Senior Manager, Supply Chain Systems

Location: Brampton, Ontario

Job Description:

Job Description Summary: 

Reporting into the VP, Supply Chain, the primary importance of the Senior Manager, Supply Chain Systems role is to develop and lead the strategy and management surrounding the implementation and ongoing optimization of the of the Distribution Supply Chain systems (WMOS, AS/RS, TMS, SCI, etc.) across the petvalu network.

This role supports the greater Supply Chain transformation and customer experience as a key participant in the Distribution systematic activities across Pet Valu’s Supply Chain business areas, supporting both national and private branded Hardlines and Specialty products across North America in the Pet Valu family of stores, including Chico.

Successful candidate will be responsible to lead a team of DC System managers and Business Analysts. Indirectly leading 3rd party vendors and cross functional business partners. Building and fostering partnerships across the organization while supporting change and delivering excellence within our Supply chain team(s). This person should have a deep understanding of Supply Chain applications (WMOS, AS/RS, TMS, BI, etc.), proven leader, and highly analytical. With the ability to deconstruct complex opportunities during implementation, hypercare and post go live activities to enable a seamless customer journey. This candidate will need to be an effective communicator across multiple levels of the organization including ELT. This role will involve intricate problem solving, critical thinking, precise decision making, creativity and the ability to process a large amount of information in short periods of time.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Develop and lead the strategy around the implementation and on-going science of our new Distribution systems to enable company growth and profitability.
• Lead and support Supply Chain system managers and Business Analysts throughout the application implementation, system configuration and business technical documentation process.
• Lead and support the delivery of Supply Chain projects ranging from $50k - +$110M
• Serve as a focal point for system migration activities, e.g. User Acceptance Testing and coordination of business partner sign-off.
• Lead the team to implement end-to-end testing for new system functionality and migrations.
• Identify process and system improvement opportunities as they relate to Supply Chain and supporting systems, drive them through to full implementation.
• Lead the creation of functional specifications and documentation for custom extensions or configurations.
• Seek input from participants across the business to understand specific opportunities and desired business outcomes; Implement practices including business process assessment, technical feasibility support, and solutions that meet those requirements and outcomes.
• Analyze existing business processes and identify areas for improvement, building the strategy to support continuous enhancement culture.
• Perform root-cause analysis on systems and process issues and develop solutions to prevent the issues from recurring.
• Responsible for ensuring that new systems, services, and processes, are tested and aligned to business goals, and that findings are documented.
• Lead and support knowledge transfers to end-users for system changes and upgrades.
• Work with business teams to support the development of business cases to optimize supply chain process and systems improvement projects.
• Develop strong relationships and lead / influence leadership and ACEs across all levels within the organization.
• Prepare team members and business stakeholders for change; Lead change management strategy activities and support the business through implementation of new practices using effective communication and frequent updates.

Competencies: 

Leadership

• Ability to develop and implement Supply chain system strategies that align with our business growth plans and deliverables.
• Motivates and inspires the team through purpose, leading by example.
• Ability to effect change through clear communication and partnerships, monitoring, and reporting on progress.
• Takes initiative to ensure that we are in position to succeed with each initiative or task.
• Excellent at establishing clear directions, managing workload with the team while being organized and well planned.
• Maintains great two-way dialogue with cross functional partners to enhance or solve opportunities in the project.  Ability to make sound decisions and escalate any non-routine outcomes to leadership.
• Ability to help the team continue to grow through development and training.

Technical 

• Advanced experience working with and implementing Supply Chain Systems (WMOS, TMS, AS/RS Systems, etc.).
• Strong familiarity with Microsoft 365 suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) with advanced knowledge in Excel including pivot tables, v-lookups, advanced formulas, and macros.
• Familiarity with data mining applications (Tableau, Power BI, IBM Cognos).
• Solid understanding of Microsoft Dynamics (NAV)
• Project Management experience leading Supply Chain and/or system implementations.

Analytical

• Proficient in Supply Chain Distribution best practices, proven experience with optimizing systems to align with Operational goals and customer expectations.
• Demonstrated understanding of supply chain processes and key performance indicators, with strong analytical skills to interpret data, track KPI’s, and make data-driven decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to deconstruct complex opportunities and deliver positive solutions.

Teamwork 

• An effective team player who adds complementary skills and contributes valuable ideas and feedback. 
• Accountable for fulfilling any commitments made to others on the immediate or cross functional teams.
• Ensure the right business leads are informed and involved when required.  
• Leading through influence, build partnerships and work collaboratively with the cross functional business to achieve shared objectives.  
• Willing to “roll up their sleeves” when necessary to support tasks.

Execution with excellence 

• Motivate and lead a team to achieve maximum results.
• Take on new opportunities and challenges with a sense of urgency and enthusiasm. Able to manage multiple priorities.

• Learn innovative methods, tools, and technology and apply them to business requests and tasks.  
• Self-directed and motivated to independently accomplish results.
• Acquire and utilize the necessary information from subject matter experts to deliver excellence.  

Communication 

• Establish and maintain effective, dynamic relationships with management, direct reports, and user groups across the organization.  
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively across cross functional teams, leadership, and third-party providers.  

Experience, Education, Certifications 

• Post-secondary education in business, supply chain or a related field. Relevant work experience will be considered.
• Minimum 7-9 years of progressive experience in Retail / Wholesale with a focus on Supply Chain applications.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Deep understanding of Distribution and Transportation operations considered an asset.
• Experience in leading a team
• Experience using and implementing Manhattan Active, TMS, AutoStore, or any other AS/RS considered an asset.
• Strong time and task management organizational skills.
• Knowledge of SQL or other programing languages is an asset.
• Project Management (PMP designation, etc.) is a key asset.
• Experience in the retail industry is required. Pet Food, Supplies and Accessories experience is ideal.
• Experience collaborating across an organization with Merchandising, Supply Chain, Marketing, Store Operations, Finance, and IT is considered an asset.

Working Conditions 

• Flexible hybrid work schedule allowing for work from home, office, and distribution center. 
• Able to work in both warehouse and office environments.