ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:
Wakefield Canada Inc., is a privately owned Canadian company that markets, distributes and manufactures category leading products for the automotive, commercial heavy-duty and industrial markets including Castrol, the #1 brand of passenger car motor oil in Canada, and the “Super Clean” cleaner-degreaser brand.

In 2020, Wakefield will celebrate its 15th anniversary as the exclusive Canadian marketer of Castrol lubricants. With coast-to-coast distribution and warehousing, and a large dedicated sales force, Wakefield provides exceptional service and innovative solutions to more than 5,000 customers in all segments, including retailers, warehouse distributors, automotive and heavy duty jobbers, franchised and independent installers, quick lubes, fleet companies, new car dealers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM).

Wakefield Canada Inc. is recognized as a Platinum Member with the Canada’s Best Managed Companies program. This accomplishment puts Wakefield amongst the best-in-class of Canadian owned and managed companies, demonstrating clear strategy and vision, capability, and commitment to talent.

JOB SUMMARY:
The Inventory and Planning Manager is responsible for the Planning Team and oversees the coordination of inbound raw materials, planning and scheduling production, chairing the production meeting and coordinating the movement and replenishment of finished goods across the Wakefield Network. The Manager is responsible for managing, leading and implementing supply and inventory planning initiatives to improve inventory availability, customer service levels and balance investment and costs.  The Manager, Inventory & Planning works closely with Demand Planning, Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, Transportation and Regional Supply Chain Managers to provide a bridge between revenue focused departments and the operations side of the business to ensure initiatives are prioritized to achieve the company’s objectives.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Execute the demand plan for a rolling 12 month period (by SKU, per week/per month)
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of purchase orders, work orders and stock transfer orders
• Manage the process of analyzing sales history, future promotional activity and exceptions in order to create a forecast that is the foundation of our purchasing and production plans
• Identify and communicate resources required to satisfy future national distribution demands
• Support Regional Supply Chain Managers in their goal of supporting sales throughout the network by enabling creation and movement of inventory throughout the Wakefield network
• Work closely with the Procurement Manager and Manufacturing Manager to ensure end to end Supply Chain activities operate in a cost-effective and efficient manner to meet customer and capital optimization needs
• Develop / enhance inventory KPI’s and inventory performance reporting
• Assist in preparing budgets and forecasts
• Drive continuous improvement in raw materials and finished goods inventory management
• Coordinate, maintain, and execute physical inventories with timely accurate inventory reconciliation
• Partner with Marketing and Procurement Manager in seamless implementation of new products into Canadian marketplace.
• Evaluate and implement a robust and rigorous A-B-C Cycle Count program to ensure real time system data
• Work with the manufacturing team to optimize the daily production schedule to support sales
• Manage product flow relationship with strategic retailers and other large customers
• Engage in asset optimization analysis on a regular basis, provide and steer recommendations through the business (bulk fluid / bulk tank usage)
• Ensure all operations are consistent with HSSE/ISO policies, procedures, guidelines; participate in continuous evolution of HSSE/ISO initiatives to address changes in environment and regulatory requirements
• Participation in special projects as required.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Strong analytical abilities to diagnose complex organizational issues and recommend actions to improve organizational effectiveness
• Must possess sound interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to project a positive image to both internal and external clients
• Leadership experience with the ability to mentor, coach and develop others
• Proactive in identifying trends or problems prior to their occurrence, recommending solutions, and then implementing recommendations
• Ability to work in a fast paced, high-pressure environment
• Can multi-task efficiently and function in a dynamic environment with changing priorities
• Analytical thinker with strong communication skills to present to all levels of the organization
• Ability to understand business operations and demonstrate value through partnerships within the organization

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• University degree in Business with specialization in Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline
• Supply Chain Designation Preferred - Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or an equivalent designation
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar inventory management role and a minimum of 2 years’ management or supervisory experience
• Experience coordinating and facilitating production
• Manufacturing industry experience preferred
• Strong ERP and Data management skills. Experience with Microsoft Dynamics would be an asset
• Well versed and comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite with strong Excel skills

DIRECT MANAGERIAL/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for the supervision, evaluation and development of their team
• Provide direction, coaching, mentoring, training and work flow supervision to department members
• Create an environment that encourages personal and career development

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Office environment
• Warehouse and Manufacturing site