Supply Planning Lead

Role purpose

The Supply Planning Lead is responsible for defining an efficient, cost-effective and stable supply plan that supports sales forecasts and meet inventory targets.   He/She also partners with key stakeholders to support activities related to new product introduction, trade and customs, tolling and inventory management.

The Supply Planning Lead is also in charge in managing appropriate levels of inventory including its movement and validating the accuracy of both physical and system counts.

Accountabilities

Planning

• Ensure an efficient, cost-effective and stable supply plan (Finished Goods, Collaterals) that supports sales forecasts at acceptable inventory levels
• Executes agreed procurement plan to ensure availability of supply from local or overseas sources; Ensure all purchases are supported by an approved Purchase Order;
• Provide useful data and supply analysis during local and regional business meetings (SOP, Business Meetings and NPI Meetings).   Prepares supply analysis & presentation during monthly xS&OP meetings.
• Maintain accurate gSAP/FOU information and ensure that planning process is aligned to gSAP/FOU requirements at all times.
• Drives all Supply-required activities related to New Product Introduction (NPI) by working closely with key stakeholders for package development and the region for range requests approval and supply negotiations.
• Partners with the Import & Export to ensure the efficient importation of goods through closed loop communication of the procurement plan.
• Partners with Marketing to define the appropriate inventory buffers and recommend an appropriate supply/procurement plan that addresses forecast variabilities and cost targets
• Monitor related cost elements within country control such as duties and non-duties
• Appropriately set vendor and toller schedules in accordance with the demand requirements and procurement plans.  Ensure that all collaterals (packaging, containers, labels, etc) for local repacking are available and procured on-time and in the right quantities.
• Document changes in the planning process and identify improvement areas in business processes to make the work more efficient. 
• Ensure thorough review of label & carton artworks prior to approval and submission to local and overseas sources

Inventory Management

• Responsible for maintaining   inventory   within acceptable levels as defined & agreed with the Region
• Identify ways   to manage order quantity through MOQ negotiation, sourcing strategy and logistics consideration.
• Ensure   that   acceptable levels of inventory rate accuracy (IRA) in all warehouses and tolling plants through the monitoring, support and management of said activities via cycle counts
• Drives Marketing to define move-out plans for near-expiring and slow-moving inventories to reduce write-off and disposal
• Ensures timely submission of disposal requests and proper execution according to the the process defined in the Disposal business process
• Analyze inventory status and provides recommendation on appropriate inventory provision with clear justifications
• Provide inputs and analysis on requested returns and makes a recommendation based on Supply policy to ensure Commercial makes an informed decision
• Ensure that supply countries adhere to the service agreement particularly on   details relating   to inventory such as shelf-life, lead-time and MOQ.
• Works with Tollers to ensure proper documentation & return of unused or damaged collaterals for accurate accounting of issued materials
• Works with Quality Team (regional, local) to ensure that inventories are properly classified in the system
• Monitors near-expiring products and arranges quality analysis in a timely manner to ensure extension of shelf-life before expiry.

Knowledge, experience & capabilities

Critical knowledge

• Knowledge on production and materials planning, inventory management, warehousing and basic manufacturing operations
• Strong understanding of purchasing policies, procedures and principles
• Understanding of related basic financial concepts, supplier market and cost drivers

Critical experience

• At least 4 years combined experience in production and material planning and inventory management
• Experience in a manufacturing and warehousing environment a plus

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Good interpersonal skills; ability to work in cross functional teams; strong organization skills
• Strong negotiation skills to be able to support country supply requirements
• Ability to identify and deliver cost-effective solutions in the organization providing value-add service in terms of impact analysis to facilitate data-driven decisions
• Able to challenge the status quo

Critical leadership capabilities

• Strong leadership in implementation and driving teams to meet objectives
• Be able to work in a team environment and collaborate with key stakeholders

Additional information

• Must be willing to travel when required (local and international)
• Must be open to working extended hours as the need arises     

Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 28,000 employees in more than 90 countries work together to solve one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: growing more food with fewer resources. A diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace environment are enablers of our ambition to be the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture. Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. No matter what your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.