Supply Network planning is a key role in the IBP process, enabling operations to meet production requirements in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner. The Supply Network Planner provides essential information for the IBP cycle, ensuring proper planning to meet internal and external customer needs.
Role Scope
The role typically involves a tactical planning horizon of 1 to 15 months, with a quarterly or semi-annual strategic plan covering 36 months in rolling monthly buckets. As this is a new process and role within the organization, it offers an exciting challenge to educate the organization on supply planning benefits. The incumbent must be comfortable managing conflicts and change at various organizational levels, supported by the Supply Chain Manager, BU/Opco Operations Director/Manager, and Global IBP Team.
Key Responsibilities
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Supply Network Planning
- Develop accurate supply network plans for specific product groups over 1-15 months to meet demand effectively, considering capacity, raw materials, and formulation optimization.
- Create strategic (36 months) supply network plans quarterly or semi-annually to identify potential constraints.
- Prepare scenario analyses to determine optimal supply options considering costs and customer service.
- Establish deadlines with contributors to ensure timely information for supply reviews.
- Prepare content for monthly supply reviews, including scenario planning to minimize supply-demand gaps.
- Monitor plan progress through regular contact with planning and production teams, advising on adjustments to meet priorities and commitments.
- Coordinate with other supply network planners and customer service teams to communicate supply status and actions.
- Follow up on decisions and constraints from IBP cycles and supply points.
- Serve as the primary contact for the commercial organization regarding tactical and strategic planning.
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Inventory & Working Capital Management
- Define and implement inventory targets and segmentation, manage levels, and follow up on aging, obsolete, and waste stock.
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Monitoring & Analysis
- Maintain master data and systems, analyze trends, identify risks and opportunities, and propose sales pushes where capacity allows.
- Coordinate constraining and allocation processes.
- Monitor KPIs to identify improvement areas and performance.
- Stay updated on planning theories and concepts.
- Collaborate with supply and commercial teams to prioritize actions and prevent stockouts and waste.
- Seek continuous improvement opportunities within daily operations.
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Continuous Improvement & Projects
- Propose and implement process improvements and participate in projects to enhance planning reliability and integration.
Key Performance Indicators
- OTIF (On Time In Full)
- Forecast accuracy
- Network capacity utilization
- Product portfolio scope
- IBP Maturity level
- Inventory and working capital levels
- Raw material stock-outs
- Waste costs
- Schedule conformance
- Equipment effectiveness
Qualifications & Experience
- University degree in supply chain, operations, economics, engineering, or similar, with 3-5 years relevant experience.
- Experience in forecasting and S&OP, preferably in animal feed or FMCG industries.
- Cross-functional collaboration experience.
- Proficiency in ERP tools, especially MS Excel; knowledge of Infor M3 and DMP is a plus.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Understanding of manufacturing challenges and performance metrics.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills.
- Inquisitive mindset to identify risks and opportunities.
- Proficiency in English and other languages as applicable.
Competencies
- Relationship building and cross-cultural awareness.
- Effective communication and persuasion skills.
- Adaptability in communication styles.
- Hands-on mentality and analytical thinking.