Supply Chain Development Manager

Royal Canin is undertaking a major transformation programme called EOS to deliver against its strategy of being Fit for Future and removing business risk.  The transformation has 4 key elements: new technology including implementation of SAP4 HANA, E2E standardized core processes, a strengthened data & analytics foundation, supported by a dedicated transformation team and change management.  Following a successful pilot in Poland the 1st wave of implementations will go live in summer 2027 and RC EKA (European Key Accounts) will be one of 3 units to participate in the first wave.  The approach will see local associates with relevant expertise moving onto the project and their day-to-day roles covered via backfills for the length of the project. EKA operates a unique model within Mars, delivering to major pan-European online customers operating in 28 markets and supplying direct ex-factory from 5 factories across Europe.  It’s a small team of 37 associates with each role having high responsibility and impact.

This role will be part of the backfill team covering day to day responsibilities in the running of the unit and it offers pan European perspective and stakeholders, in-depth and varied customer dynamics, and an agile entrepreneurial environment.

The SC Development Manager is responsible for deploying and implementing the market Do It Best ‘DiB’ (Cost, Service and Sustainability) programme, both from an Annual Execution Plan and long-term strategic perspective as well as driving / designing new capabilities across the end to end supply chain

The SC Dev Manger represents Supply Chain in cross functional local business improvement projects and RC EKA in regional DiB forums and workstreams as well as facing into our key account customers to collaborate on CI initiatives.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s degree in (Industrial) Engineering and/or Manufacturing
• 3 - 5 years working experience in manufacturing and/or CI/Lean and/or IE 
• Process development/deployment, Project Management in various industries, functions
• Nice to have 2+ years supply planning, demand planning and/or logistics operations
• End-to-end supply chain &/or logistics experience within a global / European business (5+ years)
• Must demonstrate successful project management experience within supply chain/logistics/planning management.
• Strong influencing skills to senior management
• Strong collaboration skills and effectiveness in working in a matrix organisation
• A high level of technical skills within Excel, PowerBI, data analysis, AI experience would be preferred

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Lead the ongoing review of EKA supply chain DiB initiatives and search for new opportunities
• Lead the wider EKA Supply chain team through our continuous improvement roadmap
  • Manage projects to develop & start new supply Chain capabilities
  • Lead the deployment of supply chain standard process & tools and digitalization in collaboration with relevant local/regional/global stakeholders
  • Lead and coordinate the continuous improvement program across supply chain activities from factory to customer (planning, logistics, hauliers, RTM, factories, order to cash process, customer services, customer collaboration)
  • DIB Program: To initiate and support the local DIB for LCC/OH/Cash/Service initiatives
• Take on the leadership for EKA’s wide ranging CI roadmaps with both customers working in partnership with SC contacts at the customer, leading the SC steerco meetings and ensuring we remain on track for success
• Take the lead on EKA’s Mars Quality Management (QMS) process supported by the different functional champions
• Provide functional leadership for the QMS for RC EKA
• Ensure that core business processes are resilient with effective segregation of duties for key roles established
• Ensure that RC EKA operates to Mars QMS standards
• Deliver annual DiB KPIs (5% Logistics costs, 10% sustainability reductions YoY)
• Support the EKA logistics manager on the tender process / tax compliance / procurement initiatives across all Supply Chain service providers and suppliers (incl. 3PL’s, hauliers, factories, pallet buyers, SC consultants)
• Support the strategic review of the RC EKA RTM as well as the implementation of changes to it
• Represent the RC EKA SC in EU Supply Chain platforms (e.g. EU DIB and Sustainability forums, European community of practice meetings)
• Building of standard operating procedures and assisting with training for implementation
• Evaluating effectiveness of process improvements and revising processes to reflect change
• Building effective relationships across the business with key stakeholders, ensuring alignment and engagement with process improvement activity
• Keep updated on latest industry developments and be prepared to bring in outside in thinking into the RC EKA business unit

What can you expect from Mars?

Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles. Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today. A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University. An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

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