SCF Logistics and Assets Manager - Unilever

JOB PURPOSE

• Find your purpose at Unilever. You will lead innovations, big and small, that will make our business win and grow. You will learn from brilliant business leaders and colleagues in a truly global and diverse culture to ultimately become a better you.
• The SC Finance manager will act as a reliable and trustful business partner for Logistics, local Supply Chain and category Finance teams to execute the Supply Chain Finance operational and Strategic plan for Southern Africa which enable the business to win and grow. 

The purpose of this role will be to:

• SteerBusiness Performance and provide Decision support to key stakeholders including the FLT (Finance Leadership Team) and DLT (Distribution Leadership Team)
• Drive a cost competitive Supply Chain organisation through delivery of savings committed and net productivity agenda across Supply chain Indirects and Logistics costs
• Drive strong Governance and Controls within the Supply Chain Finance environment ensuring there are no control gaps to prevent loss and protect assets.
• Manage capex process across all Sourcing Units
• Driving down business waste at the Sourcing Units  
• Team leadership and talent development: Lead a diverse team of 3 WL1’s (Staff) and develop succession planning and career progression plans for the team

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE

Steer Business Performance and provide Decision support

• Provide accurate and relevant business insights by analysing available info using designated best practice tools
• Drive and coordinate the forecasting process to help the business make reliable decisions, includes budget, financial forecasts, etc
• Support Trade Working Capital delivery through analysis tools ie loss tree analysis
• Drive optimal return on investments by driving focus on Capital Expenditure Proposals with Business Cases that meet the required benchmarks
• Guide and support the delivery ofkey projects in the pipeline, whilst actively ensuring that all appropriate government incentives are maximised on.
• Report on monthly variances giving key insight in what areas need focus and actions to ensure mitigations are in place where relevant
• Guide and support the delivery of key projects in the pipeline
• Drive accountability for impact and outcome.

Drive a cost-competitive Supply Chain organisation through Logistics and Business Waste cost optimization

• Drive delivery of controllable costs by reducing the Cost Per Ton (Net Productivity)
• Deliver the business waste reduction programme and mitigations
• Review, challenge and monitor all Capital Expenditure proposals (CEP) per the annual budget.
• Drive alignment of benchmark costs and efficiencies across Logistics, SCI and Waste costs

Ensure robust governance and control systems are implemented, maintained and adhered to.

• Ensure adequate controls and financial hygiene of all areas in Supply Chain, including managing reviews and interaction with auditors during +5 audits during a year.
• Ensure integrity of balance sheet and income statement with appropriate levels of checks and balances.
• Drive delivery of timely and accurate reporting requirements
• Ensure Unilever Standard Chart of Accounts compliance
• Ensure stock controls compliant with SOX
• Ensure journals, write offs and provisions are done in accordance with Schedule of Authority.

Manage stock flows and balances

• Ensure annual budgets done and standard product costing aligned to global product costing guidelines
• Drive forecast process in line with S&OP principles
• Variance analysis of budget over and under spends done weekly/monthly.
• Manage stock provisions in various locations on site and off site at third parties.
• Stock and working capital reporting
• Manage stock in many locations on site and off site at third parties.

Leadership Role

• Lead diverse team of direct reports: 3 Staff
• Responsible for growth and development of all staff.
• Develop succession planning and career progression plans for the team

Experiences & Qualifications & Skills

Qualification:  Professional qualification in accountancy – CA or CIMA

Experience:

• Min 7 years experience in a Management and/or Financial accounting
• Ability to steer conversations and influence
• Leadership skills – able to lead, motivate, inspire
• Previous experience in SAP 3 years.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Previous SOX experience would be an advantage. 
• Proven track record of being effective in a complex operating environment and driving business performance
• Strong communication and influencing skills
• Objectivity and integrity in the face of challenge; courage and personal resilience
• Ability to build networks and manage multiple senior stakeholders
• Understanding or ability to quickly grasp financial principles in the end-to-end Supply Chain, identify and drive relevant value-creating choices and decisions
• Leadership of change – the ability to drive change management initiatives, staying close to best practices and relevant external developments