Vice President Supply Chain Operations - Emerging Brands (Bedminster, NJ)

VICE PRESIDENT OF SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS-EMERGING BRANDS -APPLEGATE (BEDMINSTER, NJ)

ABOUT APPLEGATE FARMS  

Founded in 1987, Applegate Farms, LLC produces high-quality natural and organic hot dogs, bacon, sausages, deli meats, cheese and frozen products. Our products are made without GMO ingredients, and we source from farms where animals are treated with care and respect and are allowed to grow at their natural rate, all part of our mission – Changing The Meat We Eat®.

Natural can mean many things, but to Applegate natural means our food is:

• From animals Applegate humanely raised without antibiotics, added hormones or growth promotants
• From animals fed a vegetarian or pasture-centered diet (our beef is 100 percent grass-fed)
• Free of added chemical nitrites, nitrates or phosphates
• Free of artificial ingredients or preservatives

Applegate became a stand-alone subsidiary of Hormel Foods in July 2015.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the general direction of the Emerging Brands President, the Vice President of Supply Chain Operations will develop and manage the strategic vision and execution of the supply chain for finished goods across the Emerging Brands organization. This role encompasses a broad scope due to the complexity of the company's supply chain and the continued high growth of the supported brands. Key responsibilities include developing the manufacturing network to meet current and future business demands, managing the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process, overseeing demand and supply planning, inventory management, cost of goods budgeting, margin enhancement projects, and ensuring logistics and distribution meet fill rate expectations.

• Manufacturing Network Design, Optimization, and Commercialization 
  • Direct the development of network strategy and large-scale, cross-functional projects impacting manufacturing to achieve safety, quality, service, and cost objectives.
  • Drive decisions on internal versus external sourcing for finished goods.
  • Oversee P&L expense lines for manufacturing costs.
  • Manage staff responsible for manufacturer relationships and contract negotiations.
  • Lead the supply chain commercialization process for new and changing products under the NPD process.
  • Ensure adherence to project management activities and timelines for new product development.
• Integrated Business Planning and Inventory Management 
  • Lead the IBP process, product availability, finished goods inventory management, demand management/forecasting, deployment, and supply planning.
  • Develop demand plans with a 24-month rolling forecast to drive supply plans meeting sales and service objectives.
  • Develop inventory and execution strategies to maintain proper inventory/working capital levels, meeting/exceeding fill-rate and overstock goals.
  • Optimize inventory levels, working with raw material procurement, manufacturers, and other stakeholders.
  • Drive SIOPs and MPS processes to ensure cross-functional alignment on needs and outcomes.
• Warehouse Management and Fulfilment Operations 
  • Ensure efficient execution and capacity management with staff handling distribution and logistics at various storage sites (both internal and external).
  • Formulate plans for the storage of finished goods, deciding between internal and external options and determining the number of locations needed.
  • Oversee value-add projects and services at warehouse partners, including the HPP process and repacking.
  • Manage P&L expense lines related to warehousing, distribution, and value-added services.
  • Partner with the Logistics COE to develop and implement a data-driven, scalable logistics strategy.
• End to End Margin Improvement Program Management 
  • Lead cross-functional teams in setting strategic margin improvement platforms and implementation plans to achieve annual cost savings goals.
  • Identify and develop strategic opportunities delivering compound benefits across the value chain.
• Supply Chain Strategy 
  • Collaborate with cross-functional departments and enterprise-wide to create supply chain management strategies that increase efficiency, improve agility, and close operational gaps.
  • Establish supply chain practices ensuring best-in-class customer service, fill rate, and inventory efficiency.
  • Identify risks and opportunities to the business plan and develop contingencies to mitigate risks.
  • Assess potential merger and acquisition opportunities for strategic fit and synergies.
• Miscellaneous Strategic Leadership Duties, Continuous Improvement, Process and System Development 
  • Partner with the leadership team to implement new strategies and ways of working supporting company growth.
  • Drive continuous improvement of demand planning and inventory management processes and systems, emphasizing full utilization of the ERP system and other technologies.
  • Define, evaluate, and manage KPIs and performance management systems.
  • Lead the supply chain team in daily execution and broader strategic approaches.
  • Identify, recruit, develop, and train team members.
  • Encourage effective leadership, accountability, decision-making, collaboration, and innovation.
• Develop and support a strong supply chain organization using contemporary business tools and strong management and collaboration skills.
• Lead/participate in special projects as needed across the broader Hormel enterprise.
• Collaborate with Hormel COE functions on shared supply chain responsibilities to ensure the success of supported brands.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in business, operations, or supply chain. 
• 15 years of progressively responsible experience in manufacturing, logistics, and IBP/S&OP.
• Experience working within an ERP/MRP environment (o9, Oracle, and implementation experience a plus).
• Proven leadership, motivational, and influencing skills with the ability to lead and embrace organizational change.
• Demonstrated experience in inventory, operations, supply planning, demand planning, and IBP/S&OP.
• Ability to manage large, complex projects in a supply chain environment.
• Strong analytical skills and success in delivering significant business benefits through process redesign and streamlining.
• Implement lean practices from a financial assessment perspective.
• Proactive decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to prioritize demands, and multi-task to complete objectives.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Must be a Citizen or National of the United States, a lawful, permanent resident, or have authorization to work in the United States
• Applicants must not now, or any time in the future, require sponsorship for an employment visa.

Preferred

• Masters and/or MBA.
• Experience in a CPG, perishable food environment strongly preferred with a focus on managing external manufacturing partners.

TRAVEL: Up to 20% travel

LOCATION: Bedminster, NJ

BENEFITS: Applegate Farms offers an excellent benefits package. Competitive base salary plus target incentive, annual merit increase performance reviews, medical, dental, vision, profit sharing, 401(k) immediate eligible, stock purchase plan, personal paid time. Relocation Assistance Program to eligible applicants, FREE two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees, and more.

At Applegate, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range.  The base hiring pay range for this role is between $132,800 - $185,900 per year, and your actual base pay within that range will depend upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skill set, level of experience, and geographic market location. 

At Hormel Foods and Applegate we invite difference and diversity in all aspects.  We offer a space of support, understanding, and community.  We are committed to the journey!  Learn more about our progress here: https://www.hormelfoods.com/about/diversity-and-inclusion

Hormel Foods and Applegate are an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Salary : $132,800 - $185,900