External Manufacturing Inventory Analyst

Job Summary:

The External Contract Manufacturer (ECM) Inventory Analyst will develop, maintain, and provide expertise in system and business processes for Consumer and B2B SAP r/3 order fulfillment, inventory control, transportation, flow planning and shipping/receiving functions, related to External Manufacturers (EMs). This includes standard work development and monitoring of adherence to financial policies to ensure compliance, including end user SAP acceptance testing to ensure functionality. Serve as inventory control leader for materials and finished goods owned by Kimberly-Clark located at EMs. Ensure accurate and timely reporting of inventory movements and manage physical inventory counts, including Internal Control audits.

This position will report to the leader of Consumer ECM. The ECM Inventory Analyst provides technical expertise necessary to support External Manufacturing fulfillment, shipping/receiving, flow planning, inventory controls for a set of assigned EMs. Individuals will identify and recommend improvements to processes, along with quantification of financial and operational impacts. Key customers include other Consumer ECM team members, KCP ECM, Planning, Transportation, Logistics, Forecast to Stock COE, Procurement and the External Manufacturers themselves.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain process, tools, and training documentation as business processes and tools evolve. Develop and implement desktop specific documentation for use in position transitions, reference materials, training, and other related knowledge transfer. Create/develop and document standard work for R/3 order fulfillment to include shipping and receiving, flow planning, constraint management and inventory controls with EMs.

• Drive continuous improvement in processes that protect K-C’s assets while outside of K-C control. Strategically partner in cross-functional initiatives to improve current business processes or solve business issues. Identify problems or process gaps and implement corrective action. Provide an External Manufacturing perspective in creating efficient, effective solutions.

• Provide SAP system and process troubleshooting for Forecast to Stock issues at EMs, including receiving, production, shipping, inventory control, material disposition, and invoicing. Proactively resolve end-to-end supply chain issues by engaging internal teams, such as Order-to-Cash, planning, procurement, product supply, and accounts payable.

• Train and coach EM end users, Interns, and new ECM team members on EM processes, SAP system transactions, and the importance of adhering to K-C standards.

• Manage TLC activities for EM new team members and EM end users. Hire in Workday, assign password and request soft/hard tokens, test access and ensure set-up is correct. Ongoing contract extensions or terminations for 300+ end users. Create/implement standard and customized tools and reports.

• Accountable for accuracy of system inventory in Kimberly-Clark ERP system (SAP) at EM locations to help ensure effective inventory related business decisions. Provide inventory control expertise to EMs to ensure KC owned inventory is appropriately managed. Monitor conformance to procedures by auditing inventory transactions to ensure that transactions occur in a timely and accurate manner. Implement corrective action when needed.

• Monitor, identify and inform Planning of write off’s. (Finished Goods is unlimited; Raw Materials is $10,000/material; $50,000 overall; raw material cycle counts is unlimited)

• Manage and facilitate finished goods (annually) and raw material wall to wall inventories at 60 EMs and supervise inventory count teams at EM locations. Reconcile inventory transactions and engage site leadership in issue resolutions and implementation of process improvements.

• Monitor external partner performance through KPIs, addressing performance gaps and driving for improvement. Incumbent expected to identify and direct usage of the appropriate KPI’s and measures of success for external partners to drive the business.

• Develop LEAN capability at a personal and team level to drive continuous improvement in processes and results.

• Escalate significant partner failures when needed with communication to senior leaders.

• Build supplier relationships according to KC procurement strategic classification, participate in and contribute to supplier performance reviews.

General:

• Proactively identify problems and strategically participate in problem solving and/or value stream mapping.

• Utilize deep SME to influence processes, practices and related governance issues.

• Lead small to medium sized projects and manage resources and deliverables.

• Demonstrated skills in SAP systems combined with knowledge of warehouse management systems.

• Perform complex data analytics in support of business activities.

• Clearly and precisely communicate orally and in writing to individuals and groups.

• Efficiently train, guide, and monitor External Manufacturers in the use of K-C’s SAP system.

• Communicate precise innovative Supply Chain and business solutions to customers and team leaders/members.

• Adapt and support the organization through times of change.

• Build strong sustainable business relationships at various levels throughout organization and influence action without authority.

• Ability to precisely and proficiently conduct business and data analyses and data driven recommendations for improvements and advancements.

• Ability to travel and operate and drive motor vehicles for business travel.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree, at least four (4) years of prior related experience, or a combination of education and related experience.

• Proficiency in working in ERP systems such as SAP. Additional proficiency needed in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office products.

• SAP r/3 and Logistics experience, preferably with exposure to Warehouse Management Systems.

• Demonstrated ability to perform in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A broad knowledge of inventory control, production, procurement, and logistics is advantageous. Proficient in data access tools and PC based applications (Windows, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

• Results oriented, strong oral and written communication, analytical, trouble shooting, change management, project and risk management and building relationships.

• Prioritization and time management, resources and team management, active listening, adaptability and interpersonal.

Working Conditions:

• Nature of work is primarily Monday – Friday, but may occasionally require some weekends. Varying working conditions may include prolonged sitting, typing and viewing computer/laptop screens, along with occasional bending, reaching, lifting, carrying, climbing, twisting, stooping, walking and standing.

For Kimberly-Clark to grow and prosper, we must be an inclusive organization that applies the diverse experiences and passions of its team members to brands that make life better for people all around the world. We actively seek to build a workforce that reflects the experiences of our consumers. When you bring your original thinking to Kimberly-Clark, you fuel the continued success of our enterprise. We are a committed equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position.

This position may require a post-offer/pre-hire Physical Abilities Test (PAT) to confirm that individuals are able to perform the essential functions of the job.

K-C requires that an employee have authorization to work in the country in which the role is based. In the event an applicant does not have current work authorization, K-C will determine, in its sole discretion, whether to sponsor an individual for work authorization. However, based on immigration requirements, not all roles are suitable for sponsorship. This position is subject to drug and alcohol testing, including pre-employment testing.