Supply Chain Optimization Manager

The British American Tobacco Group; Penang; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Health plans

Flexible holiday plan

Job summary

British American Tobacco is hiring a Supply Chain Optimisation Manager in Penang, Malaysia. You will lead inventories, drive supplier collaboration, and build digital capabilities across planning, sourcing, and delivery.

This role emphasizes data-driven decision making, KPI adherence, and end-to-end supply chain improvement with global scope. The candidate will manage relationships with Tier 1–3 suppliers and work closely with internal teams to ensure on-time, in-full delivery and continuous

Qualifications

• Experience in supply and demand planning within ERP and non-ERP environments.
• Proven ability to work in cross-functional teams.
• Strong Excel skills and data visualization
• Experience guiding external suppliers and stakeholder relationships
• English and Chinese language proficiency is mandatory

Responsibilities

• Ensure Tier-1 to Tier-3 supplier performance aligns with demand and reduces waste.
• Lead inventory management and produce dashboards using Power BI for supply chains.
• Oversee inventory policies, obsolescence risks and data accuracy across reports.
• Coordinate supplier meetings and drive continuous improvement initiatives end-to-end.

Skills

Supply chain planning

Cross-functional teams

Data analysis

Excel macros

Power BI dashboards

Stakeholder leadership

English & Chinese

Education

Bachelor's or advanced degree in Supply Chain

Tools

SAP APO

Kinaxis Rapid Response

Job description

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World. To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together.

British American Tobacco has an exciting opportunity for a Supply Chain Optimisation Manager in Penang, Malaysia

Reports to Supply Chain Performance Manager

Number of direct reports N/A

Core Relationships Internal – New Categories Operations Team (Manufacturing Performance, Initiative Managers, Compliance, Quality Performance), SNO (supply planning team), Procurement, R&D External – Tier 1 to Tier 3 suppliers’ operations teams

Geographic scope Global

Travel required Once or twice a month (if needed) to Tier 2/3 Suppliers

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Ensure Tier-1 suppliers make and deliver the volumes as per our demand requirements eliminating supply chain waste and extra cost
• Ensure visibility and control of components sourcing and production plans from tier-2 and tier-3 suppliers aligned with our demand signalOwn and lead inventory management activities (Inventory policy, shortage risks and obsolescence risks) with our suppliers Lead all aspects of supplier collaboration and ways of working in line with Supply Chain Key Performance Indicators
• Build the digital capabilities for the processes above to be connected in the systems used and for sustbalanced practical usage by different stakeholders at operational and senior
• Manage and drive platforms related to supply operations (Share Points, Material & production planning templates, Power BI) Tier1-3 suppliers.
  • Ensure information sharing platforms and templates are updated with production volumes, Head Counts, KPI info, and inventory data input from suppliers
  • Maintain updated the components inventory policy for component
  • Ensure that all the scope of the components throughout the logistics network is coordinated and included across reports.
• Manage and drive inventory & production management with suppliers:
  • Mapping of shortage risks including RCA and resolution approach/recommendation
  • Compliance of inventory policies
  • Ensure parameters, methodology and implementation are compliant
  • Obsolescence risk visibility through diagnosis and proposed methods for resolution
  • Application of key inventory concepts such as slow movers, no movers, leftovers.
  • Scenario planning to test inventory concepts & strategies
  • Strategies to ensure full accuracy of the data reported.
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Build, develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives for the control and optimisation of the Supply Chain Process end to end with suppliers including material planning; This includes digitalisation initiatives led by other function.

What are we looking for?

Required Experience

• Experience in supply and demand planning within ERP systems and non-ERP/offline environments.
• Proven track record to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Strong experience in spreadsheet development, reporting, data analysis, and visualization.
• Experience leading external suppliers and stakeholder relationships.
• Language Preference – English & Chinese Mandatory

Key Skills & Proficiencies

• Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain planning processes across Source, Make, and Deliver functions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder leadership skills, with the ability to influence across multiple business functions.
• Sophisticated proficiency in Excel, including macros, and crafting dashboards with Power BI.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities, including root cause analysis and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Motivated approach with a focus on achieving high timely In-Full (On-Time In-Full) delivery performance.

Education

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Science, Data Management, or Analytics.

Preferred / Advantageous Experience

• Sophisticated data analytics and Power BI dashboard development expertise.
• Knowledge of electronic goods manufacturing and production processes.
• Experience within the consumer electronics industry.

Preferred Technical Skills

• Strong written and verbal English communication skills.
• Deep understanding of ERP configuration and supply chain optimization tools such as SAP APO and Kinaxis Rapid Response.

Preferred Certifications

• APICS certification
• Master's qualification in Supply Chain Administration or a related management field.

What we offer you?

• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes

WHY JOIN BAT?

We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.

We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an own venture).

Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.