Supply Chain Director W-EMEA

The organisation

Our client, Aalberts, which employs more than 16.000 people, operates about 70 business locations and 80 service locations with activities in over 50 countries. Aalberts (head office is based in the Netherlands) has been listed on Euronext Amsterdam since March 1987 and on the AEX index from March 2015. The organizational structure has recently been changed to four specific business lines (Installation, Material, Climate and Industrial Technology). Aalberts Integrated Piping Systems (Aalberts IPS) is part of the business Installation Technology.

Aalberts IPS develops and manufactures an extensive portfolio of connections, valves, metal and plastic pipes and fixing technology for distribution and control of water and gas. Aalberts IPS offers end-users a specified integrated optimised piping design and operates in the areas of new build, renovation, repair and maintenance. The product portfolio is distributed with an excellent service through different channels: wholesale, retail and e-commerce. Aalberts IPS is represented in the Americas, Asia Pacific and EMEA. In the W-EMEA region the company has five Business Units (factories) and two Warehouses.

The position

Aalberts IPS is going to bring the company to a next level in terms of efficiency. Currently, Integrated Piping Systems is in a transition process that requires major steps to realize an organization in which supply chain will play a very important role. A major part implies optimizing, managing and controlling of all supply chain activities with regard to the European production and warehouse facilities. Therefore we are currently looking for a candidate for the position of Supply Chain Director W-EMEA.

Tasks & responsibilities

The new Supply Chain Director is responsible for establishing and optimizing the supply chain organization. Your goal is to maximize supply chain efficiency and effectiveness in meeting the demands of sales and manufacturing internationally. The successful candidate will steer and coordinate the overall supply chain operations, including purchasing and inventory of raw materials, selection of vendors, and distribution of finished goods. You will have functional reporting line with regard to the factories (supply chain and purchasing) and two direct reports concerning the warehouse managers.

The Supply Chain Director reports to the CEO of Aalberts IPS W-EMEA and will be based at the headquarters (Hilversum, the Netherlands) and the new DC (Zeewolde, the Netherlands), combined with regular international travel. The Supply Chain Director will be part of the IPS W-EMEA Business Management Team.

Summarized you will be responsible for:

• Optimizing the Supply Chain and developing a warehouse and logistic footprint that fits the strategy of Integrated Piping Systems;
• Evaluating past performance data to forecast needs and setting logistical and production level parameters;
• Developing a distribution infrastructure that supports customers in the most cost effective and efficient manner possible;
• Develop and meet inventory goals for the company which effectively balance cash-flow, industry leading product lead-times, and inventory turn rates;
• Ensure effective sourcing of materials to meet specifications, material requirements and pricing from suppliers;
• Manage relationships with partners/ vendors;
• Actively seek creative supply solutions to minimize cost and to create added value;
• Approach business challenges from a macro perspective without losing sight of local needs.

Candidate profile

For this position we prefer candidates with a MSc or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics or Supply Chain Management. You have at least 5 years of experience in Supply Chain Management and/or Operations Management. You are well experienced with ERP/MRP and WMS as well as logistical projects that improve Net Working Capital. Moreover you are familiar with integrating logistical processes in an international manufacturing environment. Previously gained experience in international product sourcing, inventory management and project management is recommended.

You have a strategic mind, able to manage multiple complex projects and changing priorities. A people manager with the credibility to set up and lead strategy, while being an overall “business partner” to the organization. You have excellent communicative and problem solving skills, at all levels (Multilevel Stakeholder Management). Other characteristics are being: creative, hands-on, open minded, convincing, sensitive, a good listener, empathic, clear and straight forward.

The person involved is willing to travel on frequent basis in Europe and is fluent in Dutch and English (spoken and written), German is advantageous.

The offer

The culture of the company can be characterized as dynamic, innovative, performance driven and result oriented. In addition, the collegial aspect, important as well, creates a pleasant but result-oriented, working atmosphere.

Aalberts IPS offers a versatile, challenging and responsible position in a growing, leading and very successful organization. Of course, a good compensation package will be offered as well.

Interested?

If you are interested in this position please click the link below. For more information please contact the consultant in charge: Bert-Jan de Visser, +31 (0)346 87 00 20.