Operations Analyst: Africa

Job Purpose

The Operations Analyst provides a single, reliable view of end-to-end supply chain performance across Africa and converts operational, logistics, systems and cost data into actionable business insights. The role integrates performance reporting, logistics cost optimisation, process standardisation, systems enablement and transformation tracking to improve service, cost, visibility, control and operational efficiency. It serves as a central analytical and coordination point across markets, functions and external partners, supporting fact-based decision-making and continuous improvement in complex African operating environments.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Performance visibility and reporting

• Build and maintain standard dashboards covering OTIF, cost, inventory, lead time, transport and service performance.
• Consolidate supply chain KPIs across Africa and deliver monthly, quarterly, annual and HQ reporting on time and in full.
• Translate data into clear insights, risks, opportunities and recommendations for performance reviews.

Data integrity, systems and automation

• Validate, reconcile and govern data across ERP, planning, tracking and reporting platforms.
• Monitor data quality, system accuracy and adoption; support implementation and stabilisation of planning and operational systems.
• Identify automation opportunities and act as the interface between Operations and IT/Tech.
• Drive adoption of Cargo Flows, CONNECT and other visibility tools.

Cost-to-serve and cost optimisation

• Lead monthly and quarterly cost-to-serve reviews and analyse logistics spend, budget variances and cost drivers.
• Provide remediation plans, support bottom-up budgeting and quantify initiative impact and value delivery.
• Identify savings, cost avoidance and efficiency opportunities across freight and operations.

Process excellence and standardisation

• Develop and maintain SOPs and common operating practices across markets.
• Identify process inefficiencies and lead or support Lean and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive process consistency, cycle-time reduction, compliance and best-practice sharing while allowing for market realities.

Transformation and change delivery

• Support transformation initiatives and track milestones, risks, actions, savings and benefits realisation.
• Assist with user training, change management and adoption of new tools and processes.
• Measure and report performance improvements and escalate delivery risks or delays.

Stakeholder and portfolio performance support

• Collaborate with Planning, Supply Chain, Sales, Customer Service, Finance, Procurement, IT/Tech, country teams and external partners.
• Support quarterly and annual operational and portfolio performance reviews, including hit-list and action tracking.
• Communicate performance gaps, root causes, decisions and required actions in a clear and timely manner.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management, Business Analytics or a related field
• 5 to 10 years of relevant experience in supply chain, logistics, planning, performance management or operations analysis
• Strong FMCG experience, preferably in high-volume and multi-market operations
• Practical experience with cross-border logistics, cost analytics, process improvement, systems and performance reporting
• Experience working within centralised or regional operating models and coordinating multiple stakeholders

Key Competencies

• Strong knowledge of African supply chain operations, logistics networks, corridors and cross-border complexities
• Advanced data analysis, interpretation, scenario modelling and structured problem solving
• Performance management, KPI design, dashboarding and insight generation
• Financial, cost-to-serve and logistics cost analytics
• Experience with ERP systems, planning tools, tracking solutions and reporting platforms
• Process mapping, SOP development, continuous improvement and systems enablement
• Ability to simplify complex data into clear recommendations for decision-makers
• Strong communication, collaboration and influence across functions, markets and external partners
• High attention to detail, sound judgement and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment

Target Hire Date: 2027-01-01