Logistics Specialist

**At Bayer we’re visionaries, driven to solve the world’s toughest challenges and striving for a world where ,Health for all, Hunger for none’ is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. We’re doing it with energy, curiosity and sheer dedication, always learning from unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities and redefining ‘impossible’. There are so many reasons to join us. If you’re hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there’s only one choice.**

**Logistics Specialist**

**Job Purpose**
- Manage the end-to-end logistics process, from order confirmation to delivery and returns, utilizing Bayer analytics tools (SAP, TMS, Smart Center, Four Kites systems).
- Coordinate with internal, direct customers and 3PL to ensure timely and efficient execution of logistics activities.

**Key Task and Responsibilities**
- Lead and optimize logistics operations to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of products to customers.
- Analyze logistics performance data to identify opportunities for improvement and implement strategic cost saving solutions.
- Execute end-to-end TMS planning, including cost optimization, vehicle and route optimization, turnaround time management and communication
- Create shipments in TMS and manage the delivery confirmation process with commercial teams, direct customers, and 3PLs.
- Ensure accurate freight carrier information in TMS and validate freight bill costs against SAP. Submit necessary documents (PO, GRV) to finance for invoice processing.
- Maintain and update rate cards in the Transportation Management System (TMS) on a monthly and annual basis.
- Coordinate inter-facility stock transfers (STOs) for seed and crop protection portfolios.
- Consolidate daily VLO60 report and submit to the commercial & customer interaction teams.
- Manage the delivery confirmation process with the commercial team, direct customer & 3PL.
- Monitor EDI connection flow between 3PLs and Bayer internal systems.
- Maintain effective communication and collaboration with internal and external teams (commercial, direct customers, 3PL).
- Collaborate with the 3PL to conduct weekly and monthly inventory reconciliations. Identify and resolve any discrepancies between physical inventory and system records.
- Analyze inventory data to identify trends and potential issues. Manage and monitor logistics functionality KPI’s (Smart Center - TMS vehicle utilization, TMS optimization, TMS adoption, Tender adherence, on time pickup, on time delivery, freight cost, last mile visibility).
- Ensure all proof of delivery documentation (POD’s), goods return notes (GRN), exchange/return approval is captured into TMS for each respective SAP delivery processed.
- Liaise with the commercial and 3PL warehouse teams to manage and coordinate the GRN process, enabling logistics to process return credits within 48 hours of receipt.
- Utilise Bayer analytics tools:

- Transport Management Systems (TMS:):

- Manage all aspects of transportation, including carrier selection, route planning, load optimization, and shipment tracking
- Optimize routes, consolidate shipments, and negotiate better rates with carriers, leading to cost savings
- Smart Center:

- Monitor the dashboard to manage TMS shipment status (on time, at risk, delayed)
- Four Kites:

- Monitor the progress of their goods in transit to provide real-time tracking of shipments
- SAP:

- Delivery release, EDI transmission flow
- Ensure all consignment stock is uplifted, processed, and inventory is returned to the 3PL warehouse.
- Provide updates to the 3PL regarding carrier arrival slots, customer and consignment returns.
- Process returned consignments within 48 hours of receipt in the SAP system accordingly.
- Ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements for seed and crop protection warehouse and distribution activities, including freight carrier compliance.
- Liaise with suppliers/vendors and undertake vendor evaluations to ensure good service delivery while ensuring timely approval and payment of their invoices.
- Support customer complaints investigations
- Undertake additional administrative, project, and ad-hoc functional support tasks as needed

**Qualifications and Competencies**
- Minimum of 3 years experience within Distribution and Warehousing, Import & Exports, logistics
- Degree/Diploma in Supply chain management/ Distribution and Warehousing/ Logistics/ IT programming/systems
- Strong understanding & execution of logistics principles and practices
- Computer literate, Microsoft office proficient and SAP experience
- Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and communication skills
- Knowledge of the Seed and Agricultural chemical markets is advantageous
- Fluent in English, Afrikaans, local vernacular advantageous
- Results orientated
- Ability to work effectively in a global, team matrix-based environment (cross functional; cross