Senior Production Planning and Logistics Manager

We invite applications for a Senior Production Planning and Logistics Manager in the GCC region. Our client is a Leading Global “Blue Chip” Dairy Manufacturer and offers a generous remuneration package.

Main purpose of the position:
The Senior Production Planning and Logistics Manager holds a pivotal role in driving the strategic direction and operational excellence of the MENA planning, S&OP, and customer logistics operations for dairy manufacturing facilities within the MENA Production & International supply chain. This position ensures the alignment of production capacity, raw material utilization, and day-to-day operations with the company’s strategic objectives. It also involves the development and implementation of advanced planning tools and global IT systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in Customer Logistics, Planning, and S&OP.

Main tasks of the position (In terms of process & People):

• Ensure compliance with company standards, policies, applicable laws, and Health & Safety procedures.
• Lead, coach, and develop the team and organization based on Good Growth DNA, Good Values & Good Leadership.
• Develop and anchor a culture of lean, safety, quality, food safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement, while fostering the ONEARLA mindset.
• Align with corporate finance to manage CAPEX projects and Continuous Improvement programs (CI).
• Lead employee relations within the function to cultivate a high-performance culture.
• Set strategic goals and implement functional business plans that align with the long-term Foods & MENA functional strategy, including digital transformation and sustainability initiatives.
• Drive performance and continuous improvement within Customer Logistics and Planning.
• Integrate S&OP decisions into short-term planning and ensure their effective execution.
• Optimize planning, Customer Logistics, and S&OP with a focus on long-term operational excellence.
• Collaborate with MENA commercial functions to maintain market Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Work with MENA Operational, Procurement, and other supporting functions to uphold supply chain service levels and efficiency.
• Manage stock levels of finished goods, ingredients, and packaging materials to minimize working capital requirements.
• Maintain continuous communication and coordination with stakeholders regarding sales, demand, marketing, production, supply chain, and inventory control.
• Implement procedures to ensure planning quality.

Who are the key stakeholders?
The Senior Production Planning and Logistics Manager will report to the Head of MENA Supply

Chain and collaborate closely with production teams, procurement teams, sales and marketing teams, finance teams, and external suppliers.Specific focus areas:

• Strategic utilization of production capacity
• Efficient use of raw materials
• Effective day-to-day operations
• Timely deliveries
• Development of advanced procedures and planning tools

Key success/performance measures:

• SBVDRG (Specific Business Value Delivery, Revenue, Growth) metrics
• EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes)
• DSO (Days Sales Outstanding)
• Market Share
• Category growth

Departmental Structure:

The Senior Production Planning and Logistics Manager will report to the Head of MENA Supply Chain and have decision-making authority within the Customer Logistics, Planning & S&OP department.

Financial/Non-financial:
Responsible for working within the financial framework set by corporate finance, managing CAPEX projects, and driving non-financial initiatives such as lean, safety, quality, food safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

Leadership:
The Senior Production Planning and Logistics Manager will provide strategic leadership, coaching, and development to their team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a similar role within the Dairy & FMCG industry is preferred.
• Strong strategic leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent understanding of customer logistics and planning processes.
• Financial acumen and ability to work within a financial framework.
• Strong communication and coordination skills.
• Knowledge of lean, safety, quality, food safety, and sustainability practices.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Familiarity with SAP or other relevant planning systems is advantageous.