Supply Chain Manager

Watchmaker Genomics

Watchmaker Genomics

Operations
Cape Town, South Africa
Posted on Apr 23, 2025

Watchmaker Genomics is inviting applications for the full-time position of Supply Chain Manager. This position reports to the Director of Operations and will oversee day-to-day procurement and logistics activities including shipping, receiving, inventory management of raw materials and consumables in support of production activities. Additionally, this position is expected to assist in the building of the logistics and procurement teams and the creation of new processes and work instructions.

The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success. This position will offer unique challenges, learning and growth including the opportunity to build and supervise a logistics team or to advance within the logistics department.

Responsibilities:

Planning and Forecasting

  • Plan procurement, production, and distribution to meet customer needs efficiently.
  • Coordinate with production teams to align manufacturing with demand.
  • Ensure materials are available for uninterrupted production.

Inventory Management and Purchasing

  • Responsible for planning, procurement, warehousing and distribution processes, including SOP and/or Work Instruction authoring.
  • Responsible for accurate inventory, cycle counts and assisting in inventory reporting and reconciliation
  • Monitor stock levels and manage reordering.
  • Balance inventory to avoid overstocking or stockouts.
  • Manage procurement functions, track and optimize purchasing from existing and new suppliers

Shipping and Receiving

  • Manage processes of receiving, including: inspect, verify, sort, stage and disposition received materials
  • Oversee processes of shipments with internal and external stakeholders
  • Oversee processes of verify pick/pack/ship operations for outgoing materials and be able to prepare associated shipping documentation for both domestic and international shipments
  • Report KPIs on shipping route validation and monitoring

Risk Management

  • Identify potential disruptions (e.g., supplier issues, transport delays).
  • Develop contingency plans and risk mitigation strategies.
  • Incorporate sustainable practices in sourcing and logistics.

Leadership and Process Improvements

  • Build and manage a team for logistics and procurement functions
  • Assist in the hiring and training of new employees
  • Maintain compliance with the Watchmaker Genomics quality standards
  • Identify and implement improvements in shipping, receiving, purchasing and inventory management
  • Draft, revise, verify and publish work instructions
  • Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Required Experience:

  • At least 10+ years of experience in a supply chain environment or similar role
  • Experience with tracking systems such as FedEx, UPS and DHL
  • Computer literacy using ERP/inventory management systems, Microsoft/Google spreadsheets and word processing software
  • Excellent organizational skills and outstanding attention to detail
  • The ability to multitask, perform consistently under pressure and work without supervision
  • Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work as an effective member of a team
  • Ability to work on their feet and lift up to 20 kg

Preferred Experience:

  • Supervising or leading in a logistics, shipping/receiving or supply chain department
  • Inventory cycle counting and reconciliation
  • Working knowledge of import/export regulations
  • Drafting, revising and publishing of work instructions
  • Basic understanding of ISO 13485 and experience working in an ISO compliant facility
  • Training in or similar training/certifications from credible sources
    • Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM)
    • Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or
    • Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD)
  • Providing support in a fast-paced environment;
  • Experience with high-growth start-up environments.
  • Operational experience within a Pharmaceutical/Biotech manufacturing facility.

Qualifications and Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a life sciences, logistics, supply chain, business or related discipline, or 10+ years of relevant supply chain, procurement, and/or logistics experience in a life sciences related production environment.

Application Requirements

To apply for the position, please submit the following in a PDF format on watchmakergenomics.com:

  • Letter of motivation (upload where it says cover letter)
  • Resume or Curriculum vitae, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience

Applications without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered. Local candidates preferred.

If selected to participate in the interview process, the names and contact information of three professional references who are able to assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements will be requested. We will also request a current payslip.

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WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.

All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in South Africa; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in South Africa.

This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable laws.