Assistant Manager – Supply Chain Fresh Produce - Therighttalent Colombo

About the job

Assistant Manager - Supply Chain Fresh Produce

About Our Client Partner

Our client is a leading, modern retail and supermarket chain recognized for its premium offerings and extensive network of high-quality outlets. Focused on delivering the freshest produce and superior customer value, the organization is strategically expanding its supply chain capabilities to optimize efficiency and maintain competitive excellence in the perishable goods market.

Role Summary

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Assistant Manager - Supply Chain Fresh Produce to play a pivotal role in managing the end-to-end supply chain for all Fresh Produce categories. This role is crucial for ensuring product availability, minimizing waste (shrinkage), optimizing inventory turnover, and guaranteeing the highest standards of product quality from farm/source to the retail shelf.

Key Responsibilities:

Demand Planning & Inventory Management

• Execute accurate demand planning and forecasting for all fresh produce items, minimizing waste and ensuring optimal stock levels across the distribution network and retail stores.
• Manage inventory control systems, overseeing stock reconciliation, monitoring stock aging, and maximizing inventory turnover.
• Develop and implement strategies to significantly reduce shrinkage/wastage of perishable goods across the supply chain.

Procurement & Vendor Management

• Assist in the strategic procurement of fresh produce, ensuring timely sourcing while negotiating competitive pricing and terms with suppliers and farmers.
• Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with vendors, continuously evaluating performance based on quality, delivery timeliness, and price compliance.

Quality Assurance & Logistics

• Monitor and enforce strict quality control standards from the point of procurement through to final delivery to stores.
• Oversee inbound logistics and distribution planning for time-sensitive fresh produce, ensuring the cold chain is maintained effectively to preserve product integrity.
• Liaise with the Operations and Retail teams to optimize in-store handling and display practices that affect freshness and sales.

System Efficiency & Reporting

• Utilize the ERP/system platform for data analysis, purchase order management, and generating performance reports related to inventory, shrinkage, and vendor compliance.
• Prepare regular management reports detailing supply chain performance metrics and suggesting actionable improvements.

Requirements:

• Experience: Proven experience (typically 3-5 years) in Supply Chain Management, Inventory Control, or Procurement, with a significant focus on Fresh Produce or Perishable Goods within the Retail/FMCG sector.
• Education: A Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Management, or a related field.
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in using ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, etc.) and advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for analysis and reporting.
• Analytical Skills: High analytical ability to manage complex forecasting models and interpret data related to inventory and wastage.
• Soft Skills: Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, essential for managing supplier relationships and coordinating with internal retail teams.