market.

Job Overview

The Supply Chain Optimisation Manager is responsible for leading the design, improvement, and optimisation of Ackermans’ end-to-end supply chain network.

The role focuses on translating retail and merchandise strategies into scalable supply chain solutions that improve efficiency, enhance product availability, and optimise cost-to-serve. Working closely with cross-functional teams, the role uses data analytics, process optimisation, and strategic planning to strengthen operational performance and ensure the supply chain remains resilient, scalable, and capable of supporting long-term business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end supply chain design and planning integration across business functions.

• Develop and implement network strategies and capability planning to support business growth and operational resilience.

• Drive process optimisation initiatives to improve supply chain flow, service levels, and productivity.

• Manage and continuously improve the cost-to-serve framework for data-driven operational decisions.

• Improve supply chain visibility and analytics to support performance monitoring and decision-making.

• Collaborate with stakeholders across merchandise, logistics, and operations teams.

• Lead change management initiatives to embed continuous improvement across the organisation.

• Manage Distribution Centre CAPEX planning and investment programmes.

• Ensure governance and return on investment for infrastructure and operational investments.

• Deliver strategic supply chain projects within scope, time, and budget.

• Build organisational capability through talent development, coaching, and succession planning.

Qualifications

Education

• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

• Postgraduate qualification in Operations Management, Engineering, or Business – Preferred.

• Retail or analytics certifications – Advantage.

Experience

• 8–10 years supply chain experience within retail or distribution environments.

• Minimum 3 years leadership or management experience.

• Experience improving supply chain flow, efficiency, or network performance.

• Strong understanding of retail merchandise lifecycle and inbound-to-store processes.

• Experience working across multiple business functions and departments.

• Experience with capacity modelling, cost optimisation, and capital investment evaluation.

• Experience in supply chain transformation or network optimisation projects – Advantage.

• Experience within fashion or value retail environments – Advantage.

Skills

• Strong analytical and data interpretation capability.

• Strategic supply chain planning and optimisation skills.

• Knowledge of retail merchandise flow and critical path management.

• Understanding of distribution centre operations and logistics models.

• Experience with cost-to-serve modelling and supply chain analytics.

• Knowledge of supply chain systems such as WMS, planning tools, and reporting platforms.

• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

• Ability to lead organisational change and cross-functional collaboration.

• Leadership skills in coaching, mentoring, and talent development.

• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

CV Tips

When applying for a Supply Chain Optimisation Manager role, your CV should highlight:

• Experience in supply chain design, logistics optimisation, or network planning.

• Achievements related to reducing supply chain costs or improving service levels.

• Examples where you used data analytics or modelling to improve operational performance.

• Experience managing large-scale supply chain transformation or optimisation projects.

• Leadership experience developing high-performing supply chain teams.

Where possible, include measurable achievements such as improved delivery performance, cost reductions, or operational efficiency gains.

Benefits of Joining the Company

• Work with one of South Africa’s leading retail brands.

• Exposure to large-scale retail supply chain operations and distribution networks.

• Opportunity to lead strategic transformation and optimisation projects.

• Career growth opportunities within a large retail group.

• Collaborative and innovation-driven work environment.

Company Policy

Ackermans is committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace where employees from diverse backgrounds feel respected and valued. The company believes that diversity strengthens innovation, collaboration, and long-term business success.

Recruitment and selection processes are conducted fairly and transparently, and Ackermans encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds who are passionate about contributing to the company’s continued growth and operational excellence. Apply now!