Raw Materials Manager
Operations
Accountable for quality, standards, service and desired outputs within inter-related functional areas of responsibility.

Job Purpose

To lead the materials planning, procurement, warehousing, and inventory management functions to guarantee timely availability of all production inputs at the right quality, quantity, and cost. The Materials Manager will safeguard plant efficiency, reduce stock-outs and excess inventory, manage working capital, and contribute to overall plant profitability through strategic sourcing, demand forecasting, and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with world-class manufacturing standards.

Key Accountabilities and Outputs

• Develop and execute the materials planning strategy in alignment with production schedules, sales forecasts, and plant capacity.
• Oversee end-to-end procurement of raw materials and packaging
• Manage daily/weekly inventory levels using MRP/ERP systems to maintain optimal stock turns, minimise obsolescence, and achieve target service levels while adhering to Just-in-Time (JIT) and lean principles.
• Coordinate receipt, inspection, storage, and issuance of all materials; ensure accurate stock accounting with minimum variance
• Lead the raw-materials and warehouse team, including planners, buyers, storekeepers, and forklift operators; drive a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular stock counts, cycle counts, and variance investigations; implement corrective actions to protect asset integrity 
• Collaborate closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, Finance, and Sales teams to align material availability with demand and resolve supply-chain issues proactively.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as inventory turnover, material cost variance, supplier on-time delivery, and working-capital optimisation.
• Ensure full compliance with food-safety standards, environmental regulations, and company policies
• Identify and drive cost-saving initiatives through value engineering, alternative sourcing, and waste-reduction programmes.
• Manage relationships with local and imported suppliers, including inbound logistics and customs clearance where applicable.
• Responsible to ensure housekeeping is performed and ensure that all products and activities are stored and are executed within the demarcated areas
• Conversant with relevant business information, policies, processes and procedures
• Maintains expected performance standards

Adherence to the Quality, Food Safety, Health, Safety and Environmental Standards

• Adherence to Standards: Ensure strict adherence to Quality, Food, Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards.
• Enforcement: Enforce all food safety and health regulations, policies, and requirements at all times to guarantee a secure work environment.
• Personal Hygiene: Maintain exceptional personal hygiene as per the organization’s code of conduct.
• Contamination Control: Raise awareness about potential physical product contamination and implement control measures to prevent it.
• Health and Safety Measures: Take reasonable precautions to prevent health and safety hazards. Follow the prescribed incident reporting procedure in case of accidents.
• Knowledge and Compliance: Stay updated with relevant business information, policies, processes, and procedures. Enforce compliance with legislative and statutory requirements, as well as GMP’s (Good Manufacturing Practices).
• Training: Attend and enforce the implementation of learnings from training sessions related to Quality, Food Safety, and Health and Safety.
• Housekeeping: Maintain high levels of cleanliness and orderliness within the work environment.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent professional qualification) or related diploma
• Minimum 6 years’ experience in materials management or supply-chain roles within FMCG, beverage, or food manufacturing environments.
• Proven track record in a high-speed bottling or canning plant is advantageous.
• Hand-on experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP preferred), advanced Excel, and demand-planning tools.
• Demonstrated success in managing multi-million-rand inventory budgets, negotiating with suppliers, and delivering measurable cost savings.

Core Competencies and Key Qualities

• Strategic Thinking & Planning: Ability to translate production forecasts into robust materials plans while balancing cost, service, and risk.
• Leadership & People Management: Proven ability to build, develop, and lead high-performing teams in a unionised or high-pressure manufacturing setting.
• Analytical & Numerical Skills: Strong data-driven decision-making with expertise in inventory optimisation, variance analysis, and cost modelling.
• Negotiation & Supplier Relationship Management: Skilled at building long-term, collaborative partnerships with local and international suppliers.
• Problem-Solving & Resilience: Quick to resolve supply disruptions and adapt to changing demand in a 24/7 production environment.
• Attention to Detail & Integrity: Meticulous approach to stock accuracy, compliance, and financial controls.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills to influence and work effectively across functions and with senior stakeholders.
• Drive for Results & Continuous Improvement: Passion for operational excellence, lean methodologies, and delivering measurable business impact.
• Ethical & Safety Mindset: Uncompromising commitment to food safety, workplace safety, and sustainable practices.