Director of Supply chain & Sales operation

Our client

Our client is a world leader in furniture hardware.

About the role

Target of the position

Member of the management committee, the Director of Supply chain & Sales operation is responsible for the optimization and continuous improvement of service levels, product availability, inventory levels, and related operational budget targets according to the group key performance indicators.
To provide leadership, guidelines, and training, to provide professional and knowledgeable support to all customers and sales staff. Guide and mentor customer service manager, Warehouse and Logistics manager in warehouse activities for the same purpose to include goal setting and ensure daily operations are thorough and professional in both areas. Leading and motivating a team to ensure they’re giving the best customer service possible. Monitors financial and operations metrics to measure achievements or organizational objectives.
This position manages a departmental sub-function that requires a broader collaboration with accounting, sales, strategic partners, and supply chain collaborators from the head office in Germany, in line with the company’s growth projections and customer forecasts, in a manner that is on time, on budget, and at the required quality service levels.

Position-related framework

Our strategy is "market exploitation with core products" looking to have the right priority, which is summarized by "Cash before profit before Turnover." Implement all necessary actions and processes to support the strategy to become N°1 in core products. This role requires you to comply with any reasonable request by your manager that is within your capabilities to meet the needs of the business. 

Responsibilities

Manage a team of warehouse and supply chain specialists

Direct all warehouse operations to ensure the achievement of cost, productivity, accuracy, and timeliness objectives. Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Identifying the developmental needs of members of your team. Coaching, mentoring, and helping others to improve their knowledge and skills.

Manage and optimize our SC&L capabilities in line with our SLA and KPI’s

Following the implementation of SAP, analyze all aspects of the Company’s supply chain, logistics, and warehousing to determine the most cost-effective or efficient means of transporting our products, receiving our supply (replenishment from SSC) as well as stocking/warehousing. To recommend optimal warehousing systems and processes, transportation modes, routing, and equipment.

According to the standards in Germany:
A. Master and control all internal processes within SAP related to WHS-Logistic.
B. Develop and present the SC&L optimization plan.
C. Develop and implement the Company’s sales forecasting process.
D. Master and control the customer-direct container program (3rd party containers).

According to Head Office standards. Put in place the proper systems, processes, and controls to achieve targets.
A PODC (Plan Organize Direct Control) Inventory targets and KPI's according to Head Office std's:
1. Understand and take ownership of the entire process and investments.
2. Review and define with Head Office what should be the Company’s stock targets.
3. Put in place the follow-through process to manage and reach our targets:
•    Using SAP functionality, establish and monitor specific supply chain-based performance measurement systems.
•    Liaise with SSC to ensure replenishing meets the Company’s inventory strategy and customer demand.
•    Manage all warehouse inventory levels in line with Company product availability standards, ITO, and stock-on-hand targets.

Training & development

Identifying the developmental needs of members of your team. Coaching, mentoring, and helping others to improve their knowledge and skills.  
To provide leadership, guidelines, and training to provide professional and knowledgeable support to all customers and sales staff. Guide and mentor supervisor and managers for the same purpose to include goal setting and ensure daily operations are thorough, and professional in both areas. Leading and motivating a team to ensure they’re giving the best service possible.

Provide solid customer relations

Direct and overseas all aspects of the organization’s customer service policies, relations, objectives, and initiatives that are centered around strengthening customer loyalty by providing excellent customer service guidelines and standards. Develop service-level standards focused on reducing response times and providing high customer satisfaction analyzing statistics or other data to determine the level of customer service the organization is providing. Provide guidance to all inside sales staff to ensure customers are getting the best possible service we can provide, encouraging good practices, and employee well-being, ensuring good governance is being followed and that the organization is working in accordance with its goals and vision.

CRM – SPO related processes – Key/Super User

As CRM/SPO/SAP Key User for the Business Unit (BU), the goal is to be the first point of contact for the BU colleagues concerning all questions, issues, and updates related to our systems and processes. The tasks consist of collecting and finding solutions to questions and suggestions for all Sales-related processes, as well as providing training to all colleagues working with the BU CRM/SPO/SAP. Support the roll-out of new functions and updates to the subsidiary.

Pricing Controlling and Monitoring

Ensure proper agreed customer price in the system, and make sure that the process of authorization on price change is done according to the guidelines. Responsible for maintenance and mass updates of all pricing.

Lead strategic projects

Based on the yearly strategic plan review, this position will be responsible for the planning, organization, resource management, and discipline pertaining to the successful completion of specific projects.

Management of department expenses budget

Develop Team yearly expenses budget, maintain and control. Transportation, inbound and outbound, branch expenses, service providers, etc.

Handling complaints & queries (QM Key/Super user)

Investigating and solving customers' or staff problems that are related to transportation, logistics, replenishment, customer service, warehouse, and shipping activities. Handling customer complaints or any major incidents related to customer relations.

Basic Requirements and Conditions

Know-how

Formal education

•    University degree or equivalent in a related field: Professional designation required (CITT-Certified Logistics Professionals) or P.Log – Professional Certification in Supply Chain Logistics.
Work Experience (years)
•    5-10 years in a manager or director role with an SC& L background.

Work Experience (content)

•    Minimum 5-7 years’ experience within Inventory Planning & SC & L
•    Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing direct reports.
•    Operational knowledge of SAP ERP systems is absolutely required
•    High proficiency in Microsoft Suite & PC applications, including Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Word
•    Process Improvement using quality-based tools, effective communication, and influencing skills
•    Available to travel 10%-15%.

Key Abilities for the Role

•    Leadership capabilities, ability to listen to and understand information and ideas.
•    Problem Sensitivity, consistent experience in problem-solving
•    Effective communicator
•    Effective at working independently or in a team environment, including direct and indirect leadership
•    Comfortable managing financial analysis, P&L reports and other financial functions related to SC&L.

Freedom to Act, skill sets

•    Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written bilingual
•    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
•    Strong organization and project management skills
•    Ability to strengthen team culture
•    A strong customer-driven profile is needed
•    Management of financial data
•    Proven ability to work in a fast-paced work environment
•    Ability to operate under solid pressure and meet tight deadlines
•    Excellent judgment and decision-making
•    Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one
•    Monitoring/Assessing your performance, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action
•    Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences
•    Management skills, professional demeanor, and positive attitude.