Process Excellence Manager Materials Management and Supply Chain

Position Summary:

The Process Excellence Manager drives global process standardization optimization and digitalization across Materials Management Production Planning & Scheduling and Purchasing in a multi-site Engineer-to-Order (ETO) and Configure-to-Order (CTO) environment. The role ensures efficient and scalable supply chain execution balancing flexibility with control to support on-time delivery cost efficiency and customer responsiveness.

Responsibilities:

1. Process Design and Optimization

• Map analyze and redesign core business processes across materials management planning and purchasing functions.
• Standardize global processes ensuring alignment with best practices and business objectives.
• Lead process improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma and value stream mapping methodologies.
• Develop and maintain process documentation SOPs and governance frameworks.

2. Materials Management and Planning

• Define and optimize materials planning logic (MRP reorder strategies lead-time settings safety stock parameters).
• Improve master data accuracy and standardization across sites.
• Enhance demand/supply balancing and rescheduling processes to reduce shortages and excess inventory.
• Drive adoption of advanced planning tools and analytics.

3. Production Scheduling Excellence

• Establish standardized scheduling principles and performance metrics (e.g. adherence frozen zones constraint management).
• Partner with plant schedulers to improve visibility and synchronization between order entry engineering release and production execution.
• Support implementation of digital scheduling or finite capacity planning solutions.

4. Purchasing and Supplier Collaboration

• Streamline sourcing and purchase order processes to improve responsiveness and compliance.
• Define and roll out supplier performance metrics and feedback mechanisms.
• Lead initiatives to integrate suppliers into planning visibility (e.g. portal EDI or planning collaboration tools).
• Support global procurement strategy execution and purchasing process automation.

5. Performance Measurement and Reporting

• Develop KPIs to measure process efficiency material availability and schedule adherence.
• Lead regular process reviews and continuous improvement cycles.
• Implement root cause analysis frameworks for chronic planning or purchasing issues.

6. Systems Tools and Data Enablement

• Collaborate with IT/ERP teams to improve planning and procurement system functionality (ERP APS MRP supplier portals).
• Champion digital transformation and data-driven decision-making.
• Ensure consistent global use of tools and templates across all sites.

7. Change Management and Training

• Drive organizational adoption of new processes and tools through structured change management.
• Develop training materials and conduct workshops for global teams (planners buyers schedulers and materials managers).
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational discipline.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management Industrial Engineering Operations or related field (Masters preferred).
• Experience:
  
  
  • 8 years in supply chain production planning or materials management roles.
  • Proven experience in ETO/CTO manufacturing environments.
  • Experience leading global or multi-site process improvement initiatives.
• Skills:
  
  
  • Strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems (SAP Oracle Infor or similar).
  • Proficiency with process improvement tools (Lean Six Sigma Kaizen).
  • Excellent analytical facilitation and project management skills.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management across global teams.
  • Familiarity with advanced planning systems and digital transformation initiatives.