Letlotlo Mazibuko

Letlotlo Mazibuko is a seasoned supply chain and operations leader with over two decades of experience in inventory planning, transport management, and quality assurance within the automotive sector. She has a proven track record of optimizing national dealer inventory, implementing ISO-compliant quality systems, and driving cost reduction initiatives without compromising safety or service standards. Known for her strategic thinking, stakeholder influence, and ability to lead high-performing teams, Letlotlo combines technical expertise with strong leadership and governance skills.

Her career reflects a commitment to operational discipline, customer-centricity, and continuous improvement, positioning her as a dynamic professional ready to deliver measurable impact in complex, fast-paced environments.

HEAD OF PARTS DISTRIBUTION & SUPPLY CHAIN (ACTING ROLE) - MAN AUTOMOTIVE

(2025-02 - 2025-09)

Appointed as Section 16.2 accountable for compliance with statutory requirements, safety & environment management, and overall operational control

• Overseeing inbound/outbound parts operations, imports/exports, supplier performance, and quality management systems.
• Managing compliance with Occupational Health & Safety legislation.
• Coordinating inventory teams, demand planning, forecasting, and national inventory optimization.
• Managing facilities and transport service providers.
• Increased parts availability through PDC and networks since 2018.
• Improved QMS since 2022.
• Improved delivery rate (Inbound & Outbound).
• Achieved highest job card fill rate since 2017.
• Implemented cost-saving initiatives that reduced packaging costs by 40%
• Optimized overall PDC operational costs by enhancing inbound transport planning, which reduced lead times, lowered transport expenses, and minimized inventory holding requirements

HEAD OF QUALITY & TRANSPORT - MAN AUTOMOTIVE

(2022-04 - 2025-01)

• Own the Quality Management System (QMS) in line with OEM standards (ISO 9001 & ISO14001).
• Lead incoming inspection, in-process quality, final release, and pre-delivery inspection of parts.
• Own transport strategy for inbound materials, inter-plant transfers, and outbound finished parts.
• Manage carrier relationships, SLAs, rate negotiations, and performance dashboards (OTIF, damage rate, dwell time).
• Streamlined inbound logistics to achieve higher delivery accuracy and schedule adherence
• Ensure legal compliance: permits are accessible
• Oversee claims management (transport damages, in-transit loss) and recovery with insurers and carriers.
• Ensure a safe and healthy workplace by preventing work-related injuries and illnesses.
• Identify and manage occupational health and safety risks through proactive hazard control.
• Promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement in OHS performance.
• Minimize environmental impact by identifying and controlling environmental risks.
• Promote sustainable practices and continual improvement in environmental performance.
• Enhance organizational reputation and stakeholder confidence through responsible environmental management.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Deploy Lean/Kaizen tools (5S, visual management, standard work, PDCA) across transport, warehouse, and facility.
• Implement real-time visibility: transport tracking, inventory dashboards, and maintenance CMMS.
• Lead cross-functional problem-solving (RCA/5-Why/Fish-bone) and stability projects to reduce risks
• Own departmental budget (quality costs, parts provisions, transport spend).
• Drive cost reduction without compromising safety or quality.
• Implement KPI governance with weekly/monthly cadence and continuous improvement pipelines.

HEAD OF TRANSPORT, INVENTORY & FACILITY - MAN AUTOMOTIVE

(2021-10 - 2022-03)

• Own transport strategy and execution for inbound materials, inter-dealer transfers, and parts.
• Manage carriers and 3PLs: procurement, SLAs, performance reviews, and escalations.
• Implement transport governance: daily boards, weekly KPIs, incident/claims management with service providers.
• Ensure compliance with road transport regulations
• Own inventory accuracy across PDC & dealer network.
• Govern cycle counting, stock reconciliation, bin/location accuracy, and root-cause on variances.
• Improve picking, packing, put-away, and replenishment using standard work and lean methods.
• Manage inventory health: slow movers, excess & obsolete (E&O), and stock rotation/aging dashboards.
• Align master data and system transactions (SAP/MM/WM/QM or equivalent) with physical processes.
• Oversee facility operations: building maintenance, utilities (power, water, HVAC), security, cleaning, grounds, and waste.
• Plan and execute preventive maintenance schedules; manage contractors and service-level compliance.
• Ensure HSE compliance: risk assessments, permits to work, emergency preparedness, signage, and audits.
• Drive energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives (lighting, compressors, water use, waste segregation).
• Lead site readiness for audits, launches, peak seasons, and localization projects.

HEAD OF MATERIAL MANAGEMENT - MAN AUTOMOTIVE

(2019-03 - 2021-09)

Lead end-to-end material planning, procurement, inbound logistics, and inventory control for a commercial vehicle OEM. Ensure part availability, stable MRP, and cost-efficient supply while managing supplier performance and engineering changes.

• Lead Material Planners, Expeditors, Inventory Controllers, Kitting/Line Supply Coordinators.
• Build capability in MRP discipline, supplier management, inventory control, and problem-solving.
• Foster a culture of data-driven decisions, standard work, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance on import/export regulations, Incoterms, and documentation accuracy.
• Maintain risk registers and contingency plans.
• Align with ISO 9001 practices where applicable: support audits (process, supplier, system).
• Lead S&OP cadence with Sales, Production, and Finance; translate demand into feasible supply plans.
• Own MRP parameters (lead times, safety stock, MOQ, reorder policies) and BOM integrity for accurate planning.
• Implement capacity & materials synchronization (long-lead parts, kits) for build stability.
• Manage strategic and operational procurement of parts
• Lead supplier performance management: OTIF, PPM, lead times, cost, and responsiveness.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and logistics; build dual sourcing/contingency plans for risk parts.
• Drive readiness for new product launch, align with Engineering, Product and Quality for changes and localization.
• Own inventory accuracy (cycle counting, reconciliations, bin/location integrity) and stock health (aging).
• Set policies for safety stock, reorder points, and slow/obsolete disposition; manage write-offs with Finance.
• Implement lean material flow (milk-run replenishment).
• Monitor material availability (coverage days, shortage lists) and lead structured RCA on variances.

NATIONAL DEALER INVENTORY MANAGER - MAN AUTOMOTIVE

(2019-01 - 2019-02)

• Oversee inventory management for all national dealerships, ensuring optimal stock levels to meet customer demand.
• Monitor and analyse inventory data to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Coordinate with procurement, logistics, and sales teams to ensure timely stock replenishment and distribution.
• Implement inventory control processes to minimize stock variances and reduce holding costs.
• Prepare and present inventory reports to senior management, highlighting key metrics and recommendations.

PARTS INVENTORY PLANNING SPECIALIST (TEAM LEADER) - Mercedes Benz SA

(2013-07 - 2018-12)

• Lead and supervise the inventory planning team, providing guidance and performance management.
• Develop and implement inventory planning strategies to maintain optimal stock levels and minimize shortages or excess.
• Analyse demand forecasts and historical data to plan parts replenishment accurately.
• Collaborate with procurement, logistics, and dealer operations to ensure timely delivery of parts.
• Monitor inventory KPIs and prepare detailed reports for senior management.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance inventory accuracy and reduce holding costs.

Aftersales Area Manager (Parts) - Mercedes Benz SA

(2011-11 - 2013-06)

Inventory Planning Specialist - Commercial Vehicles Parts - Mercedes-Benz South Africa

(2008-02 - 2011-10)

Material Controller – Tyres - Mercedes-Benz South Africa

(2007-01 - 2008-02)

Advanced Project Management Programme - Project Management - UNISA (2012 - 2012)

Advanced Programme in Sourcing & Supply Chain - Supply Chain - UNISA (2010 - 2010)

National Diploma - Marketing - TECHNIKON PRETORIA (2000 - 2000)

National Senior Certificate - JM NTSIME HIGH SCHOOL (1995 - 1995)