Supply Chain Operations Specialist Sr

 "Vorsprung durch Technik" or, "Progress through Technology" is our company ethos and is the core belief that drives the development of every Audi vehicle. It inspires the innovative solutions, revolutionary engineering and progressive design that have become synonymous with the Audi name. And it reminds us to challenge ourselves, rewrite the rules from time to time and always fuel our pioneering spirit. The spirit that sets us apart on the racetrack and the open road. In our relentless pursuit to become the number one premium car brand in America, we need employees who share in this spirit of challenging the status quo in everything that we do.
 

Role Summary:

The Supply Chain Operations Specialist Sr, works with the Supply Chain Manager, the other Supply Chain Operations Specialists, Regional Sales Operation Managers, the port managers and VWGoA Logistics, the VWGoA Port Quality Team as well as with the AoA Product Launch and Finance departments to ensure that all supply chain (shipping, wholesales, inventory levels, etc.) related initiatives are well executed and aligned with the overall strategy of Audi of America. This senior role is the key interface from Operations to VWGoA Logistics, the VWGoA Port Quality Team and all ports / distribution locations in the US. It ensures proper communication lines between corporate and ports all the way to our retail partners regarding transportation related issues. Processes are continuously analyzed for areas of opportunity to become more efficient and effective. The position supports the Supply Chain Manager in monthly wholesale forecasting to ensure cash flow and profitability targets are met.

Role Responsibilities:

Sales Support functions – 50%

• Monitor dealers’ days’ supply and prioritize carlines with ports accordingly
• Monitor and report on port operations daily
• Continuously identify and implement opportunities related to allocations, holds and PDI and port capacities in close alignment with relevant stakeholders
• Support corporate sales teams in vehicle shipments and deliveries
• Identify and track aging inventory in the pipeline from port of departure to US port and dealers
• Report the status of all vehicle inventory to AUDI AG on a monthly basis
• Work with Regions to identify measures to turn aging inventory
• Establish monthly wholesale objective to achieve financial targets
• Monitor wholesale achievement by port and region
• Participate in weekly port and logistics calls
• Identify issues and opportunities and propose solutions to increase efficiency as well as volume

Manage and optimize supply chain – 30%

• Monitor vehicle flow and identify areas of improvement
• Collaborate with logistics group, VWGoA PQO and port managers to resolve issues
• Work with ports to ensure vehicles flow through efficiently
• Manage Port KPIs
• Port processing times
• Carrier dwell times
• Aged units, Service Loaners, and Fleet vehicles
• Investigate KPI variances, determine cause and collaborate with VWGoA Logistics to establish and implement countermeasures for improvement
• Manage damaged unit process with factories, quality and regional teams
• Monitor vehicle flow across all factories on multiple continents
• Identify and communicate issues with vessel capacity, delays and aging inventory at ports of origin
• Manage transportation budget in excess of $100M
• Monitor cost per vehicle shipped and make adjustments based on budget and marketplace requirements

• Quality Actions

• Keyl Liaison for PQO on all quality related topics (stop orders, stop sales, damages, INFORM integration etc.)
• Evaluate quality impacts to monthly availability/wholesale target and communicate accordingly to all relevant stakeholders while recommending countermeasures
• Prioritize and track high priority sold orders
• Prepare and align out-of-area move/premium spend requests to support AoA’s business interests and manage adjacent port transfer process
• Constantly evaluate and identify opportunities for improvement/efficiency in the US Logistics Network
• Key Liaison for field teams on any ETA/Damage related inquiries

Support vehicle launches – 10%

• Support vehicle launch activities by working cross functionally with various teams to ensure launch readiness
• Track launch volume and work with international AUDI AG launch management to ensure vehicles are delivered to US on time
• Provide approval to finance to activate vehicle pricing
• Coordinate launch releases with all ports, including international and national quality teams
• Manage vehicle logistics to support launch with sufficient truck/rail capacity

IT Initiatives – 10%

• Expert for distribution related processes and systems
• Represent the AoA brand as business stakeholder for IT projects related to distribution
• Serve as project manager to ensure budgetary and timeline requirements are met
• Report system related bottlenecks and disruptions of the distribution process to IT
• Work with IT to identify and implement solutions to issues to maintain operational stability

Please note roles and responsibilities may shift amongst team depending on business needs at the time.

Years Relevant Of Experience:

• 7-10 years of relevant experience

Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in relevant business field

Education Desired:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in business or another relevant field

Skills:

• Analytical and conceptual thinking – using logic and reason, creative and strategic
• Strong teamwork and communication skills and ability to work with all management levels
• Computer savvy – skilled in the use of software
• Integration – joining people, processes or systems
• Influencing and negotiation skills
• Problem solving and ability to work in fast-paced environment

• Resource Management

• Experience in managing teams

• Cross Functional Collaboration

• Strong presentation skills

Required Skills:

• 7+ years automotive experience
• Great understanding of automotive business processes in corporate and field organization
• Diverse business unit experience

• Strong Leadership Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills
• Ability to communicate with all management levels in the US and in Germany
• Develop efficient and effective processes for operations and field groups
• Expert knowledge in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Tableau expert

Desired Skills:

• Excel Proficiency

• Expert knowledge in SQL, Tableau and other reporting tools
• Good knowledge of portfolio of domestic & import model ranges
• Influencing and negotiation skills

• Resource Management

• Product Planning, Logistics Experience, Field Experience

Work Flexibility:

• Travel 10%-Domestic

Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

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