At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global service planning processes and improve data quality across supply chains.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on innovative supply chain solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and tackle complex challenges in a global environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing planning capabilities and driving best practices globally.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in supply chain or planning systems; experience with Kinaxis and SAP preferred.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Service Planning Process and Data Lead is responsible for leading the development, deployment, and continuous improvement of global service planning processes, Kinaxis capability, and master data quality across VSS service supply chains. The role exists to improve planning capability, drive best‑practice adoption, resolve master data issues through root cause analysis, and enable effective process change across global stakeholders to improve supply chain performance.
The role has a global scope, supporting service planning process improvement, Kinaxis capability development, master data quality, and best‑practice deployment across VSS global service supply chains. It works across the VSS global supply chain with multiple organizational boundaries, engaging with planning, service logistics, supply chain, IT, data owners, operational teams, regional stakeholders, and business division representatives to improve planning capability, process consistency, data accuracy, and system adoption.
The role includes responsibility for identifying and resolving planning and master data issues that impact supply chain performance, including analysis across planning systems such as SAP and Kinaxis, root cause investigation, and influencing key stakeholders to implement corrective actions. It will include a combination of project‑based activity, process improvement, business‑as‑usual support, stakeholder engagement, training, documentation, and performance analysis. Flexible working hours may be required to support global stakeholders for activities such as workshops, project milestones, and system deployments.
The role is also responsible for the maintenance, support, and resolution of issues relating to key operational Power BI reports and dashboards used within service planning, ensuring reporting remains accurate, reliable, and fit for business decision‑making.
Key Challenges:
- Driving consistent service planning processes across global organizations with different levels of process maturity.
- Improving Kinaxis adoption and planning capability across a diverse stakeholder community.
- Identifying and resolving material master data issues across supply chain systems that create operational disruption.
- Influencing process and data ownership across functions where direct authority may be limited.
- Ensuring best‑practice processes are not only defined but embedded and sustained across regions.
- Supporting software change and advanced planning system deployment while maintaining business continuity.
- Translating complex data and system issues into clear business actions.
- Managing communication and engagement across different cultures, functions, and time zones.
Your Skills And Experience:
- Typically 10+ years relevant experience in supply chain, service logistics, planning, master data, or planning systems.
- Familiarity with the principles of world‑class supply chain management, its implementation and support.
- Experience supporting or leading process improvement, system deployment, or software change projects.
- Experience working with advanced planning systems, preferably Kinaxis, and ERP systems such as SAP.
- Proven ability to analyse master data issues and drive resolution through cross‑functional stakeholders.
- Experience of working internationally is an advantage.
Knowledge areas/Skills:
- Strong understanding of service planning, supply chain planning, inventory management, and master data processes.
- Good knowledge of planning system data requirements, including material master data and planning parameters.
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and root cause analysis skills; experience with Power BI, Python, R or other analytical tools is an advantage.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills across global teams.
- Ability to create clear process documentation, work instructions, and training material.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel, PowerPoint and Power BI, combined with the ability to quickly learn and apply new technologies, planning systems, digital solutions, and AI‑enabled tools to drive continuous improvement and support evolving business needs.
- Self‑starter and self‑motivator; resourceful, able to take the initiative to resolve issues and to share that initiative with others; able to work in a team and as an individual.
Other requirements:
- Business‑proficient English required.
- Ability to work across global time zones and with multi‑cultural stakeholders.
- International travel may be required to support workshops, training, deployment, or project delivery.
Service Planning Process and Data Lead employer: Edwards Vacuum
As a leading employer in the global supply chain sector, we offer the Service Planning Process and Data Lead an exceptional opportunity to drive impactful change across diverse teams and regions. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our supportive work culture, which encourages continuous learning and collaboration, while our flexible working arrangements cater to the needs of our international stakeholders. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment where your expertise will directly enhance service planning processes and master data quality, making a tangible difference in our operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Planning Process and Data Lead
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at Edwards Vacuum, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Service Planning Process and Data Lead.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Planning Process and Data Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at Edwards Vacuum. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research Edwards Vacuum and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Edwards Vacuum
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at Edwards Vacuum.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Edwards Vacuum
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Edwards Vacuum might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
