Shaun Riley, Jetour South Africa’s Logistics and Warehouse Manager, on building a future-ready supply chain at Jetour South Africa
In the fast-paced world of automotive retail, where consistent customer satisfaction is vital, logistics and warehousing are what keeps everything running. Shaun Riley is the Logistics and Warehouse Manager at Jetour South Africa, and brings with him a wealth of experience, vision, and passion that has been more than a decade in the making.
“My journey in supply chain began in 2010, and from the very start, I was captivated by the pace, complexity, and impact of the industry,” says Riley. That early exposure led him to pursue formal studies in supply chain management while gaining hands-on experience.
By 2013, Riley found himself involved in freight forwarding, which he refers to as the ‘engine room’ of logistics. “It was a high-energy, fast-paced environment, and I thrived in it,” he reflects. “Those years were foundational – everything was new, and I was constantly learning.”
Driven by a desire to understand supply chain operations from a full product lifecycle perspective, Riley transitioned to the automotive industry, followed by a transformative stint at a major fashion retailer, where he worked within one of the world’s most sophisticated supply chains that built on his agility and responsiveness to market demands.
From there, Riley’s path spanned diverse sectors — from automotive, to spearheading logistics in Africa’s e-waste sector, combining his passion for sustainability with cutting-edge supply chain strategy.
This multifaceted journey eventually led him to Jetour South Africa, where he is helping to shape a logistics and warehousing ecosystem for this new SUV brand that launched in South Africa last September.
“At Jetour, I’m combining everything I’ve learned over the years to help build something meaningful and long-lasting,” Riley says. “This is my first OEM role focused on the local market, and it felt like the right fit from day one.”
As Logistics and Warehouse Manager, Riley oversees the end-to-end parts supply chain, from importation and inventory control to warehousing and final distribution to dealers and service centres across South Africa. His days are a combination of real-time performance monitoring, supplier coordination, floor management, and strategic digital integration.
“A typical day starts early at the warehouse, where I sure make that all our systems are running smoothly. These tools are crucial as they give us real-time visibility and the agility to make fast, smart decisions,” he explains. “But beyond the tech, I love engaging with the people on the ground. It’s the team that drives the culture and success of Jetour.”
A hallmark of Riley’s approach is his commitment to digital transformation, with Jetour’s warehouse operating with complete paperless processes. Tasks are triggered and tracked electronically using visual and auditory cues, real-time handheld notifications, and digital dashboards that offer constant clarity on performance and productivity.
“Our warehouse is cleaner, faster, and more responsive because it’s digital-first,” says Riley. “We use a variety of world-class tools to not just manage, but optimise every part of the operation, from picking and receiving, to final dispatch.”
In South Africa’s competitive automotive landscape, Riley says that this efficiency is more than operational — it’s strategic. “Customers expect reliability and speed. Any delay in parts distribution can affect the service experience and brand reputation. At Jetour, we’ve built a logistics operation that supports the brand promise by delivering on those expectations”.
Despite being behind the scenes, Riley is acutely aware of the impact that his role has on customer experience. “Everything we do in logistics feeds into that moment when a customer gets their car back on time, repaired properly, with no hassle. That’s where the real value of supply chain comes to life.”
Riley’s role is set to grow in significance with more sought-after Jetour models scheduled to launch in South Africa later this year, intensifying the demands on logistics and warehousing.
“Jetour is not just building a brand — we’re building a presence across the continent. Being part of that journey is what truly motivates me for the future,” he says.
