Global SM Lead, Optimization & Planning

Basic Function

Primary responsibility is to optimize the global supply & demand, including raw materials for the Styrene Monomer business within the Intermediate and Derivatives business unit. Works with a wide range of functional areas, including marketing, manufacturing, raw material supply, procurement, supply chain, sales and business management. Takes leadership role in engaging with Olefins business to optimize across a shared production site. Leads and improves the monthly S&OP and IBP process for the global SM business Provides analytical support for incremental economic decision making. Dimensions include a portfolio of products and feedstocks with an annual volume of 2800 MM lb and revenue of $1.2Bn. 

• Directly responsible for achieving the economical optimal operation for the business by providing the analytical support and specific operational targets for the global business    
• This person sets the direction for SM planning analysts in other geographies.
• Owner of Business Operational Activity - Coordinate with and facilitate the business, manufacturing, raw material supply and supply chain partners toward optimal plan effectiveness and establishing priorities for improvement.  
• Mentor &/or supervise less experienced analysts and planners (or interns / co-ops) to provide direction and ensure plan alignment.
• Works closely with other global leads to drive LYB economic optimum, ensure clear integration with SM portfolio in overall optimization initiatives
• Single point of contact and trusted advisor for the SM business leadership 
   

Roles & Responsibilities

• Develop, manage and ensure synchronization of the operating plans (production, consumption) and product plans (demand, supply and inventory) used by Manufacturing, Customer Supply Chain, Sales, Raw Material Supply, Business and Marketing to efficiently meet objectives for the assigned business.  
• Manage the monthly S&OP/IBP process for the business to establish the aligned operating plan and oversee the tactical planning process to achieve the plan.
• Develop analytical tools and provide routine analysis meant to optimize and drive improvement in the profitability of the business. 
• Identify key constraints and risks.  Develop and execute contingency plans to effectively manage risk within company tolerance.
• Support real time decision making by performing timely feedstock/product mix and supply/demand evaluations with respect to rapidly changing markets and economics.
• Monitor and evaluate optimal vs plan vs actual performance. Identify value and prioritize opportunities for improvement. Work with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Sales, Raw Material Supply, Business and Marketing to implement.
• Optimize the working capital for the business to meet agreed business performance objectives.
• Monitor and understand performance versus related industry benchmarks and aggressively identify and implement value based decisions to ensure company plans or processes are not disadvantaged relative to the competition / industry averages.   
• Maintain planning databases and develop, utilize and maintain planning models. 
• Lead supply and demand planning meeting for assigned business area(s).

Min. Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required (Chemical Engineering or other technical preferred) with a minimum of 4 years experience in manufacturing, business planning and analysis, supply chain or commercial functions.  MBA  preferred. Supply and demand planning software, SAP, Power BI or Tableau and BW/AO experience preferred.  
• High level of initiative/motivation and be able to influence with strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to deal well with uncertainty and ambiguity; making sound decisions when standards or policies do not exist.
• A broad knowledge of the chemical industry business, manufacturing operations and economics.  
• Critical thinker with strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Function effectively in a team environment and lead complex cross-functional efforts toward (operating) goals. 
• Must apply theoretical concepts and analysis to business issues and generate desired business results.
• Champion the change required to improve optimization systems and resulting changes to business practice.
• Strong spreadsheet modeling skills.

Competencies