Operations Manager

Operations Manager - NZ

**Job Description**:
People have looked to Kimberly-Clark brands for more than 150 years and today we're proud to help over a billion people around the world cope, laugh, love and live every day. From the best nappies and baby wipes to the softest tissues, to the best supplies for business, we are constantly searching for new ways to make life better for our consumers, our customers and our planet.

Our leading consumer brands like the Kleenex, Huggies, VIVA, U by Kotex, Poise, Depend brands improve the lives of people around the world.
- Kimberly-Clark proudly leads the way in providing better care for a better world._

Led by Purpose. Driven by You.

Purpose of position

Manage and continuously improve the physical supply and receipt of Consumer and Professional finished product into New Zealand and delivery to customers by co-ordinating the logistics and operational activities and providing supply chain expertise. Manage the performance of the third-party logistics and freight providers to support the New Zealand supply chain whilst ensuring the right product is delivered at the right place in the right time and in the right quantity.

This positions reports to the General Manager - NZ and will make an important contribution to the NZ Supply Chain team as well as the broader ANZ Supply Chain function.

Key Responsibilities- Adjust and implement annual supply chain plans in line with K-C ANZ Supply Chain strategy- This role will execute the defined operational strategy Dark Warehouse with our 3PL

Cost- Ensure initiatives are in place to deliver YOY cost improvements- Manage the OPEX of the operation to ensure activities are completed and Warehouse and distribution expenses are within budget and any outliers are justified- Annual planning of ongoing opportunities for waste reduction- Manage and approve any additional / outside of agreed costs with 3PL based on genuine increase of volume or variations- Approve & sign off invoicesin a timely manner each week & month to ensure costs are correctly reflected each month

Budget- Develop budgets and forecasts that are accurate and provides the business with a transparent consistent view of cost performance- Support the resolution and processing of claims and credits

Service- Plan, direct and control the customer ordering, warehousing and distribution of products to Consumer and Professional customers to ensure service metrics are delivered consistently - CFR, OTIF Inbound, Warehouse, Freight and Transport- Effective day to day and strategic management of 3PL warehousing and transport suppliers - ensuring customer requirements, K-C standards and SOPs are met- Effective management of import operations suppliers- Review, implement and govern weekly and monthly supplier performance KPI’s- Day to day issue resolution (eg, Warehousing, customer orders) and communication between Kimberly-Clark and key stakeholders- Manage Inventory reconciliations, adjustments and damages with 3PL warehouses- Conduct stock takes of 3PL warehouses annually (also prior to any change of warehouse) in Auckland and Christchurch, with support from KCNZ team member- Conduct regular reviews with the 3PL to ensure a collaborative effort and good working relationship. Have reviews scheduled in calendars well ahead of time and agendas and minutes issued at each meeting- Semi-regularly visit and work from the sites where required to understand the implications both company’s process have on the other and ensure operational processes are relevant.- Manage the physical inbound flow of KCNZ’s imported products - ensuring the product is made available (devanned and receipted) in a timely manner to meet demand- Work collaboratively with the NZ Supply and Demand Planners on inventory levels, forecasting, inventory priorities, supply constraints, demand plans and transitions- Work with the NZ Supply Planner and Demand Planners to optimise forecasting and inventory to meet DIO (CCC) objectives.- Act as the key contact for all suppliers and Agents for logistics related matters such as shipping guidelines, supplier conformance and quality assurance standards

Continuous Improvement- Identify, project manage and implement continuous improvement initiatives- Work with the Supply Chain Team to implement initiatives- Work with Customers and 3PL to seek continuous improvement in service standards- Attend monthly S&OP meetings (as required)

Qualifications, skills & experience- 7+ years operational experience in warehouse and transportation management- Tertiary qualification in Supply Chain or a related business discipline. FMCG experience is highly regarded- Qualified in operations management, supply chain or a related field- Experience with warehouse and distribution environments- An understanding of the fulfilment process including customer service- Customer centricapproach with sound decision making skills- Excellent communication skills with a collaborative approach to problem