A growing global manufacturer of both beverage and food products is currently seeking an experienced Supply Chain Manager to be based in Northern, IL. This is a highly visible position and will oversee the Beverage, Brands and Flavors Demand/Supply Planning, Forecasting, Inventory levels, Distribution and related new product commercialization and customer service support. 

Responsibilities 

• Execute product forecasts, lead forecast and inventory planning initiatives
• Recommend forecast adjustments and inventory targets based on market demand changes and trends.
• Prepare report and communicate forecast and inventory measurements to management (forecast accuracy, inventory performance and service levels).
• Develop and monitor Distribution Requirements Plans, initiate priorities based on customer needs and production availability.
• Manage inventory targets (turns, aged, safety stock, distribution)
• Work closely with Sales, Marketing and Customer Service to identify proactive inventory adjustments in support of both sales and operational targets.
• Monitor SKU levels and recommend SKU rationalization initiatives
• Evolve and maintain documentation and operating procedures for demand/ supply planning process and related systems.
• Actively participate with Contract Manufacturing, Finance, Sales/Marketing, R&D and Project Managers towards new product development and launch.
• Proactively facilitate and recommended re-engineering, best practices & consensus between functional areas (Supply Chain, Sales/Marketing, Operations, Finance and IT).
• Work closely with Plant Operations and Material Managers towards the accurate and timely manufacture and distribution of products.
   

Requirements 

·         BA/BS in Materials Management, Business Administration, or other appropriate field

·         - Extensive background (5+years) in Materials Management with hands-on experience in:
- Master Scheduling
- Demand Planning
- Supply Chain Management

·         Must be analytical with the ability to execute

·         Experience in quality or operations in a manufacturing environment is preferred

·         APICS certified preferred or willingness to get certified

·         Excellent systems knowledge with Microsoft Excel, Access, MAPICS, SAP
and other ERP/DRP/MRP functionality.

·          Excellent Analytical Abilities (Extensive spreadsheet analysis experience)

·          Strong knowledge of Demand Planning & Forecasting (Demand Solutions)

·          Strong financial and inventory systems knowledge.

·          Detail oriented and extremely accurate and self motivated.

·         Strong and EFFECTIVE communication and documentation skills.

·         Willing to travel occasionally

·         Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork mentality