Job Title: Inventory Controller, South Africa
Location: Clayville, Johannesburg
ABOUT UPL:
UPL is focused on emerging as a premier global provider of total crop solutions designed to secure the world’s long-term food supply. Winning farmer's hearts across the globe, while leading the way with innovative products and services that make agriculture sustainable, UPL is the fastest-growing company in the industry. Our successes in the field add up to powerful financials. UPL delivers results from protecting crops that translate into attractive investor value. Based on the recognition that humankind is one community, UPL’s overarching commitment is to improve areas of its presence, workplace, and customer engagement.
Our purpose is ‘OpenAg’. An agriculture network that feeds sustainable growth for all. No limits, no borders.
We are one team, for maximum impact. One team with shared goals. We have a laser-like focus on what our customers need and want, on anticipating their future needs, and on how we can create innovative solutions and experiences for them. We think outside the box and go beyond our comfort zone. We believe in agility, we mix the power of speed, with structure from process. And wherever we can, we always believe in having fun.
Role Summary
The Inventory Controller is a key strategic role within the Supply Chain Management function, responsible for overseeing and optimizing the inventory management processes across multiple 3PL sites and own sites within Southern Africa. This role is crucial in driving the organization's operational efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing service delivery through the meticulous management of inventory across a complex and geographically dispersed network.
The Inventory Controller leads initiatives to ensure the accuracy, availability, and integrity of stock, contributing directly to the company's ability to meet customer demands, minimize production downtime, and optimize warehouse operations. This position requires a deep understanding of inventory management principles, advanced analytical capabilities, and a strategic approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
In addition, this role is specifically responsible for managing stock at all warehouse sites, achieved by conducting weekly book to book alignments with the various 3PL sites and completing monthly stock cycle counts, by allocating items to be counted, corrected & captured daily to ensure accurate stock holdings at all times. The Inventory Controller will strive to achieve real-time transactions and reduce overall operational costs at all warehouse sites by monitoring and verifying transactional data and normal day-to-day activities.
Role Responsibilities
Inventory Management:
- Monitor stock holdings at ALL Warehouses by receiving daily pallet counts.
- Manage all inventory counts and book to book alignments with 3PL sites.
- Drive and enforce all dispositions and shelf-life extensions to completion at relevant 3PL sites.
- Date of expiry (DOE) extensions updated on SAP accordingly.
- Update the Smartsheet disposition form.
- Batch management reconciliation.
- Slob reduction - daily report used for tracking usage of slob stock (EG: NON-GHS labels).
- Cycle counts: Daily Creation / Capturing / Posting of SAP stock cycle count sheets for all 3PL sites, and overseeing cycle counts for own/UPL warehouses.
- Analyse Inventory Cycle counts and increase adoption.
- Investigate & Submit reasoning for all variances at 3PL sites with the relevant 3PL representative.
- Submit claims for all stock losses at 3PL sites.
- National Stock counts: Creation of SAP stock count sheets for all 3PL sites.
- Count verification & recon stock with internal and external auditors.
- Supervise counting / capturing process during stock counts.
- Investigate & submit reasoning for variances with 3PL sites.
- Inbound Material Management - Allocations of all scheduled import & local deliveries to 3PL sites, as per site storage availability.
- Forward all MSDS to relevant 3PL sites for product acceptance prior to deliveries/storage.
- Block / Unblock stock as per approved request.
- Submit daily pallet report / SOH & 3PL B2B reports.
Oversee the day-to-day inventory operations across all 3PL sites, ensuring that stock is accurately received, stored, and dispatched in line with company standards operating procedure and customer requirements. Conduct regular assessments to determine whether processes are being deviated. Implement and monitor robust inventory control systems to achieve real-time accuracy and data integrity across all locations, leveraging SAP and other advanced systems. Drive the adoption of best practices in inventory management, including FEFO (First Expired, First Out), batch management, and cycle counting as critical for inventory management. Proactively manage risks related to inventory, including stock obsolescence, loss, and damage, through the development of contingency plans and the enforcement of strict controls. Identify and lead initiatives to enhance inventory management processes, including the implementation of new technologies, systems, and methodologies. Regularly assess the performance of 3PL providers, driving improvements in service levels and operational efficiency. Manage information flow by researching, recording, and analysing data and information to ensure a regular flow of information for business continuity. Inform staff so that they are aligned with any operational changes e.g.: Management of Change (MOC). Take ownership of the financial aspects of inventory management, including the validation of 3PL invoices, processing claims for stock discrepancies, and managing the financial impact of stock adjustments. Raise claims against 3PL sites for any stock losses occurred. Drive and enforce stock dispositions accordingly for extension of shelf life to be completed and eliminate stock redundancy. Analyse data of all non-conforming & ageing material to ensure possible rework and shelf-life extensions to be actioned. Verify any stock adjustment requests to ensure that values and reasoning are aligned. Ensure that urgent deliveries are allocated accordingly to reduce additional transportation and handling costs. Ensure that minimum stock holdings at 3PL to reduce monthly cost by alerting Stakeholders who have direct impact to the 3PL stock holding. Collaborate with the finance team to analyse and report on inventory metrics, ensuring alignment with budgetary goals and identifying opportunities for cost savings.
Customer Service, Regulatory and Quality Compliance:
- Ensure that customer orders are fulfilled accurately and on time, with a strong focus on maintaining product quality and integrity throughout the supply chain with drive to meet the OTIF requirements.
- Ensure visibility of accurate stock across the various storage locations.
- Enforce the supply of any open or back orders.
- Ensure that all hazardous materials are properly classified, labelled, and handled according to GHS (Globally Harmonised Systems) Standard for the purpose of inventory management.
- Ensure that all inventory materials meet regulatory requirements for safe storage, handling, and transportation in line with the required Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
- Maintain compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, including health, safety, and environmental standards, and ensure that all 3PL sites adhere to these standards.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required
Technical Requirements:
- Diploma/Degree in Logistics / Supply Chain Management.
- Previous record of Inventory Management essential.
- SAP Master Data knowledge.
- Advanced Microsoft Office suite.
- Experience or proven track record in managing or collaborating with the 3PL.
- Customer Service management.
- WMS & EDI System Management.
Behavioural Requirements:
- Demonstrate a strong drive to operate and engage with cross-functional teams to deliver improvements.
- Analytical and Methodical problem-solving.
- Ability to operate under high pressure environment/situations.
- Strong communication and negotiation Skills.
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