ANZ Head of Planning

Work Schedule

Environmental Conditions

Job Description

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, each one of our 120,000 extraordinary minds has a unique story to tell. Join us and contribute to our singular mission—enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer.

When you’re part of the team at Thermo Fisher Scientific, you’ll do important work. Surrounded by collaborative colleagues, you’ll have the support and opportunities that only a global leader can give you. Our respected, growing organization has an exceptional strategy for the near term and beyond. Take your place on our strong team and help us make significant contributions to the world.

Job Title: ANZ Head of Planning

Reports to: Director Operations, ANZ

Position Location: Scoresby, Victoria, Australia

Team Size : 14-16

Position Summary:

The Head of Planning plays a pivotal role in optimizing a Thermo Fisher Scientific ANZ supply chain process, ensuring seamless coordination from demand forecasting to inventory management and distribution. This senior-level position is responsible for developing strategic plans that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service levels. Strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills are vital, as the Head of Planning must navigate complex challenges and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Working across the ANZ commercial business, you will partner with each of the Commercial Divisions, Service, Finance, IT and HR to build and deploy the Supply Chain Strategy to ensure we meet customer experience, revenue, inventory and efficiency targets; whilst also driving continuous improvement using our PPI management system!

Key Responsibilities:

• Own the SIOP framework across all pillars – demand, supply, product, reconciliation, and business review
• Align Long-Term Planning with business STRAP & AOP goals and operational capability
• Lead short term (S&OE) and long-term planning (SIOP) across demand, supply, finance, integrated reconciliation and management reviews
• Present planning scenarios and recommendations to executive team members to drive informed decisions
• Champion continuous improvement and operational excellence in planning systems, processes, and culture
• Act as a central liaison across Sales, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Procurement, and HR to ensure unified planning outcomes
• Develop and implement comprehensive supply chain planning strategies
• Lead inventory management to maintain optimal levels
• Ensure alignment of supply chain plans with business objectives
• Develop and analyse demand forecasts and adjust supply strategies accordingly
• Supervise and report on supply chain critical metrics
• Lead, mentor, and develop the supply chain planning team
• Coordinate with suppliers for timely material delivery
• Apply sophisticated planning software for production scheduling
• Develop and implement contingency plans for supply chain disruptions
• Conduct regular collaborator meetings on supply chain performance
• Stay updated on industry trends and supply chain advancements
• Evaluate and negotiate supplier and service provider contracts in collaboration with Procurement
• Drive initiatives for continuous improvement in supply chain planning
• Ensure compliance with supply chain regulations and standards
• As an extraordinary fit to our business your core values will also be ours - we call ours the 4i Values - Integrity, Intensity, Innovation and Involvement.

Strategic Planning:

Develop and implement supply chain strategies that align with overall business objectives, focusing on areas like demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and logistics management.

SIOP Process

Leading the implementation and maturity of the entire SIOP cycle, including pre-SIOP and monthly SIOP meetings.

Demand Planning:

Lead the demand planning process, applying forecasting techniques and collaborating with sales and marketing teams to ensure accurate demand projections.

Inventory Management:

Optimize inventory levels across the supply chain to minimize costs, reduce waste, and ensure product availability to meet customer demand.

Supplier Relationship Management:

Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and ensuring timely and reliable supply of materials.

Performance Management:

Develop and track key performance indicators (critical metrics) to monitor supply chain performance, identify areas for improvement, and drive continuous optimization.

Team Leadership:

Lead and mentor a team of supply chain professionals, fostering a collaborative and hard-working work environment.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

Collaborate with other departments, such as sales, marketing, and operations, to ensure alignment and flawless integration of supply chain activities.

Cost Optimization:

Find opportunities to decrease supply chain costs through process improvements, negotiating with suppliers, and optimizing inventory.

Risk Management:

Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to address potential disruptions in the supply chain, such as natural disasters or supplier issues.

Frequent Contacts:

Internal

• ANZ Senior Leadership
• Operations – Customer Care, Logistics, Master-data, QARA, Manufacturing, Procurement
• Commercial - Product Managers, Product Specialists, Service Operations & Engineers
• Finance, HR, IT

External

• Global and regional Manufacturing & Planning Leaders
• Freight forwarders, Offshore BPO Planning team
• Customers

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Industrial Engineering, Science preferred
• 10+ years of relevant professional experience leading Planning & SIOP, ideally including in a sales/distribution business model
• Experience operating at a senior management level and being a member of a leadership group
• Demonstrated track record in shifting business performance from a low to a high sustainable performance, in tough circumstances
• Strong PPI, Lean and or Six Sigma working experience with demonstrated achievement of continuous improvement through utilization of Lean tools
• Experience in leading teams of managers and individual contributors, with a track record of attracting and developing talent, developing bench strengths and leading a complex, diverse and dispersed workforce
• Experience handling Third Party Suppliers and Global Manufacturing partners
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to influence optimally at all levels of the organization
• Strong project management skills with the ability to develop strong support for change
• Strong analytical, data management and organizational skills. Significant experience of value stream management, data collection and analysis in ERP systems.
• Demonstrate Thermo Fisher Scientific values - Integrity, Intensity, Innovation and Involvement. Demonstrates visible role model leadership characteristics.
• Experience of working in a global and matrix organization with a decentralized model
• Experience in complex ERP Implementation and/or upgrades strongly preferred

Skills & Attributes

• Strong leadership skills to inspire and empower teams, provide clear direction, and deliver results.
• Critical thinking and ability to develop and implement long-term plans aligned with business strategy.
• Proficiency in operational excellence to implement & optimize S&OP process.
• Excellent communication and social skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Knowledge of supply chain management principles and practices, including procurement, logistics and customer service.
• Adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, adopt new technologies, and navigate through challenges effectively
• In-depth knowledge and experience in PPI methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, and Kaizen
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply PPI tools and methodologies to drive sustainable improvements
• Excellent project management skills, including the ability to prioritize and lead multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and inspire teams to adopt PPI principles and motivate change
• Ability to successfully collaborate and establish relationships at all levels of the organization
• Continuous learning mentality, staying updated on leading PPI practices and industry trends
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills, with proficiency in using data management tools and ERP systems
• Ability to work in a global and matrixed organization, navigating through decentralized structures

Other Job Requirements:

• Implement OHS policies and procedures and ensure a safe and healthy workplace environment.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

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