Senior Director, Supply Chain (Poultry)

Simmons Foods; Gentry (AR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Simmons Foods in the United States is seeking a senior supply chain planning leader to oversee long- and short-term production planning, capacity planning, and logistics for the business unit. You will manage rolling 24-month production forecasts, drive the S&OP process, and develop the supply chain team across multiple plants while aligning production with demand and inventory targets.

The role requires 10 years in supply chain/logistics with senior management experience, a bachelor’s degree

Qualifications

• 10 years’ experience in Supply Chain/Logistics with senior management responsibilities.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Experience coordinating production across multiple plants.
• Strong leadership and change-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee rolling 24-month production forecast and convert it into a viable production plan.
• Lead short-term detailed production planning across facilities and coordinate with Demand Planning.
• Analyze total cost impacts of production choices and manage plant-to-plant product allocation.
• Lead monthly supply reviews as part of S&OP, presenting capacity utilization and inventory shifts.
• Develop the supply chain department, hire and coach staff, and foster cross-functional collaboration.
• Ensure appropriate inventory levels and monitor target service levels by customer.
• Promote LEAN practices and maintain Simmons operating system principles.

Skills

Supply chain leadership

Forecasting

Capacity planning

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

ERP systems

LEAN/Continuous Improvement

Job description

Purpose of the Position

To provide leadership and guidance in managing the department responsible for the short and long-term production planning, capacity planning, and logistics of the business unit operations.

Essential Position Responsibilities

• This is a Salary Exempt position.
• Oversees rolling 24-month production forecast of the business unit. Managing development, implementation, and continuous use of the system to convert the updated sales forecast into a viable production plan for a rolling 24 months by process constraint. The purpose is to provide the company with visibility of capacity utilization, bottleneck removal, production smoothing, and/or demand shaping that needs to occur with enough lead time to implement a change from the proposed sales plan.
• Short-term production plan. Managing the detailed production planning of each of the facilities within their firm and “soft” planning windows. Working with Demand Planning to determine appropriate actions when actual demand differs from forecasted demand or planned production differs from actual production.
• Production Matrix. Analyzes the “total cost” impact of efficiencies, freight, raw materials, and plant loading of our production matrix to determine which products to make at which plant. Works through R&D to maintain an appropriate portfolio of products that can shift from one plant to another when demand dictates the need. Reassigns production between plants as needed.
• Leads Supply Review. Leads the monthly supply review as part of our S&OP process. Presents an optimum production plan based on the demand plan with appropriate inventory shifts to accommodate the medium-term demand. Presents the capacity utilization by key constraints to communicate to the company unused capacity, appropriate capacity, or short capacity on a monthly basis.
• Develops the supply chain department. Provides leadership and support to staff and assists in employees’ competency development. Guides and develops cooperative relationships between assigned plants and other key functional areas. Hire, assign, and coach the key technical and managerial personnel of the Division to ensure effective performance. Develop teamwork among the leadership group to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in all plant operations.
• Determines the appropriate inventory levels. Manages the appropriate inventory levels of finished goods by SKU based on the forecast demand, variation from forecast demand, and set service level by customer. Manages our difference from target by adjusting our production plan.
• Manages employees. Directs and supervises employees’ work activities and monitors work performance. Collaborates with Human Resources to screen, interview and hire candidates. Administers disciplinary actions and recommends performance improvement actions in collaboration with the HR Manager. Monitors work performance and recommends compensation decisions based on guidelines. Follows Simmons values to develop and maintain a favorable working relationship with all employees. Promotes a cooperative and harmonious environment in order to facilitate positive employee morale, productivity, and continued improvement.
• Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.
• Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.
• Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.
• Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Move about in a manufacturing environment, office environment, and surrounding property.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As required by visiting facility
• Travel: Travels within North America to and from multiple facilities or work-sites, requiring overnight stays.
• Technical Experience: 10 years’ experience in Supply Chain/Logistics with specific experience in a senior management role responsible for both strategic and tactical aspects of supply chain/logistics.
• Industry Experience: Preference for pet or people food processing organization.
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree in related field or 4 years related experience
• Preferred Education: Related Master’s Degree

We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team.