IT Executive (UPD)

Listing reference: 025629 Listing status: Online Apply by: 13 July 2026

Position summary

Industry: IT & Internet Job category: IT-Management Location: Johannesburg Contract: Permanent EE position: Yes

About our company

Clicks Group

Introduction

Job Purpose: To lead the technology strategy delivery, and optimisation of supply chain and distribution systems for UPD, ensuring efficient, reliable, and scalable pharmaceutical distribution operations and delivering measurable improvements in service levels, cost efficiency, and operational performance. The role serves as the technology representative on the UPD Executive Committee, contributing to business strategy and performance, and acting as a trusted advisor on technology-enabled operational improvements The role is accountable for delivering critical supply chain technology programmes within committed timelines and business expectations, and for ensuring responsive, high-quality execution in a complex and regulated environment

Job description

Job Objectives:

• Define and execute the UPD technology strategy and roadmap aligned to supply chain performance, growth, and operational excellence, ensuring measurable business outcomes and disciplined delivery.
• Serve as an active UPD EXCO member, contributing to business strategy, decision-making, and performance management, and acting as a trusted advisor on technology-enabled operational improvement.
• Drive measurable improvements in supply chain KPIs (including service levels, throughput, cost-to-serve, and inventory optimisation) through effective use of technology and data.
• Ensure the availability, resilience, and performance of critical supply chain systems (WMS, TMS, inventory, and distribution platforms) to support uninterrupted operations and service level commitments.
• Lead end-to-end supply chain integration across suppliers, distribution centres, and retail channels, resolving cross-functional dependencies and enabling seamless operational flow.
• Drive automation and optimisation initiatives (including warehouse automation, route optimisation, forecasting, and AI-enabled planning) to improve efficiency, reduce cost, and enhance service levels.
• Accountable for the successful delivery of critical supply chain technology programmes, ensuring on-time delivery, quality execution, and achievement of defined business benefits.
• Ensure compliance with pharmaceutical distribution regulatory requirements, including data integrity, traceability, auditability, and system governance standards.
• Ensure integration with Retail, SAP, and enterprise systems in alignment with enterprise architecture standards and governance frameworks.
• Build and lead high-performing supply chain IT teams, fostering a culture of operational excellence, accountability, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making.

Job Related Knowledge:

• Deep knowledge of supply chain and distribution systems (WMS, TMS, inventory management)
• Strong understanding of warehouse operations, logistics, and distribution processes
• Knowledge of system integration across supply chain, retail, and enterprise platforms
• Understanding of data, forecasting, and optimisation models in supply chain environments
• Knowledge of IT governance, risk, and operational resilience Experience with automation, robotics, and smart warehouse technologies
• Knowledge of AI/ML in supply chain optimisation and planning
• Exposure to IoT and real-time tracking technologies
• Understanding of pharmaceutical or regulated supply chain environments

Job Related Skills:

• Continuous improvement capability (Lean / Six Sigma principles applied in operational and technology contexts)
• Strong data-driven decision-making and optimisation capability
• Change leadership experience, including driving behavioural and process transformation
• Experience working across enterprise platforms such as SAP and large-scale retail or supply chain systems
• Strong operational leadership, with the ability to translate supply chain strategy into executable and measurable technology outcomes
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and credibly to executive and operational stakeholders
• Proven capability to perform in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments requiring speed, resilience, and execution discipline
• Strong programme execution capability, delivering complex initiatives within constrained timelines and operational environments
• Commercial and operational acumen, with clear understanding of supply chain performance drivers (service levels, cost-to-serve, throughput, inventory)
• Ability to influence and align cross-functional stakeholders across Supply Chain, Retail, IT, and Shared Services
• Strong problem-solving and structured decision-making capability in complex, dynamic environments
• Vendor and partner management with accountability for delivery performance and outcomes
• Ability to drive technology adoption and embedding within operational environments
• Strong cost optimisation and efficiency orientation

Job Experience:

• 10 years’ experience in supply chain, logistics, and/or complex distributed technology environments
• Proven experience leading technology delivery in operationally intensive environments (e.g. WMS, TMS, or large-scale logistics systems)
• Demonstrated experience improving operational performance through technology enablement
• Strong track record delivering automation, optimisation, or large-scale transformation programmes
• Experience managing vendors and strategic partners with accountability for delivery outcomes and performance
• Demonstrated ability to deliver complex programmes within tight timelines and high-pressure operational contexts
• Proven experience developing and owning business cases for technology and supply chain initiatives, including financial modelling, ROI tracking, and benefits realisation
• Demonstrated use of data and analytics to inform operational and strategic decision-making in supply chain environments
• Experience in retail distribution or high-volume logistics environments
• Exposure to pharmaceutical or regulated supply chain environments
• Experience delivering enterprise-wide transformation programmes across multiple business units or geographies
• Experience engaging with and presenting to executive leadership (EXCO level), translating technical and operational performance into business insight and decision

Minimum requirements

Education:

• Honours degree (or equivalent) in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field
• Certifications in supply chain, logistics, or IT

Job Related Competencies:

• Leading and Supervising
• Working with People
• Adhering to Principle and Values
• Applying Expertise and Technology
• Presenting and Communicating Information
• Analysing
• Planning and Organising
• Delivering Results & Meeting Customer Expectations
• Entrepreneurial and Commercial Thinking