Overview
The Sales & Operations Planning Lead role in the Boyne Valley Group is responsible for owning and underpinning the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process within the business. This role reports to the Head of Supply Chain.
Key Responsibilities include validating integrity of business demand forecasts, managing new product launches, product change management, inventory planning and ultimately maintaining supply assurance in collaboration with the business Supply Chain / Procurement / Production and Technical Teams.
The role coordinates all the various aspects of Supply Chain activities, ensuring the delivery of value-add service to the business which minimises in all scenarios any potential impacts on Customer OTIF.
This role will afford the successful candidate an opportunity to build external stakeholder relationships with both business customers and suppliers. The individual must have the ability to multitask on several key initiatives while continuing to maintain a high level of quality in their 'everyday' duties.
Sales Planning
* Analyse historical sales data, market trends, and customer insights to validate accuracy of sales team demand forecasts.
* Conduct monthly business forecast review meetings with NAMs to assess accuracy and adjust plans based on root causes of forecast variances.
* liaise with Commercial Team regarding volume planning for new launches, promotions, seasonality, packaging changes etc. to ensure we minimize supply chain exposure and maximize our service levels to the customer
Operations Planning
* Draft / Review the demand call off/production plans generated to replenish Finished Goods Inventory availability positions – striving to maintain 'Optimum Inventory' levels.
* Monitor Production/Supplier performance versus plan and provide recommendations for improvement where necessary.
* As required engage directly with internal Production Managers / External Supplier contacts to fully understand issues arising and work collaboratively to identify best solutions.
* Conduct monthly business forecast review meetings with NAMs to assess accuracy and adjust plans based on root causes of forecast variances.
* liaise with Commercial Team regarding volume planning for new launches, promotions, seasonality, packaging changes etc. to ensure we minimize supply chain exposure and maximize our service levels to the customer
* Draft / Review the monthly plans generated to replenish Raw Material / Packaging Inventory for business owned Production sites.
* Prepare and issue purchase orders as required to drive replenishment for Finished Goods, Ingredients and Packaging.
* Confer daily with the Supply Chain Operations team to determine status of inbound deliveries.
* Give daily updates to the Commercial / Sales team on all OTIF concerns / stock availability risks with expected back in stock date etc.
* Lost Sales/OTIF Reporting – Prepare OTIF / Lost Sales reports monthly and provide commentary on root cause corrective action for all issues arising.
* Supplier Management Reporting – support the Procurement team in the interrogation of relevant reporting and in the challenging of problem suppliers.
* Support and review Warehouse/Transport/Quality Control operations to ensure efficiencies are maximised & Lost Sales are minimised.
* Work On / Lead Business Projects as they arise Eg. New Product Intro, Range Refresh etc.
Education & Experience
* 5+ year's experience in supply chain management in a similar role in FMCG with detailed
* exposure to Production Planning/Demand Forecast Management
* Educated to degree level in a related discipline a distinct advantage
* Lean six sigma qualifications a distinct advantage
* Excellent computing skills in particular MS Excel/PowerPoint
Key Competencies
* Strong business analysis and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail
* Good communication and influencing skills
* Team player with the ability to mentor and identify staff upskilling opportunities
* Excellent Excel, PowerPoint and report writing skills
* Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with all stakeholders
* Adaptable and with a history of leading change and introducing new & improved ways of working
* Strong structural mindset with the ability to implement process improvement to drive the business forward