Supply Chain Solutions Architect at RCL Foods

RCL Foods is looking for a Supply Chain Solutions Architect to join our Vector Logistics Division. The role allows for remote work and report to the Supply Chain Executive - Business Intel. The successful incumbant will be required to travel to the Head Office in Westville as and when required.

RCL Foods entrusts the Supply Chain Solutions Architect to:

• Provide complex, in depth Supply Chain solutions to existing and prospective customers (Internal and External).
• Apply Supply Chain knowledge to real business requirements in order to ensure a cost effective, executable solution is provided that satisfies customer requirements as well as providing value-add. The solution can include services spanning the complete Vector Logistics portfolio, as well as, when necessary, services external to Vector Logistics and must be aligned with the Vector Logistics and RCL Foods Commercial- and Business strategies.
• Provide support, analysis, and insight regarding network-, warehouse-, transport-, process optimization and systems or solution design.

Minimum Requirements    

• Industrial engineering degree (University Level)
• Post graduate or Master’s degree a plus
• 4 – 6 years’ experience in a similar role
• Experience in or knowledge of supply chain planning, systems, and design (or demonstrated ability to quickly learn and apply complex technical skills).
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Understanding of simulation and the differences between optimization and simulation.
• Knowledge of the principles of optimization and how optimization is performed using software packages.
• Familiarity with planning, forecasting, transportation, inventory & warehouse management, financial business models and strategic sourcing.
• Information systems knowledge and experience.
• Database- and some programming skills a plus, especially in optimization software packages.
• Ideal candidate would have some previous supply chain consulting and commercial or finance experience.

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Data Analyst, Modeler, and Specialist Consultant focused on improving Supply Chain design and related business models or processes
• Work in conjunction with the Supply Chain Strategy Executive to deliver and execute the national supply chain strategy based on the defined 1 to 5 year view.
• Under the direction of the Supply Chain Strategy Executive and supported by the Supply Chain analysts, work closely with cross-functional teams from Customer-, Commercial-, Operations-, Planning- and IT departments to define and deliver innovative solutions and a superior customer experience whilst ensuring that solution designs are aligned with the Commercial- and business strategies.
• Provide leadership to Supply Chain analysts in order to drive and manage efforts across various internal- and external teams and to make critical informed decisions under pressure.
• Participate in development of modelling and design approaches and provide the technical leadership to Supply Chain analysts.
• Ensure that a project follows all aspects of the Vector Logistics Project process/methodology from initiation to closure - identify and raise issues that impact project quality, scope, timing, or cost.
• Arbitrate technical disagreements and document all assumptions, limitations or variances from standards or end-state designs. Communicate how these exceptions must be granted.
• Conduct and participate in Supply Chain Strategy peer reviews
• Review, test and validate detailed solution designs with the implementation and delivery teams.
• Report and communicate on project assignments and current / forecasted workloads. This includes progress, obstacles, variances, and new requests.
• Foster collaboration across the various teams and involve the key members from the entire SC discipline where needed.
• Escalate and report gaps in standards, guidelines, and best practices which inhibit team from being effective on projects.
• Provide relevant technical support as the key functional expert for new system or business processes and implementations
• Provide support in identifying future long-term requirements of the network, warehouse, transport, or process dependent on project requirements.
• Supply Chain Modelling and Data Analysis:
  • Support the review of data emanating from the supply chain or related processes and perform integrated analysis to identify cross-functional cause and effect
  • Create models to inform operating strategies, continuous improvement initiatives, facilitate decision-making, make investment recommendations, and identify new business opportunities.
• General Information and Data Management:
  • For the area of responsibility, ensure data is accurately and regularly captured onto the information system to facilitate access to reliable data and reporting for trend analysis and decision making.
  • Share with and report relevant data and information to management teams to enable reliable business decision-making.
  • Perform general data maintenance in SAP.
  • Provide technical guidance to relative reports across data management platforms to customers, peers, and sub-ordinates where relevant
• Administration:
  • Oversee filing and safeguarding of records within area of responsibility.
  • Compile ad hoc spreadsheets or models when required.
  • Ensure that data captured on management systems is backed up.
• Self Coordination:
  • Take ownership and accountability for tasks and activities and demonstrate effective self-management in terms of planning, prioritising and self-development.
  • Follow through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of work are consistently and accurately maintained.
  • Inform relevant parties in the event of tasks or deadlines not met, the potential risks thereof and provide appropriate resolution.
  • Support and drive the business core values.
  • Manage colleagues and clients’ expectations and communicate appropriately.
  • Demonstrate willingness to help others and “go the extra mile” to meet team targets and objectives.
  • Champion training and development of self and others through utilising available training opportunities or contributing to the development of new training solutions in collaboration with national training specialists.
  • Participate in and drive regular performance appraisals and ensure that own targets and goals are clear and achievable.