Supply Chain Director

Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Supply Chain Director to lead end-to-end supply chain operations for a manufacturing business in Nigeria. The role oversees strategic sourcing and procurement, demand and supply planning, inventory management, warehousing, logistics, and distribution. The successful candidate will develop and implement supply chain strategies that improve operational efficiency, optimize costs and working capital, ensure product availability, and support the company's growth objectives. Working closely with Commercial, Manufacturing, Finance, and other functions, the Supply Chain Director will lead the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process, strengthen supplier relationships, and ensure efficient coordination across the supply chain network. Key Responsibilities Supply Chain Strategy and Planning: Develop and implement strategic and tactical supply chain plans aligned with business objectives, market demand, production capacity, and long-term growth requirements. Demand and Supply Planning: Lead demand forecasting, material replenishment, Master Production Scheduling (MPS), Material Requirements Planning (MRP), and Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP). Drive the S&OP process in collaboration with Commercial, Manufacturing, Finance, Marketing, R&D, and HR. Inventory and Warehousing Management: Optimize raw material and finished goods inventory levels, warehouse capacity, storage systems, and material flows. Develop short- and long-term capacity plans while minimizing stockouts, excess inventory, and slow-moving or obsolete stock. Logistics and Distribution: Manage inbound and outbound logistics, transportation providers, distribution networks, delivery routes, and third-party logistics vendors. Improve customer service levels while maintaining an efficient and sustainable cost-to-serve. Procurement and Strategic Sourcing: Lead direct and indirect procurement, including raw materials, spare parts, services, and other operational requirements. Develop sourcing strategies, manage tenders and supplier contracts, negotiate commercial terms, and identify cost-saving opportunities. Supplier Relationship Management: Establish effective supplier performance management processes, service-level agreements, and long-term supplier relationships. Ensure compliance with procurement policies and maintain a reliable supplier base. Financial and Cost Management: Lead annual budget planning, monitor operating costs, manage cost-saving initiatives, optimize payment terms and working capital, and contribute to long-term volume forecasts and capital expenditure planning. Systems and Continuous Improvement: Improve supply chain processes, data quality, reporting, and performance measurement through ERP systems, business intelligence tools, and supply chain analytics. Leadership and Team Development: Lead, develop, and motivate a multidisciplinary supply chain team, ensuring clear accountability, strong cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement. Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure adherence to relevant Nigerian regulations, import and export requirements, customs and excise procedures, internal controls, and applicable health, safety, and environmental standards. Requirements Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. At least 10 years of experience in supply chain management, including substantial experience in manufacturing environments and responsibility for country-level supply chain operations. Proven experience managing end-to-end supply chain functions, including procurement, demand and supply planning, S&OP, inventory management, warehousing, transportation, and distribution. Strong knowledge of manufacturing supply chain processes, including MPS, MRP, DRP, demand forecasting, master data management, and inventory optimization. Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams, managing cross-functional stakeholders, and operating within a matrix organizational structure. Previous senior management experience is highly desirable. Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, contract management, procurement processes, and cost optimization. Good understanding of manufacturing costs, working capital management, supplier payment terms, and financial performance analysis. Experience with ERP systems, particularly SAP modules such as SD, PP, MM, and WM. Familiarity with Ariba, Power BI, and advanced Excel is an advantage. Good understanding of international logistics, import regulations, customs procedures, port operations, and the Nigerian business environment. Strong analytical, problem-solving, negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Excellent command of written and spoken English. Professional supply chain certification, such as CPIM, or a relevant postgraduate qualification is an advantage.