Senior Supply Chain Optimization Specialist

Job Title

We are seeking a detail-oriented Supply Chain Specialist to support our client, a well-established bakery known for its high-quality, artisanal products.

In this role, you will play a crucial part in ensuring seamless operations by optimizing inventory, reducing waste, and enhancing supply chain efficiency—all critical to maintaining the freshness and consistency of baked goods.

Key Responsibilities

• Data Analysis & Process Optimization — Gather, analyze, and interpret large datasets related to procurement, production schedules, and distribution to uncover inefficiencies in the supply chain.
• Data Analysis & Process Optimization — Develop data-driven recommendations to enhance operational performance, reduce costs, and improve workflow efficiencies, ensuring timely delivery of fresh bakery products.
• Data Analysis & Process Optimization — Utilize advanced analytics tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, ERP systems) to model scenarios, forecast demand, and optimize inventory replenishment cycles.
• Data Analysis & Process Optimization — Collaborate with production and logistics teams to align data insights with real-world operational needs, ensuring minimal waste and maximum freshness.

Inventory Management & Reporting

• Conduct comprehensive inventory audits to monitor stock levels of raw materials, packaging supplies, and finished goods, ensuring alignment with production demands.
• Generate detailed reports on stock movements, shelf-life tracking (critical for perishable bakery items), and supplier lead times to prevent shortages or overstocking.
• Identify discrepancies in inventory records and implement corrective measures to maintain accuracy in a fast-moving, high-turnover environment.
• Work closely with procurement teams to optimize order quantities, reducing spoilage while maintaining sufficient stock for daily bakery operations.

Process Improvement & Innovation

• Evaluate current supply chain workflows, from ingredient sourcing to product distribution, and propose strategic revisions to enhance efficiency.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to redesign processes, such as implementing Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory practices for high-demand bakery items.
• Recommend innovative solutions, such as automated tracking systems or vendor-managed inventory programs, to streamline operations and reduce manual errors.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by analyzing KPIs (e.g., order fulfillment times, waste reduction) and benchmarking against industry best practices.

Risk Assessment & Mitigation

• Identify potential risks in the supply chain, such as supplier delays, ingredient shortages, or transportation disruptions, and develop proactive mitigation strategies.
• Create contingency plans for critical scenarios (e.g., seasonal demand spikes, supplier failures) to ensure uninterrupted production of bakery goods.
• Monitor external factors (e.g., market trends, weather impacts on agriculture) that could affect ingredient availability or costs, providing early warnings to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to address risks related to food safety and compliance, ensuring all supply chain practices meet regulatory standards.

Implementation Support

• Partner with operations, procurement, and logistics teams to execute approved process improvements, ensuring smooth adoption across departments.
• Provide training and documentation to staff on new systems or workflows, fostering alignment and minimizing disruption during transitions.
• Track the impact of implemented changes, measuring success through metrics like cost savings, reduced waste, or improved delivery times.
• Act as a liaison between teams to address challenges during rollout, ensuring solutions are scalable and sustainable for long-term growth.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree or relevant qualification in related field.
• Ability to translate complex data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with internal teams.
• Knowledge of supply chain risk management and process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) is a plus.

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