Ice Cream Direct Export Markets Planning Lead

Job Title: Ice Cream Direct Export Markets Planning Lead

Location: Thailand

About Unilever

With 3.4 billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world. Work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We are driven by our purpose: to make sustainable living commonplace, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance. At the heart of what we do is our people – we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world. 

At Unilever, your career will be a unique journey, grounded in our inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment. We don’t believe in the ‘one size fits all’ approach and instead we will equip you with the tools you need to shape your own future.

Job Purpose

We are seeking a skilled Direct Export Markets Planning Lead to drive and oversee planning and logistics operations for our Direct Export Markets group, ensuring alignment with company vision and objectives. This role will focus on achieving targeted customer service levels (CCFOT), managing inventory within designated parameters, and executing NPD (new product development) and promotional launches in line with our network plans. Additionally, the position will implement planning tools and initiatives, monitor business waste and write-offs, and lead on other SC projects, particularly those relevant to our ice cream segment.

• Direct Export Markets Planning & Logistics: Aligning operations with company vision and targets ensures strategic coherence and operational efficiency.

• Customer Service Level (CCFOT): Achieving and measuring this KPI is vital for maintaining high customer satisfaction and operational performance.

• Inventory Control: Monitoring inventory levels helps in optimizing stock and reducing holding costs.

• NPD and Promotions: Managing new product launches and promotions effectively can significantly impact market success and brand perception.

• Initiatives Implementation: Adopting tools like Kinaxis Rapid Response and IPM can streamline processes and improve planning accuracy.

• Business Waste & Write-offs: Controlling these aspects is essential for cost management and sustainability.

Main Responsibilities

Core BAUs:

• Support Supply Chain Management: Oversee the entire supply chain operations for Direct Export markets.

• Collaborate with Business Teams: Work closely with Direct Export markets teams to evaluate and influence accurate sales forecasting.

• Inventory Control: Monitor and manage inventory levels of finished goods to meet agreed customer service levels.

• Develop Logistics Procedures: Establish and implement effective logistics procedures, including monitoring, fault finding, and reporting systems to ensure prompt corrective actions.

• Coordinate with Partners: Collaborate with the Sourcing Unit and third-party manufacturers on both weekly and long-term plans to meet customer service levels.

• Enhance Logistics Systems: Identify areas for improvement and flexibility within the logistics system to minimize waste and add value.

• Monitor Promotional Activities: Oversee and advise on the progress of promotional activities.

• Warehouse Capacity Planning: Work with warehouse management to plan capacity requirements for operations.

• Advise on Supply Chain Issues: Provide insights to management on supply difficulties, stock availability, production capacity, and distribution.

• Manage Obsolete Stock: Propose the disposal of obsolete materials, goods, and damaged stocks.

• Stay Informed on Regulations: Keep updated on legal and regulatory policies affecting direct export markets and their impact on operations.

• Lead Special Projects: Contribute to and co-lead special supply chain projects related to Ice Cream THMYSGVN and Direct Export markets

Financial Responsibilities and Influence:

• Costs and Expense Budgets: Manage and control costs and expense budgets to align with company financial targets.

• Sales Targets: Influence and support the achievement of sales targets through effective supply chain and logistics management.

• FG Stock Level: Maintain finished goods stock levels as agreed with company targets to ensure optimal inventory management.

• Business Waste: Control and minimize business waste in accordance with company targets to promote cost efficiency and sustainability.

Qualification

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.

• 10 years of experience in supply chain planning, logistics, or similar roles, with exposure to export markets.

• Experience with ice cream, food & beverage or similar FMCG products is a plus.

• Strong knowledge of planning tools (e.g., Kinaxis Rapid Response) and inventory planning models.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for process improvement.

• Ability to collaborate effectively across functions, with strong communication and project management skills.

Note: Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicates from all walks of life! We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment journey. If you require any support to complete your application or any subsequent stage throughout your recruitment journey with us at Unilever, then please specify how we may be able to assist you.

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.