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Director of
Product Planning & Logistics
Aftermarket
Technology Corporation
Downers Grove, Illinois
Sectors: Automotive
Status: Research Completed
(View
PDF Profile)
Company
Overview
The company is located in the South Central States and is
recognized as a leading supplier of engines components in North
America. The company currently employs approx. 900 people. Their
manufactured products include, cylinder heads, connecting rods,
transaxles/transmissions and torque converters.
Over the last few years the company has implemented lean
manufacturing and continuous improvement principles throughout
its organization. The results have been very encouraging and
profits and overall shareholder value has been increased.
The Division
The division of the company to employ this individual markets
and distributes to the independent aftermarket under a brand
name. The division is located in the South Central States and
currently employs approx. 140 people in a non-union environment.
Sales in 2001 for the division totaled approx. $120 Million
Dollars and the division is profitable. The division markets its
products primarily through two avenues - warehouse distributors
and through strategic alliances with national organizations and
associations. In addition, approximately 10% of revenue is
generated through direct sales to OE’s.
The Position
The position is located in the South Central States and will
report directly to the Vice President of Aftermarket Operations.
The hiring authority has been with the company since November of
2001. Before joining the company he spent several years with
several Fortune 500 companies within the transportation sector.
He is currently reinvigorating the commitment to the new
business model adopted by the parent company and is vigorously
pursuing one of the most concrete opportunities facing the
company today, the independent aftermarket for automotive
transmissions. The hiring authority reports directly to the
President of the company.
The Director of Product Planning & Logistics position is
described as an executive level management position within the
organization. The position has 4 direct reports, which consists
of a Finished Goods Planning & Forecasting individual, a
Shipping Manager and 2 Warehouse Managers. In addition, this
position will oversee the relationship with 2 suppliers. Overall
the Director of Product Planning & Logistics will be tasked with
successfully transitioning the product distribution function to
a 3PL model within an organization that has historically relied
upon internally owned facilities and managed staff.
Position Responsibilities
This position will be accountable for the development,
implementation and execution of the following:
1. Define forecasting methodology and establish inventory
targets for each distribution point. (depth & breadth of
deployed inventory, replenishment cycle requirements, etc)
2. Compile a tactical forecast based upon historical buying
trends and sales initiatives within the various
distribution/sales regions of the country.
3. Managing the forecast into demand planning, assuring that
proper quantities (engines and transmissions) are being planned
against forecasted requirements.
4. Lead & Chair Sales, Inventory and Operations Planning
Sessions (SIOP) with manufacturing facilities (incoming demand,
order fill rate, optimizing transport and logistics costs, etc.)
5. Coordinate with the Manufacturing Operations Staff to define
the Master Production Schedule (MPS) to drive shop floor
production plans and/or purchased finished product ensuring
product line and customer demand objectives are met.
6. Coordinate 3rd party purchases of engine/transmission cores.
7. Perform frequent reviews of forecast accuracy and delivery
performance.
8. Cost analysis of overall logistics function (inventory
investment, freight cost, 3PL and company warehouses) to
determine optimum stocking/delivery methods resulting in reduced
costs and exceptional customer satisfaction.
9. Manage the contract negotiation process with 3PL providers.
Manage & Optimize relationship with providers.
10. Perform activities associated with the design, development,
deployment and support of the future EDI initiatives.
11. Support/participate/lead continuous improvement initiatives
of existing systems utilized throughout the organization in a
strategic and tactful way. (warranty administration, MRP, etc.)
Candidate Qualifications
The ideal candidate would possess the following qualifications:
• Prior product planning & logistics experience at an
executive/senior management level within a prominent
manufacturer/distributor of finished goods. Prior exposure to
the automotive industry would be a +, but is not required.
• Prior experience in analyzing historical market trends &
forecasting product demand.
• Proven track record in (DRP) and the forward deployment of
finished goods.
• Previous ERP, EDI systems implementation. A strong working
knowledge of MRP
• Prior experience in the distribution of finished goods via a
3rd party logistics provider.
• A strong skill set in cost estimating/accounting and
negotiating.
• Effective problem solving skills (ie. TQ or Six Sigma)
• High sense of urgency in identifying opportunities &
challenges, gathering the right data and proposing a solution.
Ability to tactically implement change within existing
constraints is crucial.
• A bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, engineering or
other technical degree is required. A master’s level degree is
preferred.
• APICS certification.
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