Operational Planner

Are you inspired by “what’s next”? So are we.

When you join the Albemarle team, you contribute to a better tomorrow. You will play a role in powering many of the world’s largest and most critical industries, from energy and communications to transportation and electronics. We are putting innovation to work to improve people’s lives and we want YOU to be a part of it.

**Job Description**:
The Position

The Operational Planner will have a critical role in the development of the growth projects, enabling functions and personnel of the Lithium manufacturing and operations team. This newly created role requires a multi-faceted planner to quickly translate strategic direction into functional plans and discrete actions for the continued development of Albemarle’s Australia enterprise.

This individual will be responsible for developing plans and programs to maximizing the operations team’s efficiency and effectiveness in preparing the team to meet the emerging demands of the region’s operations and production requirements.

Key Responsibilities
- Lead and direct operational planning across Lithium manufacturing operations in the region; work closely with critical internal and external stakeholders to define and prioritize future operational requirements and standards, establish regional cadence and reporting, identify resource constraints, and resolve critical path issues.
- In collaboration with internal and external stakeholders develop, coordinate, and implement comprehensive plans to address short and long-term requirements of sustained regional manufacturing requirements in line with long range planning and annual operating requirements.
- Provide direction and guidance across enterprise to ensure planned activities align with operational plans and objectives as well as the culture and values of Albemarle.
- Support the development, coordination, and planning of all regional growth initiatives and integration of new assets and capabilities into Lithium manufacturing operations. Ensure new assets and capabilities operate as intended upon integration to include coordination of anticipated production volume growth.
- Develop operational initiatives for Energy Storage Manufacturing in the region that supports the evolution of the organization and business requirements in line with GBU strategic and operational plans.
- Develop and communicate strategic narrative; manage executive communications opportunities in close coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
- Serve as a coordination point for additional functional activities impacting Lithium manufacturing in the region to ensure de-confliction of resources and operational effectiveness for corporate and GBU programs which directly impact operations. Strengthen existing and develop new relationships with internal functional partners.
- Other requirements as developed by immediate supervisor

Work Experience / Technical Skill Requirements
- 7-10 years' experience in operations and/or finance/business environment.
- 5+ years’ experience working in/with multinational and global organizations, initiatives; cross-functional, culturally diverse teams.
- Knowledge of SAP or other ERP system; ERP implementation experience is a plus.
- Integration experience advantageous.
- Change management experience with a record of delivering operational results.
- Ability to manage multiple, complex projects and changing priorities; makes sound decisions under pressure and works effectively in a team environment.
- Ability to define and manage his/her own work processes towards specified team objectives; ability to establish policies, processes, and procedures for developing sections.
- Ability to read, comprehend, analyze, and interpret concepts, documents, and data.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Highest standards of ethics and professional integrity.
- Open professional style, blending teamwork and participation with leadership and individual initiatives; a can-do orientation and service mindset; effective team building skills and ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders who often hold competing interests.
- Proven ability to interact with multiple levels of leadership both internally and externally.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to effectively communicate to technical and nontechnical audiences; ability to evaluate content to determine its appropriateness for target audiences.
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, as well as strong skills as a negotiator to reach consensus, buy-in and commitment.
- Data driven, strategic thinker, addresses partner and internal / external customer needs.
- Extensive travel often required; willingness/ability to travel internationally.

Education / Qualification Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical, financial or related discipline.
- MBA is advantageous.