Overview
The Sr. Manager, Global Supply Planning is a senior leader within the Global Operations Planning Team, responsible for overseeing the Global Purchasing and Materials Planning Organization. This role partners cross-functionally with Sourcing, Production, Finance, and Trade/Compliance to enable a strategic vision for lean planning and purchasing, ensuring optimal inventory levels and load balancing across global warehouses. The position is critical to reducing operating costs, improving lead times, and delivering exceptional customer satisfaction for the Global Clear Aligner business unit.
Location: EMEA-Switzerland-HQ. The position is based fully onsite, 5 days per week in Rotkreuz.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead global supply planning and S&OP processes, aligning inventory strategies with business objectives.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize inventory, reduce costs, and enhance lead times.
* Oversee direct material buyers and planners across Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions (approx. 10 direct reports).
* Partner with Sourcing, Production, Engineering, Finance, and Compliance to develop and execute material planning and purchasing strategies.
* Facilitate monthly business reviews and team planning sessions with internal and external stakeholders.
* Champion the migration from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA, ensuring process leads and super users are developed and supported.
* Leverage ERP and analytics tools to maximize operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making.
* Ensure adherence to SOX controls and global regulatory requirements, especially for medical device manufacturing and supply chain operations.
* Monitor and report on Planning and Purchasing KPIs, ensuring audit readiness and risk mitigation.
* Support New Product Introduction (NPI) teams through all phases of product launch and ramp-up.
* Lead change management efforts to foster a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability.
* Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering professional growth and succession planning.
Qualifications & Experience
* Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Accounting, or related field; MBA preferred.
* 10+ years of experience in purchasing and planning within supply chain or production operations.
* Demonstrated leadership in global team management and cross-functional collaboration.
* Advanced proficiency in SAP APO and SAP S/4HANA; experience with Procure-to-Pay process ownership.
* Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
* APICS/CPIM or CSCP certification is a plus.
* Familiarity with global regulatory and compliance requirements for medical device manufacturing.
Skills & Competencies
* Strategic planning, S&OP, and demand forecasting.
* Digital transformation and process automation.
* Project management and change leadership.
* Negotiation and vendor management.
* Fluency in English; ability to communicate complex issues clearly.
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a global environment.
Impact & Outcomes
* Achieve measurable improvements in inventory turns, operating cost reduction, lead time, and customer satisfaction.
* Ensure successful SAP S/4HANA migration and adoption.
* Maintain compliance and audit readiness across all regions.
Policies
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Equal Opportunity Statement: Align Technology is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all our practices, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected category. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the country for which they are applying, and employment eligibility will be verified as a condition of hire.
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