Team Lead Supply Chain Planning

About VAT Group

At VAT, we change the world with vacuum solutions. As the world’s leading supplier of high-performance vacuum valves, we have been driving innovation for more than 60 years. With over 3,200 employees worldwide, we operate from our headquarters in Haag, Switzerland, with manufacturing sites in Switzerland, Malaysia and Romania, as well as sales and service hubs around the world. We are guided by our passions integrity, teamwork, customer centricity, and innovation – always working together as #oneVAT.

Joining us means becoming part of a passionate, international team where your voice is heard, your ideas matter, and your career growth is supported.

The Team Leader, Supply Chain Planning, serves as the tactical architect and execution leader for material management and operational procurement for assigned product lines. This role is essential for maximizing Material Availability, optimizing Inventory Levels (RAW/PUR), and ensuring the efficient flow of materials by designing the optimal supply chain setup. We are seeking a dynamic leader who can manage complex supply constraints, optimize supply chain connections in an HMLV environment, and guide a team of expert planners in driving the Purchase Order Control Tower and continuous improvement.

MAIN ROLE AND ACTIVITIES

1. Tactical Execution Leadership
•    Tactical Ownership of Material Availability: Lead the execution of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and operational procurement for assigned product lines. Accountable for maximizing Material Availability while optimizing inventory levels (RAW/PUR).  
•    Supply Chain Optimization and Material Flow Steering: Lead the tactical optimization of supply chains and material flows. Define and implement the optimal supply chain setup (e.g., supplier connection, replenishment models, transit times, frequencies) in collaboration with Customer Order Planner, Logistics and Category Management. Actively steer the material movement to resolve bottlenecks and improve efficiency.
•    Downstream Control Tower Participation: Actively participate in the Downstream Control Tower process, providing detailed insights on material constraints and flow bottlenecks, presenting mitigation scenarios, and ensuring execution of decisions.
•    Upstream Control Tower Execution: Actively participate in the Upstream Control Tower, leveraging advanced analytics (PowerBI) for predictive insights on supply risks and performance management.

2. Advanced Inventory and Constraint Management
•    Inventory Optimization Strategy Execution: Implement and manage advanced inventory strategies (e.g., safety stock modeling, segmentation, MTF/MTO/MTS) across the supply network. Lead initiatives to reduce excess and obsolete (E&O) inventory.
•    Supply Constraint Management: Lead the tactical response to material supply constraints. Develop and implement advanced prioritization frameworks for material allocation when supply is short.
•    Tactical Supplier Performance Management: In collaboration with CAT and SQD, lead the tactical performance management of the supply base. Drive improvements in Supplier OTD, lead time reduction, and responsiveness through structured reviews.

3. Process Excellence and Digital Adoption
•    Local Process Governance & CI Execution: Ensure rigorous adherence to standardized SOPs within the team. Collaborate closely with the Lead Supply Chain Planner (the functional process expert and Key User) to identify and execute process improvements.
•    Structured Problem Solving: Lead structured problem-solving (e.g., A3, 3W-5L) for tactical issues within the assigned product lines and apply Lean methodologies to improve material flow.
•    Driving Digital Adoption: Act as the primary change agent for SCP digitalization. Drive optimal utilization of MS D365 F&O, APS, and supplier collaboration tools, leveraging the Lead SCP Planner for deep system expertise and training.

4. Organizational Capability Development
•    Team Leadership & Performance: Lead, coach, and mentor a team of Supply Chain Planners. Foster a culture of accountability, analytical rigor, and continuous improvement.
•    Competency Development: Architect the competency matrix for the SCP team. Build a high-performing, analytically skilled team by identifying skill gaps (e.g., advanced MRP, inventory analysis, negotiation) and executing structured development programs.

5. Tactical Escalation Management
•    Supplier Escalation: Serve as the primary escalation point for critical supplier performance issues and complex material shortages that cannot be resolved by the planners. Drive tactical recovery plans with suppliers and escalate Category Management and the Head functions.
•    Inventory Policy Conflicts: Manage and resolve conflicts regarding inventory parameters and planning strategies within the assigned product lines, ensuring alignment with global policies.

COMPETENCIES 

• Education & Certification: Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, or comparable, in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related technical field. Professional certifications (e.g., APICS CSCP/CPIM) preferred.
• Professional Experience: 3 to 7 years of progressive experience in material planning (MRP), inventory management, or operational procurement within a complex manufacturing environment (HMLV essential).
• Leadership & Change Management: Proven track record of leading operational teams. Authentic leadership style with demonstrated ability in driving change management and fostering a data-driven culture.
• Technical Expertise (Systems): High proficiency in Tier 1 ERP systems (Expertise in MS D365 F&O strongly preferred). Hands-on experience utilizing Advanced Planning Systems (APS) and inventory optimization tools is required.
• Technical Expertise (Process & Methodology): Proven experience applying Lean methodologies and structured problem-solving (e.g., A3, 3W-5L). Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification is preferred. Deep understanding of constraint-based planning and S&OE frameworks.
• Analytical Acumen: Strong analytical mindset with the ability to manage complex constraints, analyze inventory performance, and make sound tactical decisions under pressure. Proficient in data analytics tools (Advanced Excel, PowerBI).
• Communication & Negotiation: Excellent communication and negotiation skills, essential for effective collaboration with Category Management, Supplier Quality Development, Customer Order Planning, and suppliers.
• Languages: Fluency in English and Romanian (written and spoken) is required. German is an advantage.

Our commitment to inclusion, fairness and equal opportunities

We believe in meaningful careers, continuous learning, and equal opportunities for everyone to drive our innovation and success. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. If you have concerns, our compliance channel is available at our website. All reports are handled with strict confidentiality and in accordance with our Code of Conduct.