Customer Logistics VMI Manager

We have a current opening for a Customer Logistics VMI Manager and are actively reviewing applications.

The Vendor Management Inventory (VMI) Manager is a part of the Ferrero Customer Logistics organization. The role is responsible for developing strategies that effectively lead and direct the VMI team’s management of Ferrero key customers. The VMI Manager will develop best practices that translate to cost savings by reducing customer returns & refusals, out of region shipments, and increasing overall Supply Chain efficiency. Savings via successful VMI are expected through truckload optimization and expert buying practices that ensure customer in-store product availability. This position requires the knowledge, experience, and ability to implement new VMI customers and maintain collaborative partnerships with direct customers and internal stakeholders.

The VMI Manager will work cross-functionally to ensure product availability and timely deployment.  This position is also responsible for meeting customer inventory and service targets. The VMI manager and team are responsible for forecasting customer weekly replenishment needs, efficient purchase order cadence, while maintaining targeted inventory levels and overall support of customer every-day, seasonal, and promotional portfolio requirements.

The Customer Logistics VMI Manager is responsible for leading the execution of inventory replenishment and order execution.

Key responsibilities include:

•    Analysis of sales data to derive accurate replenishment forecasts and create purchase orders to support customer inventory needs
•    Work with cross functional teams to ensure seamless replenishment execution 
•    Optimize cost savings via order/truckload/shipment saturation
•    Deliver on Customer and Ferrero key KPIs of fill-rate & on time (OTIF – On Time In Full) in conjunction with claims, returns, and refusal reductions

VMI Manager Accountabilities:
•    Develop strategies and processes that align with Ferrero’s VMI strategic direction
•    Implement processes and procedures that deliver maximum sales revenue, minimum inventory interruptions, and optimal supply chain efficiencies via best-in-class order forecast, order saturation, and truckload optimization
•    Manage a team of 5-7 Analysts
•    Lead VMI order execution by preparing the weekly Exception Report and holding team meetings
•    Holds weekly touch base meetings with Customer buyers. Prepares promotional order needs for Supply and Deployment teams
•    Works with supply chain, sales, and transportation teams to prioritize orders and ensure complete fulfillment for seasonal and everyday order volume
•    Responsible for creating purchase orders to support customer inventory needs
•    Maintain accurate replenishment forecasts by analyzing sales data, monitoring inventory positions and customer (OTIF) performance levels
•    Generate Supply Chain cost savings through order saturation (mix and volume) and truckload optimization
•    Ensures optimal OTIF measures through best-in-class VMI systems processes. Works collaboratively with Supply Demand, Supply Deployment, Transportation, and Warehouse teams to ensure timely product availability  
•    Prepares a variety of reports using both SAP and designated VMI software tool is assigned to a team responsibility to support functional needs

This role requires a bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.

•    5-7 Years Supply Chain / Customer Logistics (Current global experience highly preferred)
•    5-7 Years of SAP/CRM
•    2-3 Years Team management / Team Development
•    2-3 Years Project Management

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies & skills:
•    Problem Solving
•    Business Acumen
•    Effective Team Building 
•    Drive for Results
•    Dealing With Ambiguity
•    Effective influencing skills
•    Process Management skills
•    Matrix Communication skills
•    Prioritization skills

Technical Skills
•    Expertise with VMI, EDI
•    Strong SAP / CRM Systems navigation experience
•    Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables)
•    Intermediate skills in preparing effective presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
As part of our recruitment process, Ferrero may use artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tools to assist with reviewing candidate applications. These tools are used solely to support recruiters by summarizing application information and identifying potential alignment with job requirements. AI does not independently screen out or select candidates, and it does not replace human judgment. Final decisions regarding candidate progression are always made by Ferrero recruiters and hiring managers.

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The base salary range for this position is $122,854- $163,806 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time.

In addition to base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits.

Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding.
Find out more here.

Ferrero is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable human rights laws. Ferrero will recruit, hire, train, and promote all persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, or history of disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement and the individual is not able to perform the essential functions of the position even with reasonable accommodations), citizenship, or any other protected characteristic. 

Ferrero will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the People & Organization (HR) Representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.