Advanced Supply Chain Planning - Implementation Lead

Position Overview

The Advanced Supply Chain Planning (ASCP) Supply Implementation Lead is responsible for leading the design, deployment, and sustained adoption of advanced planning software solutions focused on supply planning, production planning, and inventory optimization. This role serves as the bridge between business stakeholders, supply chain operations, and technology teams to ensure planning solutions deliver measurable business value.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end implementation of advanced supply chain planning solutions on the supply side (e.g., supply planning, capacity planning, MPS/MRP, deployment, and inventory optimization).
• Own solution design, configuration, and deployment in alignment with business requirements and operational constraints.
• Partner with manufacturing, procurement, logistics, and inventory teams to define planning processes and success metrics.
• Translate business requirements into functional specifications and guide system configuration and testing.
• Manage project governance including scope, timeline, budget, risks, and dependencies.
• Lead system testing, user acceptance testing (UAT), cutover, and go-live activities.
• Drive change management, training, and user adoption across global or regional teams.
• Establish post-implementation support models and continuous improvement roadmaps.
• Collaborate with IT, data, and integration teams to ensure high-quality master data and system interfaces.
• Serve as subject matter expert for supply-side planning processes and technologies.

Required Experience

• 8+ years of experience in supply chain planning, manufacturing planning, or related roles.
• 5+ years leading or heavily involved in implementation of advanced supply chain planning software.
• Demonstrated experience with supply-side planning processes including supply planning, capacity planning, MRP, and inventory optimization.
• Experience leading cross-functional and cross-regional project teams.
• Proven track record delivering complex technology-enabled business transformations.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field required.
• Master's degree (MBA, MS in Supply Chain, Operations Research, or Engineering) preferred.
• Relevant certifications such as APICS/ASCM CPIM, CSCP, or PMP are a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Expert knowledge of supply chain planning concepts and best practices.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing environments, constraints, and trade-offs.
• Ability to configure and optimize planning parameters and policies.
• Excellent project management and stakeholder communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to influence without authority and lead through change.
• Comfort working with data, KPIs, and performance dashboards.
• Experience in global or multi-site supply chain organizations preferred.

Preferred Technology Experience

• Advanced planning systems such as SAP IBP, SAP APO, Kinaxis RapidResponse, o9 Solutions, Blue Yonder, or similar.
• ERP systems such as SAP S/4HANA, ECC, Oracle, or equivalent.
• Understanding of system integrations and master data management concepts.
• Experience with data analysis tools (Excel, SQL, BI tools) is beneficial.