Supply Planning and Logistics Manager

Xtrac; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job description

Xtrac is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of specialist transmissions. Our customers include the top motorsports racing series including Formula One, Le Mans, IndyCar and NASCAR and we also supply transmissions for the most exclusive high-performance cars in the world. We are at the forefront of a once-in-a-generation opportunity as the automotive industry transitions from internal combustion to electric and hybrid and our experienced and dedicated teams are using the latest cutting-edge technology to achieve this transition.

Overview

The supply planning and logistics manager role is a senior position, managing the translation of the demand into the supply planning team. You will coordinate the activities of the supply planning team across all products and projects to create and maintain a deliverable production and logistics plan that is aligned to the commercial demand and business objectives. As the company’s planning leader, your primary role is to ensure that the plan for the Plant 1 (manufacturing), Plant 2 (assembly), and Plant 3 (procurement and logistics) is created in a timely manner, communicated effectively, and updated and managed on a fast-paced regular basis. You will also create and manage the production and logistics plan for new product introduction (NPI), to ensure the smooth introduction of new products across multiple phases. Working closely with the commercial, procurement and operations teams you will lead the supply planning function to deliver the business operational and financial objectives. You will also manage the inventory policies to meet both the customer service requirements and the overall business working capital objectives.

Day to Day

1. Lead the translation of the commercial demand into the Supply Planning Team.
2. Lead the production scheduling process through a team of Supply Planning Specialists and Embedded Planners, providing clear communication, mentoring and direct coaching in order to create and maintain a high performing team and culture.
3. Provide operational and systems guidance, direction, and leadership within the planning team to ensure a consistent approach to planning activities and the delivery of a coherent production and logistics plan across the business.
4. Lead the planning element of New Product Introduction (NPI) process, evaluating inventory and capacity requirements to ensure a smooth launch in conjunction with the Head of PMO.
5. Manage the ongoing plan for the existing product portfolio lifecycle to meet customer expectations and business objectives, including the evaluation and implementation of ongoing engineering requests.
6. Represent planning within the Xtrac business and the monthly integrated business planning (IBP) cycle.
7. Support business growth by coordinating the aggregated capacity requirements over the rolling 0–24 month horizon.
8. Define, develop and communicate the planning policies.
9. Through the IBP process adopt a proactive and collaborative approach, especially with the planning team, raise constraints/risk and propose mitigating actions.
10. Methodical approach to ensure tasks are completed with a high degree of accuracy consistently.
11. Ability to work calmly to deadlines with a flexible approach.

About You

You will have a thorough and in-depth understanding of planning principles, ideally supported with a relevant professional qualification. You will be an expert communicator and comfortable flexing between layers of management. You will possess excellent leadership and management capability. You will possess a good understanding of ERP principles and be a proficient ERP user (Epicor preferred but not essential). An essential skill is a demonstrated capability to lead, develop and motivate a team. Demonstrated learning capability ideally to degree level in a relevant subject or through professional learning programmes. Good knowledge and understanding of common machine shop manufacturing techniques and processes, and low volume assembly techniques and how they fit with creating a robust planning function. Understanding of manufacturing routings. Familiarity with project management techniques and stage gate process. Competent user of Microsoft Office suite (Word / Excel / PowerPoint / Teams). You will have a positive attitude to problem solving and enjoy the analysis of complex scheduling requirements. You will demonstrate excellent organisational and interpersonal skills and be able to take the initiative to ensure goals are met.

Role Impact

Working Relationships

You will be able to build appropriate professional, collaborative, friendly and accessible relationships with your team, peers and line managers. You will be comfortable with both verbal and written communications. You will represent the planning function, interfacing with commercial, finance, project management, engineering and operations colleagues. Some elements of the role will be customer facing. You will be able to use your skills and experience to mentor and develop your team and educate colleagues in the wider planning and business functions.

Expected Decision Making / Problem Solving

You will work to manage the requirements of the Production and Logistics Plan to meet the business objectives, interfacing with senior colleagues from the commercial, finance, planning and operations teams to ensure a coherent approach. You will be able to take the initiative to not only identify risks but also offer solutions. You will be expected to provide robust solutions to achieve the business objectives that are based on demonstrated capacity and supported by the wider supply chain.

Planning

You will lead the supply planning and logistics function within the business to ensure there are no operational or capability gaps that limit the ability to deliver. You will manage your own time to ensure that the requirements of the department and business are met. You will be able to work independently and as part of the wider supply planning function.

Other Information

Budgetary Responsibility: Annual headcount, learning & development. Leading People: Team of approximately 12. Location: Onsite at Thatcham, UK. Travel: Not usually required, occasional UK travel to customers, conferences, industry workshops and suppliers would be likely.

About Xtrac

Here at Xtrac, we are one of the world’s leading manufacturers of Motorsport and High-Performance Automotive Transmission Solutions. Our products are used internationally across the most prestigious motorsport events so naturally we have a passion for winning and continuously improving, whether that be our products, our people, or our business. Our vision is to transform into a world-class high-performance automotive supplier whilst retaining our position as a world leader in motorsport, so now is the time to join our journey, make an impact and contribute to the success of our future.

What makes us who we are is our people. We share behaviours and values to ensure Xtrac remain world class and have a culture that delivers!

We are…

1. Passionate
2. Accountable
3. Collaborative
4. Externally Focused
5. Yearn to Learn

If you’re looking for an exciting new opportunity, you could be just what Xtrac are looking for.

DEI Statement

Xtrac believe that diversity is not only a fundamental value but also a key driver of innovation, growth and success. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We celebrate diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability and veteran status. We recognise that diverse teams are more creative, collaborative and effective in solving complex problems and driving positive change.

Xtrac are dedicated to creating a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential. We actively promote diversity and inclusion through recruitment, training and development, and advancement opportunities for all employees. By embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity, we not only strengthen our organisation but also enrich the experience of our employees and the communities we serve.

Join us at Xtrac and be part of a diverse and inclusive team that values and celebrates the unique contributions of every individual. Together we will drive innovation, excellence and success. For more detail, salary and company information, use the apply link.