Digital Supply Chain Strategist

Job Overview

This role involves leading the transformation of a client's supply chain planning ecosystem. As Supply Chain Excellence Manager, you will drive automation, digitization, and standardization of planning processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a transformation vision and roadmap for the planning function aligned with business growth and efficiency goals.
• Translate strategic objectives into executable project charters with clear milestones, scope, and business benefits.
• Collaborate with CXOs and BU heads on supply chain modernization and digital maturity.

Planning Process Automation & System Implementation

a. Production Planning

• Lead the rollout of automated capacity planning models aligned with factory realities and line-level constraints.
• Enable production scenario simulation and visual factory planning using digital twins and advanced algorithms.
• Introduce simulation capabilities for evaluating what-if production scenarios.

b. Supply Planning

• Automate master supply planning processes including netting logic, inventory rebalancing, and capacity leveling.
• Deploy multi-echelon inventory optimization and safety stock algorithms.
• Enable dynamic supply-demand reconciliation through integrated S&OP or IBP platforms.

c. Distribution Planning

• Standardize and automate DRP logic using tools like o9.
• Improve responsiveness through integrated planning with sales and logistics.
• Optimize deployment logic based on transportation lead times, route efficiency, and shelf life.

d. Procurement Planning

• Drive automation of PR/PO generation and MRP outputs for both direct and indirect categories.
• Integrate supplier collaboration tools for proactive planning, risk visibility, and lead-time management.
• Build supplier scheduling capabilities using collaborative forecasting and VMI principles.
• Deploy tools for risk-adjusted procurement planning incorporating MOQ, LT, and buffer strategies.

Integrated Planning Enablement

• Lead internal and external stakeholders in implementing an integrated planning tool across planning functions.
• Responsible for design, development, and implementation of system/process solutions for integrated planning.
• Ensure accurate master and transactional data inputs to enable optimal tool performance.
• Build SOPs for current and future-state supply chain processes and strategies.
• Act as the supply chain interface to the Business Transformation team, driving alignment and project execution.
• Develop and maintain reports, dashboards, and tools to track performance and provide insights at all organizational levels.

Technology Enablement & Data Governance

• Act as business lead for implementation of planning systems such as o9, SAP IBP, Kinaxis, or Blue Yonder.
• Collaborate with IT to define data architecture, master data standards, and API-based integration with ERPs (SAP, Oracle).
• Ensure high data quality and governance frameworks are established and adhered to.
• Define and implement master data governance, ensuring accuracy across BOMs, planning parameters, and supplier data.

Stakeholder & Change Management

• Create buy-in from diverse stakeholders across India and international markets through structured communication and change plans.
• Build functional capability among planners through training, playbooks, and digital upskilling programs.

Program Management

• Lead cross-functional transformation projects using structured methodologies (Agile/Waterfall).
• Track project health, budgets, resource allocation, and post-implementation KPIs.
• Coordinate UATs, solution walkthroughs, and end-user training sessions.

Change Management & Capability Building

• Identify change champions and super-users across business units.
• Design structured training programs, SOPs, and knowledge documentation for new systems/processes.
• Drive cultural shift towards data-driven and exception-based planning.

Governance, Measurement, and Continuous Improvement

• Establish planning performance dashboards and governance cadence with stakeholders.
• Define KPIs and governance structures to ensure sustained performance (e.g., OTIF, inventory days, forecast adherence).
• Establish and scale agile ways of working to iterate improvements post go-live.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Production Engineering.
• MBA or PGDM from a reputable institute with specialization in Operations/Supply Chain.
• Minimum 12–18 years of experience, with at least 5 years in leading transformation or digital planning roles.
• APICS (CPIM/CSCP), PMP, or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 4–6 years of supply chain experience with strong exposure to systems implementation, process excellence, and analytics.
• OR 3–5 years of consulting experience in supply chain management, preferably with large enterprise clients.

Skills:

• Industry/Consulting Experience: 4–6 years of supply chain experience with strong exposure to systems implementation, process excellence, and analytics.
• Platform Expertise: Deep experience with platforms like o9, Kinaxis, Anaplan, SAP IBP, Blue Yonder.
• Analytical & Technical Skills: Strong problem-solving and modeling skills, with business acumen to draw insights from large datasets.
• Proficient in analytics and BI tools: Excel, Power BI, Tableau, SAP BO.
• Communication & Influence: Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Domain Advantage: Prior experience in FMCG, Retail, or similar CPG industry preferred.

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