Manager, Supply Chain Planning - Launch & Optimization

Homewerks Worldwide, LLC, a leading import distributor of home improvement products for major retailers is seeking a Manager, Supply Chain Planning – Launch & Optimization to join our Demand & Supply Chain Team. Homewerks Worldwide develops, sources, and markets bathroom, kitchen, and plumbing products for home and commercial use. Since its formation in 2006, Homewerks has shown consistent sales growth fueled by a proven track record of bringing innovative, efficient, and high quality product solutions to homes. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to contribute to a fast growing organization. Our corporate office is located in Lake Bluff, IL and we have distribution centers in both Lake Bluff and Libertyville, IL.   

Position Summary

The Supply Chain Planning Manager will support effective product launches (promotions, running changes, and new products) from an Operations perspective. Collaborating with other functions to ensure we achieve top-tier service while minimizing expedite costs and excess inventory. This role will also manage and support a variety of Supply Chain and inventory management related areas, including but not limited to, Excess & Obsolete inventory reduction, SKU rationalization, inventory alignment (between ERP & WMS), Supplier Scorecards, inbound ASNs, safety stock optimization, Monthly KPI reporting, MRP parameters, ERP system management and enhancement while leading optimization activities within the Supply Chain Planning team. The Manager, Supply Chain Planning – Launch & Optimization will report to the Director, Supply Chain Planning.

Responsibilities

•  Product Launches & Transitions:

o  Participate in cross-functional new product teams to ensure successful launches, running changes & promotions.

o  Lead the launch project executions within operations function. Improve coordination among planning, logistics and warehouse management.

o  Ensure effective communication between Supply Chain Planning Launch team and the Operations team to execute projects.

o  Oversee the development of initial buy, replenishment, and safety stock plans for product launches.

o  Interface with suppliers as it relates to projects to ensure effective execution and resolution of issues that could impact our rollouts. 

o  Develop project status reporting and ensure visibility of projects to key stakeholders. Resolve issues that may develop and put a program or launch at risk

o  Continuously develop and improve the alignment with Sales and customers to prevent customer fines and support disputes, root cause determination, and the implementation of counter measures tied to new product launches and promo issues as necessary.

•  Inventory Management:

o  Continuously develop and improve the strategy to reduce E&O creation, increase E&O disposition and minimize impact to company financial statements.

o  Ensure inventory sync between ERP and WMS systems to ensure optimal customer service and inventory accuracy.

o  Optimization of MRP parameters, safety stock methodologies, and other planning systems functionality to balance customer fill rates and inventory velocity.

o  Collaborate with our Distribution teams to ensure smooth execution of inbound ASNs, Distribution Orders (facility transfers), Manufacturing Orders (Product conversions, packaging reconfigurations, etc.).

o  Develop, deploy and maintain supplier scorecards to drive performance accountability with our external partners and internal performance on the execution of Distribution Orders and Manufacturing Orders.

• Optimization:

o  Develop standard work and process documentation to ensure repeatability and a standard for which improvements can be made to accelerate our time to market in an efficient and high-quality manner.

o  Lead Supply Chain optimization efforts as requested – such as SKU Rationalization, repair part planning strategy, supplier change management, etc.

o  Identify and implement improvements to the planning process through MRP parameters to enhance operational efficiency and reduce cost.

o  Identify and implement opportunities for ERP application enhancement to improve business efficiency and user experience.

o  Support various Operations improvement projects either in a role as a facilitator or participant.

o  Coach and lead direct reports as assigned.

Education & Experience

•  Degree from a four-year college or university. MBA is a plus.
•  APICS and project management PMP certification a plus.
•  Continuous improvement background and certification a plus.
•  5-7+ years of supply chain planning related planning experience required.
•  2-3+ years of experience directly leading others with a people development perspective.
•  Experience developing, managing, and executing cross functional project plans. 
•  Process and metrics oriented to enable visibility for proactive actions / planning and ability to create ownership and accountability.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and influencing skills required.
•  Experience working with a Stage Gate new product development process is a plus.
•  Experience working with Infor ERP system is a plus.
•  Data acquisition and analysis skills required. 
•  Strong Excel and database skills required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 401k Safe Harbor Plan with 3% Company contribution
• Generous PTO plans
• 10 paid company holidays per a calendar year
• Annual paid volunteer day for non-profit or charity of your choice
• Company provided life insurance, short-term disability and long-term disability coverage.
• Off-site events to encourage team building
• Company performance based bonus plan

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. These include to sit for extended periods of time, regularly stand and walk and have the manual dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and mouse.

Homewerks Worldwide, LLC is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Salary Range: $135k-$160k