Assistant Supply Chain Manager

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Assistant Supply Chain Manager to lead our demand planning and marketing campaign management efforts in the quick service restaurants industry. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of demand forecasting, supply chain optimisation, and marketing campaign execution across the Malaysia markets. This role is crucial in ensuring efficient operations, optimal inventory management, and successful marketing initiatives to drive business growth. As a growing business, the role requires someone who is adaptable, comfortable with ambiguity, and able to deliver practical solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Demand Planning and Forecasting:

• Manage our key distribution partners to ensure assurance of supply, inventory, and risk management.
• Develop and implement demand forecasting strategies for Malaysia markets across regular trade, promotions, and new store openings.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, operations, and marketing, to gather insights and align on demand projections.
• Monitor and analyse demand patterns, adjusting forecasts as needed to ensure accurate inventory levels and minimise stockouts or overstock situations.
• Support continuous improvement of forecasting tools, templates, and processes.
• Coordinate with 4PL partner to communicate demand forecasts, ensuring timely and efficient supply chain operations.

Supply Chain Management:

• Optimise inventory management processes to achieve a balance between demand fluctuations and inventory holding costs.
• Work closely with logistics and distribution teams to ensure seamless movement of products from suppliers to distribution centres and ultimately to stores.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvement within the supply chain, while maintaining high product quality and availability.
• Assist in managing inventory targets, safety stock levels, and replenishment parameters.
• Review carton configurations, pack sizes, and minimum order quantities to identify efficiency improvements.
• Support freight and logistics cost optimisation initiatives with logistics partners.
• Key point of contact for all outlets for logistics, operations and distribution related matters.

Marketing Campaign Management:

• Collaborate with the marketing team to understand campaign objectives, target audiences, and messaging strategies for Malaysia markets.
• Translate campaign requirements into supply and inventory needs.
• Support campaign execution by ensuring product availability and timely replenishment.
• Analyse campaign outcomes and gather insights to inform future marketing and supply chain strategies.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Foster strong relationships with cross-functional teams including sales, marketing, operations, finance, and suppliers to align strategies and achieve shared business goals.
• Act as a key point of contact for market-specific insights and challenges, providing recommendations to optimise supply chain and marketing strategies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus.
• Proven experience (6+ years) in supply chain management, demand planning, and marketing campaign execution within the fast food, food and beverage, or related industries.
• Strong analytical skills with expertise in data-driven decision-making.
• Excellent project management and organisational abilities – individual contributor role at this moment, no direct reports but will need to manage distribution centre personnel.
• Proficiency in supply chain software and tools (e.g., ERP systems, demand forecasting software).
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration.
• Familiarity with the Malaysia markets, including cultural nuances and business dynamics.
• Strong written and spoken English proficiency.