Supply Network Planning Manager

Purpose of the job

The Supply Network Planning Manager is responsible for orchestrating the end-to-end supply network to ensure optimal product availability, efficient distribution, and exceptional service for both standard and special orders. This role involves strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement to meet customer demands and business objectives.

Key Accountabilities

Distribution Planning:

• Develop and implement distribution strategies that align with business goals, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of products.
• Utilize Distribution Resource Planning (DRP) systems to forecast inventory requirements across multiple distribution centers.
• Monitor and optimize inventory levels to prevent stockouts and overstock situations, maintaining a balance between supply and demand.
• Coordinate with logistics and warehouse teams to streamline transportation and storage processes, enhancing overall efficiency.

Special Orders Management:

• Oversee the end-to-end process for special orders, ensuring customized requirements are met with precision and timeliness.
• Collaborate with sales, customer service, and production teams to understand unique customer needs and translate them into actionable supply plans.
• Monitor the progress of special orders, addressing any issues or delays proactively to maintain customer satisfaction.

Integrated Business Planning (IBP) and S&OP:

• Participate in the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process, integrating demand forecasts with supply capabilities to create a balanced and achievable plan.
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings to align on forecasts, inventory targets, and capacity planning.
• Analyze variances between actual performance and plans, implementing corrective actions as necessary.

Inventory and Capacity Management:

• Establish inventory norm, including safety stock levels and reorder points, to ensure product availability.
• Assess production and distribution capacities, making adjustments to meet changing demand patterns.
• Implement strategies to optimize working capital while maintaining service levels.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Manage and mentor a team of planners, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
• Provide training and development opportunities to enhance team capabilities and performance.

Job Requirements

• Experience in SAP (MM/PP/WM), SAP IBP, Advance Excel, PowerBI
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in supply chain planning, with a focus on distribution and special orders.
• Proficiency in DRP systems and advanced planning tools.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working collaboratively across departments.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to manage and develop high-performing teams..
• Languages: Very good verbal & written communication skills in English, Arabic is a plus.

Job competencies

• Strong analytical & numeracy skills
• Strong interpersonal skills are essential to effectively interact with all teams, areas and levels of business affecting the forecast process
• Strong Planning and forecasting skills; the ability to oversee the various processes and understand their interactions within and across functions
• Well-developed organizational and decision-making skills
• Good facilitation skills are required
• Good leadership & team handling skills
• Well developed and effective communication skills: writing, reporting and verbal
• Can manage multiple priorities collectively
• stress resilient
• Commitment to strong work ethics, integrity and honesty
• Strong negotiation skills