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
Back to blog

Other Jobs To Apply

No other job posts for this day.

Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...