Associate Director, SID & Supply Chain Management

About Us

At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all.

Overview

Exercise strict oversight of PSI planning and Logistics operations for SID business. Lead initiatives to improve business processes in collaboration with stakeholders, including factory teams. (80%)Develop and execute a mid- to long-term transformation plan for the entire AHN SCM in collaboration with senior leadership. The plan is structured around three key pillars: organizational restructuring and talent development, business process optimization, and IT system implementation. (20%)

Qualifications

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:• Bachelor’s degree or higher required. Preferably with ASCM CPIM or CSCP certification, or a master’s degree in supply chain management or industrial engineering.• Bringing over 12 years of experience in manufacturing, preferably within the consumer goods industry.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:• Demonstrates resilience by overcoming challenges without relying on budgetary or environmental constraints as justification.• Effectively facilitates coordination between factory teams and the Itasca headquarters, fostering collaboration even amid differing viewpoints.• Proactively addresses conflicts by stepping in and leading resolution efforts with a focus on unity and progress• Competency• Making every possible effort despite limited budget and personnel.• Leadership• Shaping a future vision in alignment with management and factory direction, sharing it across the organization, and sustaining high motivation.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

WORKING CONDITIONS:Based in Itasca, with the ability to travel several times a month to factories, outsourced production sites, and logistics hubs. (Up to a maximum of 30% travel)

Responsibilities

• Primary Responsibilities:• Monitor the monthly PSI by SKU for the SID business, result and the 12-month forward plan, to maintain a healthy operational state.• While striving to reduce inventory and minimize disposal losses, optimal supply and demand planning is maintained with consideration for factory utilization and fixed asset efficiency.• Leading the technical improvements in SCM through advanced demand forecasting, revision of safety stock standards, and optimization of the logistics network.• Acting as the primary liaison for contracts with logistics providers and outsourced manufacturers, maintaining strong relationships with partner companies, and driving cost optimization.• Assessing mid- to long-term factory operating rates, discussing the need for appropriate CAPEX plans with production sites based on business plans, and proposing recommendations to senior management.• KPIs• Customer Service Metrics• Service level (stockout rate)• Inventory Metrics• Days Inventory Outstanding (DIO)• Days/Weeks Cover (Ending Stock vs Sales Forecast)• Cost Metrics• Logistics cost ratio to sales (including transportation and storage costs)• Fixed Asset Metrics• Unit F cost• Factory operating rate by production line

Salary Range

EEO Statement

Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by state, federal, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.