Regional Planning Lead

Regional Planning Lead – MEAI

ABOUT SOLENIS

Solenis is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals focused on partnering with water-intensive operations to solve complex water treatment, process improvement and hygiene challenges with advanced chemical and equipment solutions for consumer, industrial, institutional, food & beverage, and recreational pool and spa water markets.

The product portfolio of Solenis includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives, and cleaners and disinfectants, as well as state-of-the-art monitoring and control systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets, minimize environmental impact, and create cleaner and safer environments.

Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, USA, the company has 69 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of over 16,100 professionals in 130 countries across six continents. Solenis has been recognized as a Best Managed Company for 4 consecutive years and was named as 2024 Best Managed Company Gold Standard Winner.

Role Overview: Regional S&OP and Planning Excellence Leader – MEAI Region

This strategic role is responsible for leading Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) and driving supply chain planning excellence across the Middle East, Africa, and India region. The role focuses on improving forecast accuracy, customer service performance, inventory optimization, cost efficiency, and continuous improvement through advanced planning systems and best-in-class supply chain practices.

Key Accountabilities

S&OP & Planning Excellence

• Lead regional S&OP process across multiple markets and manufacturing plants
• Drive forecast accuracy to minimum 75% through improved planning processes
• Establish and maintain planning best practices aligned with global standards
• Implement and utilize advanced planning systems and tools (Logility)

Service & OTIF Performance

• Achieve and maintain 95% On-Time-In-Full delivery across region
• Lead backorder management, keeping backorders at ≤1% of average monthly net sales
• Drive proactive supply-demand gap management and risk mitigation
• Collaborate cross-functionally to protect customer service levels

Cost Reduction & Quality

• Reduce SMOG (Slow Moving & Obsolete Goods) to below 4% of gross inventory
• Drive 25% year-over-year reduction in Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ)
• Minimize waste through improved planning accuracy and supply-demand matching
• Reduce expedite costs and supply chain firefighting activities

Inventory Efficiency & Working Capital

• Optimize inventory days on hand to not more than 75 days
• Develop and execute annual inventory plans by country and region
• Set inventory policies, safety stock levels, and replenishment parameters
• Drive ABCD classification strategy to balance service and inventory investment, maintaining minimum of 85% of A+B inventory

Analytics & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor and report on planning KPIs with actionable insights
• Lead supply chain improvement projects and system integration efforts
• Own master data management for MEAI supply chain
• Benchmark against industry best practices and drive innovation

Required Experience:

• 10+ years in Planning (demand/material/supply) and S&OP leadership
• Multi-country, multi-business unit environment experience
• Proven track record delivering OTIF improvement, cost reduction, and inventory optimization
• Chemicals or FMCG industry preferred

Technical Capabilities:

• Expert in S&OP process design and implementation
• Advanced planning systems: SAP APO, Logility or similar
• Proficient in SAP/ERP, BI tools (Tableau), MS Office (advanced Excel & PowerPoint)
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with data-driven decision making

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic thinker with ability to integrate vision across functions
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate at all organizational levels
• Customer-centric mindset balancing service excellence with cost discipline
• Strong communication and executive presentation skills
• Matrix organization experience with ability to manage competing priorities
• Natural leader capable of developing high-performing teams

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or related field
• Relevant professional supply chain qualifications - CIPM, IBP, are highly preferred
• MBA preferred

Experience Level

Senior Level