Global Lead of Inventory & Losses

Job Description

The position assumes the crucial accountability of designing and implementing global strategies for inventory management and waste avoidance, with a primary focus on synchronizing the entire supply chain, optimizing cash flow, sustaining service levels, and reducing food loss and waste.

Given the significant variation in operational levels within zones and different supply networks, this role holds the responsibility of harmonizing processes, tools, and routines to establish unified operating models. To achieve this, a comprehensive understanding of all operational functions and their interdependencies is necessary, as this role collaborates with multiple functions within operations, procurement and digital transformation.

Reports into

Global Head of E2E Business Planning

Role Summary

The main objective of this role is to implement and uphold best practices for inventory management, encompassing processes, systems, and policies. Additionally, the role involves analyzing and proposing product and material simplification strategies to streamline the supply chain, enhancing its agility and efficiency. It also involves partnering with the digital transformation team to drive analytics and digital improvements across inventory and waste.

Critical thinking, effective problem-solving capabilities, stakeholder management, and the ability to influence diverse cross-functional teams and their leaders are essential attributes required for this role.

By applying their expertise, this role plays a pivotal role in optimizing R&Ps (raw materials and packaging materials), MRO (maintenance, repair and operation inventory) and FG (finished goods) inventory management. They lead process design, system configuration, & deployment to ensure efficient inventory management practices are in place, ultimately supporting the company's objectives related to cash flow, service levels, and food loss reduction.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the design of inventory management processes and systems for raw materials and finished goods
• Set global vision and strategies for Kraft Heinz's Inventory Management, aligning with overall business objectives
• Implement the inventory management roadmap, inline with other functional plans & priorities
• Implement improvements to inventory management processes, KPIs, and routines
• Support material harmonization and portfolio optimization strategies to simplify the network and improve interchangeability among manufacturing sites
• Lead and coordinate the AOP cycle globally with clear building blocks for every region/market to deliver against the glidepath
• Develop a comprehensive roadmap for inventory management, focusing on efficiency and minimizing losses
• Design, implement, and govern process improvements to reduce food losses and adhere to best practices
• Manage annual target setting process for inventory management KPIs and drive continuous improvement
• Lead projects, engage multiple business units and markets, and coordinate a multifunctional team
• Maintain deep understanding of inventory management processes and translate requirements into system capabilities
• Optimize MRO processes and address items with long periods of no consumption
• Talent development for inventory management and food losses

Regular Interaction

Internal:

• Global Logistics Heads and Peers
• Global Manufacturing and Supply Chain Finance teams
• GBS and GCC teams
• Head of Logistics & S&OP of the BUs
• Inventory Management Community of Practices
• Procurement teams
• Finance teams
• Plant leads

External:

• Other companies to benchmark, exchanging good practices and building a network
• Suppliers of technology and S&OP / Demand Planning solutions
• Consulting firms, in case of projects
• Gartner
• Food bank and donation companies

Required Competency (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)

Knowledge

• Solid experience in inventory management and stock policy definition, preferably in complex networks
• Strong understanding of supply chain operations, planning activities and interdependencies across functions
• Demonstrated expertise in optimizing cash flow, sustaining service levels, and reducing food losses
• Familiarity with inventory management tools and technologies, with the ability to translate process requirements into capabilities
• Experience in cross-functional project management, collaborating with teams from Manufacturing, Procurement, NPD (New Product Development), Logistics, and other relevant functions.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong analytical skills for data analysis and informed decision-making in inventory management
• Effective communication skills to convey strategies and recommendations to stakeholders
• Proactive mentality, staying updated on industry best practices and emerging trends
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities within deadlines
• Experience in complex international settings
• Strong relationships with internal and external customers
• FMCG industry experience is a plus

What we offer you:

• An ambitious employer; we only want the best for you.
• A fast career track like only few other companies can match.
• A competitive salary and excellent bonus structure (above market); at KraftHeinz we strongly believe and live by ownership and meritocracy.
• Additional benefits such as Commuting Allowance, Hybrid Work Allowance & Reimbursements, Bicycle & Gym Discount Plan, Employee Assistance Program and Supplemental Health Insurance.
• A wide range of discounts with KraftHeinz’s partnerships on fashion, electronics, travels and many more!
• Last and not least; there are always room for new insights: If you have an idea, please let us know, and we can set it in action!

Location(s)

Amsterdam

 

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes.