SIOP leader

Job Overview

Develops and monitors the organization's supply chain strategy and collaborates with vendors and suppliers to ensure all operations meet quality and safety standards.

Job Requirements

• I. Core Must-Have Requirements
  
  1. Education & Formal Knowledge
  
  · Bachelor's Degree: Required, typically in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
  · Advanced Knowledge of SIOP/IBP: They must articulate the end-to-end process, strength on "Supply Planning" ,Look for understanding of:
   · The monthly cycle: Data Gathering, Demand Planning, Supply Planning, Pre-Meeting, Executive Meeting.
   · Key inputs and outputs for each step.
   · The difference between unconstrained demand and constrained supply plans.
   · How financial integration elevates S&OP to Integrated Business Planning (IBP).
  
  2. Proven Experience
  
  · 5+ Years in a Directly Related Role: This includes experience in Demand Planning, Supply Planning, Operations Management, or a previous S&OP/IBP facilitation role.
  · Hands-On Experience with SIOP Technology: Proficiency with advanced planning systems is critical. Look for:
   · ERP Systems and Best-of-Breed Planning Tools:   
   · Advanced Excel & Data Analysis: Mastery of Excel (PivotTables, Power Query, complex formulas) is still a universal requirement. Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or SQL is a significant plus.
  
  3. Critical Hard Skills
  
  · Demand Planning & Forecasting: Ability to develop, analyze, and challenge statistical forecasts. Understands forecast error metrics (MAPE, Bias).
  · Supply & Capacity Planning: Understands how to translate a demand plan into a feasible supply plan, considering inventory targets, production capacities, and procurement lead times.
  · Financial Acumen: Must be able to translate operational plans (units, kgs, hours) into financial terms ($, €, £). Understands P&L drivers, revenue, margins, and cash flow implications.
  · Inventory Management: Strong grasp of inventory strategies, safety stock principles, and working capital trade-offs.
  · Data Analysis & Synthesis: Can take large volumes of disparate data and turn it into actionable business intelligence and clear executive summaries.
  
  
  
  II. Differentiating Competencies & Soft Skills
  
  1. Leadership & Influence (The Most Important Skill)
  
  · Influence Without Authority: The role requires aligning VPs and Directors from different functions who do not report to them. They must be persuasive, build consensus, and navigate corporate politics.
  · Change Management: They are selling a process and a cultural shift. Experience with formal change management methodologies (e.g., Prosci ADKAR) is a huge advantage.
  · Executive Presence & Communication: Can confidently lead meetings with senior leadership. Can distill complex, conflicting scenarios into clear options, risks, and recommendations.
  
  2. Facilitation & Collaboration
  
  · Master Facilitator: Can design and run effective meetings that drive decisions, not just share information. Can manage conflict and keep discussions focused.
  · Cross-Functional Collaboration: Naturally breaks down silos. Has empathy for the goals and pressures of other departments (e.g., understands why Sales might over-forecast and why Supply Chain might be risk-averse).
  
  3. Strategic Thinking & Problem-Solving
  
  · Sees the Big Picture: Connects operational details to overall business strategy and financial goals.
  · Scenario Planning Expertise: Doesn't just present a problem; presents multiple validated scenarios with a clear recommendation on the best path forward.
  · Decisive Under Uncertainty: Comfortable making data-informed recommendations even with imperfect information.
  
  

What your background should look like

Generally requires Bachelors degree in appropriate field with 12 or more years of experience; or Masters degree with 10 or more years of experience; or PhD level with 6 or more years of experience; or local equivalent

Competencies