Supply Chain Planning Manager

Job Title: Central Master Planning ManagerDepartment Central PlanningLocationHQ Office - RiyadhRole Purpose:Develop and refine the overall commercial and operations master plan, ensuring accurate forecasting, efficient utilization of resources, effective coordination between departments, and continuous improvement in planning processes.

This role involves establishing forecasting methodologies, collaborating with data analytics teams, optimizing storage and transportation capacities, coordinating with sales and logistics teams, and implementing contingency plans to address potential disruptions.KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & ACTIVITIES:Forecasting and Demand-Supply PlanningDevelop and refine the overall commercial and operations master plan, considering factors such as procurement, storage, transportation, and delivery to end-clients. This involves analyzing historical data, market trends, and customer demand patterns.Establish robust forecasting methodologies by leveraging statistical models, machine learning algorithms, and industry insights to accurately predict grain supply, demand, and pricing, incorporating factors like seasonality, weather patterns, and economic indicators.Analyze and review forecast accuracy metrics to identify trends and patterns and use this analysis to make data-driven adjustments to the forecasting models and improve accuracy over time.Collaborate with data analytics teams to enhance forecasting models based on historical data and market dynamics and leverage advanced analytics techniques to identify correlations, seasonal variations, and other factors influencing grain supply and demand.Work closely with Cluster Directors, Operations Planning, and Operations Excellence and Support and other Commercial departments to gather on-the-ground input that will help shape and refine the central planning forecasts.Share forecasted demand and supply information with relevant stakeholders to facilitate optimal procurement decisions and provide insights on market conditions, pricing trends, and potential supply chain risks.Develop contingency plans to address potential disruptions in grains supply chain.Resource Utilization and Capacity PlanningEvaluate the utilization of storage, unloading, and transportation capacities. Conduct capacity assessments to identify bottlenecks, underutilized resources, and areas for improvement.Work closely with the Sales team to provide advance guidance on available storage capacity to end-clients and collaborate with them to understand customer requirements, contract terms, and expected volumes to effectively allocate storage resources.Coordinate with Operations Planning and Excellence teams to ensure the efficient use of transportation resources, optimize routing, load consolidation, and scheduling to maximize transportation capacity utilization while minimizing costs and delivery times.Collaborate with the Grain Procurement unit to ensure synchronization between overall master planning and procurement execution and align procurement needs with storage and transportation capacities to avoid imbalances or shortages in the supply chain.Stakeholder Management Collaborate with the Sales team to align client requirements with the capabilities of the grain supply chain. Regularly communicate with them to understand client preferences, delivery schedules, and any specific handling requirements.Liaise with various departments, including Operations, Sales, and Finance, to ensure a seamless flow of information and coordination in the supply chain.Facilitate cross-functional meetings, share relevant updates, and address any interdepartmental challenges or dependencies.Collaborate with Clusters to gather local insights and market intelligence for more precise planning. Leverage their knowledge of regional factors such as crop cycles, transportation infrastructure, and regulatory requirements to refine the master plan and optimize operations.Communicate major planning decisions/changes effectively with Operations teams and external stakeholders, such as transportation companies. Provide clear instructions, guidelines, and timelines to ensure smooth implementation of the master plan and minimize disruptions.Performance Monitoring and Continuous ImprovementEstablish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and evaluate the performance of forecasted planning. Examples include forecast accuracy, capacity utilization rates, on-time deliveries, and cost efficiency metrics.Regularly review performance metrics and initiate process improvements to enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness. Identify areas of improvement, such as forecasting models, operational procedures, or collaboration processes, and implement corrective actions.Provide regular updates to executive leadership on the master planning, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and opportunities. Present performance reports, insights, and recommendations to support strategic decision-making and resource allocation.Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the Central Master Planning unit, encouraging innovation and efficiency in planning processes. Encourage team members to contribute ideas, share best practices, and participate in training programs to enhance their skills and knowledge.Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends to incorporate relevant improvements into the planning function.Qualifications/Requirements RequiredKnowledge and ExperienceMinimum of 8 years of experience in supply chain planning, including demand forecasting, and minimum of 3 years of experience as a senior manager.Experience in the same industry is highly preferred.Fluent in EnglishEducationBachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Operations Research, Business Administration, or a related field.