Supply Chain Planning Leader

This role is responsible for leading, developing and managing the team responsible for GMP materials planning, with a focus on strategic and continuous improvement projects to improve planning processes and ensure material availability to support manufacturing. This role will ensure the correct systems and tools are in place to enable effective planning across the supply chain, from raw materials planning through to balancing demand vs supply of finished goods material. This role will manage the tactical and strategic raw materials risk management program, which is critical to ensuring supply continuity. This role combines aspects of supply chain planning, logistics, and systems for pre-clinical through to commercial supply of novel gene therapies. This individual will work closely with Technical Development, Pilot-Scale Operations, Manufacturing Operations, Finance, Procurement, Warehousing, Quality Control and Quality Assurance to meet the demands of Spark’s product pipeline.

Responsibilities

35% of time- Strategy Development and Process Improvements:

• Create and implement best practice Materials Planning vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to aid and improve operational performance (i.e. new materials introduction; planning improvements: customer breakpoints, safety stock targets, limiting obsolescence risk)
• Review opportunities to improve operational and financial performance and to ensure minimal risk, operational disruption and maximum customer satisfaction
• Evaluate the challenges faced by the organization and take action to mitigate risks and develop opportunities
• Champion planning best practices and support continuous improvement planning and collaboration processes
• Benchmarks relating to raw material planning and the supply chain overall such as supplier adherence, operational reliability; identify and report supply chain key performance indicators (KPIs) and proactively look for opportunities to improve or optimize
• Manage robust raw materials risk management program
• Support special projects and provide subject matter expertise (i.e. GTIC, ASPIRE)
• Collaborate across the industry and share that knowledge accordingly; leverage industry supply chain discussions and connections to maximize supply chain performance
• Take ownership of policies, procedures, guidelines and any associated documents

35% of Time- General and Task Management:

• Responsible for full lifecycle materials plan for all GMP manufacturing: from planning, delivery, to execution. Coordinate with stakeholders to create, approve, and introduce new materials into Spark
• Accountable for MRP process including inventory projection and control. Responsible for cross functional coordination of all aspects of materials planning.
• Ensure daily planning operations including materials planning cycle, MRP process, delivery of materials to meet target dates to ensure uninterrupted manufacturing operations
• Coordinates and communicates with manufacturing leaders on planning and scheduling of campaign material needs according to production schedules
• Oversee and manage inventory integrity, and review ways to optimize inventory levels
• Ensure performance of off-site warehouse operations, including safety, quality, delivery, inventory management, and cost-effectiveness
• Maintain data integrity of ERP system and support system improvements / upgrades
• Interpret and analyses complex data and trends and develop recommendations and strategies based on analysis
• Ensure that plans, schedules and performance metrics are available and regularly report progress to others
• Supply Chain Planning: Balance demand and supply requirements against lifecycle management assumptions. Conduct scenario analyses to evaluate implications of different courses of action
• Consolidate and facilitate the management of key inventory requirements such as safety stock targets, lead-times, lot sizes, and allocation of inventory across the network
• Engage in supply chain, materials, and distribution risk management and ensure mitigation strategies are implemented across the network
• Develop and manage annual materials budget
• Engage in procurement, strategic sourcing, and capital planning initiatives

20% of time- People and Relationship Management:

• Foster Sparks Culture, Mission, Vision and Values. Lead by example. Create an environment where team members thrive in our Culture. Inspire and motivate the team
• Ensure strong communication between teams to facilitate exchange of information and to implement change and improvements
• Create supply chain process transparency through high quality communication
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and work collaboratively to ensure objectives are being met
• Work collaboratively, negotiate and engage with key stakeholders to facilitate delivery and compliance with the materials planning and supply chain strategy
• Maintain excellent relationships with customers and monitor performance and progress of deliveries to ensure customer satisfaction while optimizing costs
• Effectively work to develop key strategic internal and external relationships and gain extensive knowledge of contract terms, capabilities, capacities and constraints

10% of time

• Responsible at all times for promoting a safety culture and awareness within areas of responsibility. Support and enforce the Spark EH&S policy and associated procedures.

Requirements

• Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, or Life Sciences discipline (Master’s degree and 2 years of Supply Chain or Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology experience or Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of Supply Chain or Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology experience)
• Supply chain experience within GMP pharmaceutical manufacturing operations environment required, preferably within the biotechnology or gene therapy industry
• Knowledge and understanding of end-to-end supply chain (planning, forecasting, supply and inventory management, materials management, logistics, , procurement), quality systems and manufacturing processes
• Strong IT systems knowledge including knowledge and understanding of specialist systems. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) modules. Advanced Excel user
• Experience with logistical partners and external vendors/contractors
• Familiarity with advanced refrigeration and cryogenic shipping technologies for shipping and storage of gene therapy products
• Experience with strategic CapEx planning and procurement process (preferred)
• Experience across pharmaceutical product lifecycle (pre-clinical, clinical, commercial)
• Demonstrated knowledge of GXP compliance as well as USP, EP, ICH, FDA, EMA guidelines

Key Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

• Significant experience with using Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint), Sharepoint
• Proficient in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Materials Requirement Planning (MRP).
• Excellent technical, data analytics, and attention to detail skills
• Possess the ability to multi-task and work independently or in a collaborative team environment with moderate supervision
• Ability to facilitate conversations and achieve results/decisions through negotiation, influencing and incorporating multiple points of view
• Well-developed skills in prioritizing, organization and time management
• Lean experience strongly preferred

Please be aware that Spark mandates COVID-19 vaccination of all employees regardless of work location. Accommodations may be made in accordance with applicable law.

Nearest Major Market: Philadelphia

Join the Spark Team

We were born of innovation, springing from the curiosity, imagination and dedication of remarkable scientists and healthcare visionaries. Our shared mission is to challenge the inevitability of genetic disease by discovering, developing, and delivering treatments in ways unimaginable - until now.

We don't follow footsteps. We create the path.

Learn more about Spark Therapeutics and view other openings.