Reports to: Centralisation Manager

ABOUT MY ROLE

I am responsible for ensuring that suppliers participate in our centralised logistics network. This role involves measuring and tracking existing rates and KPIs, identifying new suppliers, calculating and tracking market rates, managing monthly billing, facilitate solutions to logistical problems, handling contract management, and fostering collaboration between logistics, commercial, and demand planning teams.

OUR MISSION

To create a modern & professional Supply Chain that simplifies the lives of store and logistics team members, helping them serve customers better. My part in that mission is to secure the commitment of suppliers to deliver on time in full via our centralised distribution network.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Embrace Change

• Restless with the status quo, having a strong appetite to seek and implement modern solutions to traditional methods. Embracing and adopting changes that improve the business for customers, shareholders and team members.

Values & Code of Conduct

• Operate within the company values and code of conduct.

Supplier Onboarding: 

• Identify and onboard new suppliers, understanding their handling characteristics, existing network and volumetrics. Ensure suppliers are integrated into our centralised logistics network at the market rate logistics fee.

Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers holding them accountable for delivering the standards required and acting as the primary point of contact for all logistics-related matters during the onboarding process and settling in period.

Performance Measurement

• Measure and track existing rates and key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure we capture the right levels of logistics funding.

Market Rate Research

• Gather market intelligence regarding logistics market rates and suppliers’ networks. Calculate and maintain a market rate data base to ensure we understand the market rates better than anyone else and ensure our prices are reasonable, comparable and value for money.

Collaboration

• Work closely with internal teams, including commercial, store operations, demand planning, logistics, legal and finance, to ensure seamless supplier onboarding and alignment with business goals.

Monthly Billing

• Oversee the monthly billing process, ensuring we charge suppliers correctly on time and secure payment on time.

Problem Solving

• Address and resolve suppliers’ logistical issues promptly, escalating in a timely manner to ensure we can maintain the right delivery standards to stores.
• Address and resolve any issues or challenges that arise in the supplier integration process, leveraging the broader teams to ensure good supply chain solutions aligned to our mission.

Negotiating

• Negotiate within approved framework with suppliers to ensure they pay the Market Rate Logistics fee for delivering suppliers goods to our stores. Escalating issues where agreement is difficult.
• Seek approval before offering any logistics fee to Suppliers.

Contract Management

• Manage supplier contracts, ensuring compliance and timely completion and annual renewal of the Logistics Registration forms and appendix.

Process Improvement 

• Identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiencies in supplier engagement and logistics operations.

Compliance

• Ensure suppliers comply with all relevant regulations, standards, and company policies.

Reporting

• Prepare and present regular reports on supplier engagement activities and performance to senior management.

COMPETENCIES:

Skills:

• Fluent in numerical reasoning.
• Ability to manipulate large data bases and convert into actionable insights.
• Proficient in leveraging systems to support process
• Ability to provide a compelling picture of the benefits of centralisation.
• Problem solving abilities, and
• A deep understanding of supplier engagement best practices
• Able to produce accurate and reliable information.

Attributes:

• Resilient in the face of resistance to change
• Agile in ways of thinking
• Willingness to share knowledge
• Team player who works well with others.
• Confidence in the mission imperative.
• A natural negotiator.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in supply chain management, logistics, or supplier management, preferably in the retail industry.

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or business related.