Senior Supply Planner

What makes this a great opportunity?

This role is responsible for maintaining Distribution Requirements Planning parameters in alignment with standardization guidelines and the Inventory Planning policy. Through the deployment and Sales & Operations Execution (S&OE) process, the Senior DRP Planner will support the quality of our short-term supply plans (0-13 weeks) in accordance with the agreed planning window. Collaboration with Operations Unit (OU), Supply Network Planning (SNP), Business Unit (BU), and Market planners is essential to effectively replenish stock, ensuring service delivery aligns with the inventory glidepath while minimizing obsolescence.

Role Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the APAC weekly S&OE. Drive the discussion in the call and ensure open topics are closed timely and escalation where needed.
• Conversion of STR’s to STO’s using TLB to create replenishment plan respecting the planning zones.
• Manage daily exception alerts to identify and analyze changes then acting upon / escalating as appropriate through S&OE and Demand review.
• Review and maintain planning parameters in SAP-ECC / SAP-APO in line with agreed master data standards and inventory policies.
• Create and maintain an Inventory outlook working to ensure we deliver inventory glidepath to agreed working capital targets, identifying and explaining significant variances and provisions for potential write-off.
• As the SME in SAP-ECC / SAP-APO, look to mentor other DRP Planners in the network, helping to develop and optimize their use of the systems.
• Support COE & IT in enhancement of our digital planning platform.
• Be the custodian of BU inventory to ensure balanced service levels vs working capital.
• Track product lifecycles and demand to reduce obsolescence.
• Collaborate with operational units and supply chain teams to improve inventory turnover and minimize waste.
• Regularly review inventory reports and adjust planning as needed based on market changes.Ensure timely issuance and adjustments of purchase orders.
• Facilitate communication and coordination among manufacturing, procurement, and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials.
• Effectively manage the relationship between Regional Supply Chain, Customer Service, Logistics, and contract manufacturers to minimize potential for issues within the supply chain by maintaining a realistic plan.
• Create a strategic supply plan covering 4 months to 2 years.
• Identify and address demand and supply gaps with stakeholders.
• Conduct scenario analysis for informed decision-making.
• Oversee CoMan Supply Reviews and escalate issues for Global Supply Reviews.
• Optimize inventory levels and adjust production and replenishment orders as needed to ensure adequate supply. Develop solutions for excess inventory and proactively manage expiry.
• Manage relationships among Regional Supply Chain, Customer Service, Logistics, and contract manufacturers to prevent supply chain issues by keeping a realistic plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a mathematical or statistical field is required.
• At least 5 years of experience in a Global/Regional DRP role, with a solid understanding of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and production planning, preferably in the food and beverage industry.
• Proven experience in participating & leading process improvement initiatives.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration and influence while valuing diverse perspectives.
• Strong analytical capabilities paired with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines efficiently.
• Versatile in transitioning between operational and tactical decision-making.
• Comprehensive knowledge of SAP-ECC and SAP-APO is essential; familiarity with SAP-IBP is advantageous.
• Skilled in leveraging digital technologies to enhance and automate processes.
• Proficient in Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP) and inventory management techniques.
• Committed to continuous improvement, with a track record of engaging and educating peers on best practices in network planning.
• Significant expertise in managing co-manufacturer, cased finished goods and material planning.
• Superuser involvement in system implementation /project management.
• Advanced proficiency in Advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Business proficiency in English (required) and Chinese (required based on location).
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.