At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI-driven supply chain planning solutions and shape the future of intelligent planning.
- Company: Smith+Nephew, a tech innovator focused on improving lives.
- Benefits: Generous bonuses, flexible work, health plans, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with strong career growth and mentorship opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a community that values innovation and makes a real impact.
- Qualifications: 12+ years in supply chain planning and Kinaxis expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Life. Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. Do you thrive at the intersection of AI, digital transformation, and supply chain planning? As an AI Planning Solution Architect, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of intelligent planning across our global organization. Working with Kinaxis Maestro and advanced AI capabilities, you will design and deliver innovative solutions that improve decision making, increase planning agility, and help drive business performance.
What will you be doing?
- Lead the design and delivery of AI enabled supply chain planning solutions using Kinaxis Maestro.
- Own solution architecture across advanced forecasting, intelligent planning workbooks, autonomous agents, and agent orchestration capabilities.
- Partner with business leaders and planning teams to identify AI use cases and translate them into scalable solutions and planning frameworks.
- Lead end to end solution delivery including design, configuration, testing, deployment, and hypercare activities.
- Define data architecture and integration requirements that enable advanced planning and AI driven capabilities.
- Act as a trusted advisor to business and IT stakeholders, guiding the AI planning transformation journey.
- Facilitate workshops and build strong relationships across planning, data, and leadership teams to drive adoption and business value.
- Establish best practices and governance standards while mentoring colleagues on AI and Kinaxis planning capabilities.
What will you need to be successful?
- 12+ years of experience in supply chain planning with deep expertise across demand, supply, inventory, production, materials planning, and S&OP or IBP processes.
- 8 to 10 years of hands on Kinaxis Maestro or RapidResponse experience, including multiple end to end implementations.
- Advanced Kinaxis configuration expertise across models, scenarios, analytics, dashboards, scorecards, widgets, and control sets.
- Proven experience developing and implementing innovative AI, advanced analytics, and agentic planning solutions.
- Strong stakeholder management, communication, and leadership skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
- Kinaxis certifications such as Author, Contributor, or Architect are preferred.
You. Unlimited. We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and patients we serve.
Inclusion and Belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging.
Your Future: Generous annual bonus and pension schemes, Save As You Earn share options.
Work/Life Balance: Flexible vacation and time off, paid holidays and paid volunteering hours, so we can give back to our communities!
Your Wellbeing: Private health and dental plans, healthcare cash plans, life assurance and much more.
Flexibility: Hybrid working model (for most professional roles).
Training: Hands on, team customised, mentorship.
Extra Perks: Discounts on gyms and fitness clubs and many other employee discounts.
IT AI Lead – Planning in Watford employer: Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew is an exceptional employer that values clinical expertise and fosters a supportive work culture for its Wound Care Field Specialists. With flexible working options, comprehensive training, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector while enjoying a rewarding career in the North Wales and Midlands region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT AI Lead – Planning in Watford
✨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 Smith & Nephew, 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 IT AI Lead – Planning.
We think you need these skills to ace IT AI Lead – Planning in Watford
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 Smith & Nephew. 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 Smith & Nephew 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 Smith & Nephew
✨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 Smith & Nephew.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Smith & Nephew
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Smith & Nephew 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!
