Sr. Manager, Sales & Operations Planning

Job Description

Joining Intuitive Surgical means joining a team dedicated to using technology to benefit patients by improving surgical efficacy and decreasing surgical invasiveness, with patient safety as our highest priority.

Primary Function of Position:

• Responsible for working across multiple functional areas such as product marketing, finance, sales operations, planning, service, purchasing and manufacturing to develop the best manufacturing strategy to meet the company’s quarterly revenue and customer service goals.
• Responsible for all demand planning duties for external and internal demand streams, including estimating future demand, analyzing inventory flow, and developing forecast models for the variety of products in Vision Business Unit.
• Exercise influence to execute to Build Plan and project commitments, through strong working relationship between various internal stakeholders.
• Proactively identify issues and pull resources together across Intuitive worldwide to resolve.
• Develop, maintain and communicate metrics that are aligned with Corporate, Business Unit and team objectives. The successful candidate would be highly analytical, results-oriented, a self-starter and a problem-solver; The successful candidate should also have an in-depth knowledge of advanced mathematical and forecasting policies, along with excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate collaboration with Product Marketing, Finance, Service Organization and others as needed.
• Lead Supply and Demand Planning meetings and monthly reviews for minor plan adjustments, with Executive Management, Marketing, Sales, Finance and Operations in support of the Sales and Operations Planning process.
• Engage with multi-tier and multi-site operations to facilitate supply/demand /capacity assessment in development of a robust build plan
• Support management with risk assessments, alternative plans and mitigation activities.
• Facilitate monthly inventory review with Finance, highlighting E&O and stock-out risks
• Propose and implement solutions to improve demand forecast accuracy, incorporating input from critical stakeholders and ensuring alignment.
• Monitor and report on important changes in sales forecasts, budgets, and business strategies.
• Address demand-related issues in a timely and effective manner. Develop effective forecast models based on industry/business trends and demand patterns, including New Product Introductions and all phases of product lifecycle.
• Establish and achieve departmental goals around planning, forecast accuracy and inventory targets
• Help to mentor, train and develop personnel to meet those needs.
• Create department operating procedures, work instruction and work flows, where unavailable.
• Drive high quality outcomes by carefully analyzing data and information in complex situations.
• Problem solver – Structured/analytical approach to finding optimal and timely solutions to day to day and strategic challenges.

Skill/Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain or other relevant fields, and equivalent 10 years or more industry experience. Master’s degree highly preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a demand planning/forecasting role, with people leadership and Project Management experience.
• Proven Leadership skills engaging with cross functional audience in development of consensus demand plan and build plan
• Strong experience/ knowledge in Forecasting/Planning tools desired
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills (written and verbal) interacting with partners and stakeholders across different time zones ; Ability to make effective presentations to peers and executive management
• Self-starter aptitude towards working in a dynamic, multi-site facility with minimal direct supervision
• Experience in New Product Launch, expanding geographic markets, and end-of-life Product forecasting.
• Knowledge of and experience working with Kanban systems and other Lean manufacturing principles, along with detailed working knowledge of forecast models, ERP material planning logic, and master schedule creation in multiple plants
• Solid understanding of forecast modeling, inventory management practices and procedures.
• Strong mathematical and statistical knowledge.
• Knowledge of SAP, Hyperion, S&OP software solutions, Agile.
• An understanding of Regulatory constraints that impact Medical Devices Products desired.
• Proven ability to hire/mentor highly capable staff
• Domestic and International Travel ~5-10%

Commitment: Must be available to work full-time hours, M-F.

We are an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer.