New Balance - Purchasing and Planning Support Manager - Maryport

Who We Are:

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

Reporting to the Head of Supply Chain, to support the implementation of a new ERP solution at the Flimby Factory.
To understand and actively support the current process (by providing cover for the Purchasing and Planning Manager as required) whilst obtaining a detailed understanding of the new solution and associated processes.
Strategy for this role to transition to the permanent Purchasing & Planning Manager role at the end of the ERP implementation project.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITES:

ERP Implementation Activities

• To be an active member of the ERP implementation throughout the lifecycle of the project.
• Obtain a detailed understanding of the purchasing and planning functionalities and the associations to areas such as style development, warehousing, factory production and finance.
• Support the development of process documentation for the new systems.
• Support end user testing, corresponding system training and go-live.

Process Support Responsibilities

• Work closely with UK Product Management and Flimby Style Development to confirm future shoe component requirements.
• Liaise with global merchandising teams to confirm forecasted sales volumes and subsequent factory production orders.
• Advise the global New Balance markets when they should place orders to ensure general requirement dates and new style launch dates are met, taking into account production lead times and transit lead times to final destination.
• Obtain monthly sales orders received from the New Balance markets and convert to factory production work orders.
• Manage the Materials Requirements Planning tool to ensure component orders are placed with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery to the warehouse, prior to production requirement. Ensure all stock levels are monitored and held at the agreed levels.
• Deal with inbound global supplier lead times by prepositioning forecasted orders, proportionally purchasing certain components prior to confirmed factory production orders being provided.
• Manage the Master Production Schedule to schedule factory production work orders with the factory teams to meet required dates for global launches and general sale, taking into account team production capacities and product mix.
• To issue weekly plans to the warehouse, leather stores, general stores and factory teams. Present and discuss production plans with the operations team at the weekly planning meetings.
• Work closely with the wider supply chain team responsible for process administration, procurement and purchasing, system set-up and logistics planning.
• Document departmental processes & procedures and ensure that they are regularly reviewed and updated.
• Support the creation of departmental KPI reporting and analyse data for specific requirements when needed. Distribute internal and external reports as required.
• Create and review the RCCP (Rough Cut Capacity Plan) aligning to capacities and product mix to understand ongoing order loading.
• Work closely with management and associates across all Flimby departments (Health & Safety / Warehousing / Operations / Technical / Quality / Continuous Improvement / Style Development / Engineering / Finance / HR / Training).
• Prioritise and respond in an effective manner to issues that may affect factory production teams and communicate effectively with colleagues to minimise disruption to the business as a whole.

• Communicate clearly to inform colleagues of issues in your area, work as a team to identify a solution that minimises impact on production and customers.
• Lead and motivate the Team, providing clear and consistent feedback, coaching and developmental opportunities including timely and meaningful performance appraisals.
• Undertake regular communications with the team to ensure they are equipped with up-to-date information and provide an opportunity for feedback.
• Manage performance and any potential conflict ensuring issues are dealt with promptly and consistently, liaising with HR.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS

• Strong Leadership skills
• Structured Management skills
• Numerate and analytical
• Strong PC skills including Excel, Word, Powerpoint.
• Confident, engaging and assertive.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with an aptitude for analysis.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills with the tenancy to see things through to conclusion.
• Flexible and Adaptable.
• Total customer satisfaction mindset.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work as part of a team or alone.
• Appreciation of other work disciplines e.g., quality, health and safety.
• Commitment to continuous learning and personal growth.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment.  We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.

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