Senior Customer Service & Logistics Lead – South Africa – Driving End‑to‑End Supply Chain Excellence, Exceptional Customer Experience, and Sustainable Agricultural Impact at brighthush

About brighthush

brighthush is a global trailblazer in the agricultural sector, redefining how the world feeds itself through cutting‑edge science, sustainability, and technology. With a portfolio that spans advanced feed additives, precision nutrition programs, and data‑driven supply‑chain innovations, we empower farmers, feed manufacturers, and distributors worldwide to achieve higher yields, lower environmental footprints, and superior product quality. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to make every animal feed ingredient smarter, greener, and more accessible.

At brighthush, we believe that the best results come from a blend of scientific excellence, operational rigor, and an unwavering commitment to customer success. Our teams operate across continents, collaborating across disciplines to translate research into real‑world impact. If you thrive in a dynamic, purpose‑driven environment and want to shape the future of sustainable agriculture, brighthush is the place for you.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Customer Service & Logistics Lead to spearhead our South African operations. In this senior‑level role, you will be the linchpin between our customers, logistics partners, and internal stakeholders, ensuring seamless service delivery, efficient inventory management, and proactive problem resolution. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of customer‑centric mindset, supply‑chain expertise, and leadership acumen to drive continuous improvement across the end‑to‑end logistics lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Customer Relationship Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for key accounts, building trust through timely communication, issue resolution, and value‑added service initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain account plans that align with customer goals and business objectives.
  • Conduct regular business reviews to assess satisfaction, identify upsell opportunities, and address emerging needs.
• Logistics Operations Oversight: Lead day‑to‑day coordination of inbound and outbound shipments, ensuring on‑time delivery, compliance with regulatory standards, and optimal routing.
  • Collaborate with freight forwarders, carriers, and customs brokers to secure competitive rates and reliable service.
  • Implement route optimization strategies to reduce transit times and transportation costs.
• Inventory & Warehouse Management: Monitor stock levels, forecast demand, and implement inventory control strategies to minimize stock‑outs and excess carrying costs.
  • Utilize advanced forecasting models and real‑time data to drive accurate replenishment decisions.
  • Partner with warehouse teams to streamline picking, packing, and shipping processes.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with sales, procurement, quality assurance, and finance teams to align logistics plans with business objectives.
  • Facilitate cross‑functional meetings to resolve bottlenecks and share performance insights.
  • Ensure that logistics strategies support revenue growth, margin improvement, and customer retention.
• Process Improvement: Identify bottlenecks, propose data‑driven solutions, and champion continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain.
  • Lead Kaizen events and Six Sigma projects to enhance process efficiency and quality.
  • Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and benchmark against industry best practices.
• Team Leadership & Development: Mentor and coach a cross‑functional team of logistics coordinators and customer service representatives, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews, set clear goals, and provide constructive feedback.
  • Identify skill gaps and coordinate training programs to elevate team capabilities.
• Reporting & Analytics: Generate and present KPI dashboards (e.g., on‑time delivery, order accuracy, inventory turnover) to senior leadership, translating insights into actionable strategies.
  • Leverage business intelligence tools to visualize trends and forecast future performance.
  • Prepare executive summaries that highlight risks, opportunities, and recommended actions.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure adherence to local and international shipping regulations, customs procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of regulatory changes and update SOPs accordingly.
  • Conduct regular audits to verify compliance and mitigate operational risks.
• Technology Enablement: Leverage and optimize the use of Zoho, SAP, and Microsoft Office tools to streamline workflows and enhance data visibility.
  • Identify opportunities for automation and integration across systems.
  • Provide training and support to team members on new features and best practices.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Sales Administration, International Trade, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in customer service, logistics, or supply‑chain operations, with at least 3 years in a senior or leadership capacity.
• Fluency in Afrikaans and English, with strong written and verbal communication skills in both languages.
• Proven proficiency in Zoho CRM, SAP ERP, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex logistics networks, including freight forwarding, customs clearance, and warehouse operations.
• Strong analytical mindset, capable of interpreting data to drive decisions and process improvements.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with a track record of building lasting relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Leadership experience, including coaching, performance management, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within the agricultural or feed industry, with an understanding of product specifications, regulatory requirements, and market dynamics.
• Knowledge of advanced logistics technologies such as TMS (Transportation Management Systems), WMS (Warehouse Management Systems), and IoT tracking solutions.
• Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent) or equivalent hands‑on experience.
• Experience managing remote or distributed teams across multiple time zones.
• Multilingual capabilities beyond Afrikaans and English (e.g., French, Portuguese, or Spanish).

Skills & Competencies

• Customer‑First Mindset: Passion for delivering exceptional service and anticipating client needs.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align logistics operations with broader business goals and market trends.
• Problem‑Solving: Quick, decisive action in high‑pressure situations, turning challenges into opportunities.
• Data‑Driven Decision Making: Comfortable working with large datasets, generating insights, and presenting findings to stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a fast‑changing environment, embracing new technologies and processes.
• Communication: Clear, concise, and persuasive communication across all levels of the organization.
• Team Building: Inspires collaboration, motivates team members, and cultivates a high‑performance culture.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At brighthush, your professional development is a top priority. As a Senior Customer Service & Logistics Lead, you will:

• Lead cross‑functional projects that span the entire supply chain, gaining exposure to sales, procurement, quality, and finance.
• Participate in leadership development programs, including mentorship from senior executives and access to industry conferences.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives such as digital transformation of logistics, sustainability projects, and global expansion plans.
• Advance into roles such as Director of Supply Chain, Head of Customer Experience, or Global Logistics Manager, depending on your interests and performance.
• Access to continuous learning resources, including online courses, certifications, and internal knowledge‑sharing sessions.

Work Environment & Company Culture

brighthush fosters an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative workplace. Key cultural pillars include:

• Innovation at Scale: We encourage experimentation and reward creative solutions that drive operational excellence.
• Employee Well‑Being: Flexible work arrangements, mental health resources, and a supportive HR team ensure you thrive both personally and professionally.
• Diversity & Inclusion: A diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve, with inclusive hiring practices and ongoing bias‑mitigation training.
• Community Impact: We invest in local agricultural initiatives, sustainability projects, and educational outreach programs.
• Collaborative Spirit: Cross‑departmental teams work together to solve complex challenges and celebrate shared successes.

Compensation & Benefits

While specific figures may vary based on experience and market conditions, brighthush offers a competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Base salary commensurate with seniority and industry benchmarks.
• Performance‑based bonuses tied to key metrics such as customer satisfaction, delivery accuracy, and cost savings.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• Professional development budget for certifications, courses, and conferences.
• Employee wellness programs, including gym memberships, mindfulness sessions, and wellness challenges.
• Remote work flexibility with a fully equipped home office stipend.
• Employee recognition programs that celebrate milestones and outstanding contributions.

How to Apply

If you are ready to lead with impact, elevate customer experience, and drive logistical excellence at a global leader in sustainable agriculture, we invite you to apply today. Submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the perfect fit for brighthush.