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: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Operations, or related field (Master's 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.