The Supply Chain Planning Manager is responsible for managing complex planning activities and driving operational excellence across material flow end-to-end. This role operates with a high degree of independence, providing expertise, resolving significant planning and supply chain challenges, and contributing to strategic initiatives. The incumbent partners closely with cross-functional teams, and plays a key role in improving efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring material continuity.
This role is based at our Durham, North Carolina, office and offers a flexible working arrangement. It offers a flexible work arrangement, with the ability to work from GRAIL's office or from home. Our current flexible work arrangement policy requires that a minimum of 60%, or 24 hours, of your total work week be on-site. Your specific schedule, determined in collaboration with your manager, will align with team and business needs and could exceed the 60% requirement for the site.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct advanced demand and inventory analysis to develop replenishment strategies, optimize working capital, and reduce risk of supply disruptions.
- Responsible for a specific set of inventory items from end-to-end (planning, acquisition (through procurement), inventory receipt (through warehouse), material transfer approvals (as required), work orders (per the direction of leadership), etc.
- Expected to understand and analyze demand forecasts, historical usage, and system variances, identifying risks, and developing recommendations that support optimal material availability.
- Strong expertise in Bill of Materials ( BOM ) management in MRP software platforms, maintaining records for vertically integrated material relationships
- Develop and deliver supply chain performance reports and dashboards, providing insights and recommendations to management for strategic decision-making.
- Lead project based work throughout the year (e.g., S&OP process owner, safety stock process owner, ERP process owner).
- Act as a subject matter expert on planning and supply chain processes and systems, advising internal stakeholders on best practices and solutions.
- Lead resolution of significant material issues, escalating when necessary and ensuring minimal business disruption.
- Partner with cross-functional teams on process optimization, supply chain automation initiatives, cost savings, and operational improvements.
- As applicable, mentor and provide guidance to junior specialists and coordinators, sharing knowledge and expertise to build team capability.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Taking on additional responsibilities.
- Participating in cross functional projects and initiatives.
- Adapting to new technologies, processes, or methodologies.
- Supporting other departments or teams during periods of high demand.
- Contributing to special projects or temporary assignments as needed.
Adaptability and Growth Expectation
As our organization continues to evolve and grow, this role may require flexibility in responsibilities and duties. Employees should expect that their role may expand, shift, or be modified to meet changing business needs, strategic priorities, and organizational objectives.
This may include:
These job duties are a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field; OR a Master’s degree in a related field.
- 8–12 years of relevant work experience in supply chain, procurement, logistics, or related function; OR a Master’s degree with 5–8 years of relevant experience; OR a PhD in a related field with 2–5 years of relevant experience.
- Advanced proficiency in ERP and supply chain management systems, with strong knowledge of reporting and analytics tools.
- Demonstrated level of knowledge regarding applicable regulatory standards commensurate with the position's complexity and scope, contributing to organizational regulatory compliance. Minimal applicable standards for this position include:
- GMP quality management systems (e.g. ISO 13485)
- Clinical laboratory regulations (e.g. CAP, CLIA, NYSDOH, ISO 15189)
- Operations within the regulated medical device environment (e.g. IVDD, IVDR, FDA 21 CFR 800 series, FDA 21 CFR Part 11)
Essential Skills :
- Advanced background in MRP and Excel based material modeling solutions, including the use of scripting languages to create customized solutions.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex planning challenges.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and drive measurable process improvements.
- Advanced organizational and prioritization skills to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Leadership ability to mentor junior staff and act as a resource for the broader team.
- High attention to detail; organized with the ability to keep track of many different activities at one time.
- Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. A strong ability to influence internal stakeholders.
- Thrive in a dynamic environment.
- Team player and a collaborative peer.
Physical Demands & Working Environment:
- Standard office environment with frequent use of ERP systems, data analysis platforms, and reporting tools.
- Periodic work in warehouses, distribution centers, and operational areas to oversee logistics and inventory processes.
- Regular external interaction with suppliers.
- Occasional travel may be required for supplier meetings, site visits, or project execution.
- Hours and days may vary depending on operational needs.
- Working with dry ice may be necessary.
- Standing or sitting for long periods of time may be necessary.
- May be exposed to hazardous materials, blood specimens and instruments with moving parts, heating or freezing elements, and high speed centrifugation.
- Repetitive manual pipetting may be necessary.
- Some lifting (up to 25 pounds) may be necessary.
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