Supply Chain Planning Manager Job Interview - Top Commonly Asked Questions & Answers

Summary

In this video, Jam ha addresses the challenges faced by supply professionals during job interviews, particularly for supply planning and demand planning roles. Jam ha, with decades of experience in supply chain management, offers insights into handling managerial and technical interview questions. The video covers leadership, collaboration, and technical skills, providing real-world examples of implementing new processes, driving cross-functional teams, mastering supply planning software, and collaborating with customers to improve forecasting and inventory management.

Takeaways

• 📊 A LinkedIn poll revealed that 85% of supply professionals find supply planning and demand planning interviews the most challenging.
• 🎥 The speaker, Jam ha, has created a two-part video series addressing these interviews, with the first part focusing on demand planning manager interviews.
• 📈 The second video covers supply planning manager interviews, emphasizing managerial and leadership aspects rather than just technical skills.
• 🌟 Jam ha's extensive experience in supply chain management across various regions provides credibility and practical insights.
• 📝 The STAR method is recommended for structuring answers to behavioral interview questions, with a video provided for further explanation.
• 🛠️ A real-world example is given where Jam ha led the development and implementation of a new supply planning process, improving inventory accuracy and sales.
• 🔄 The importance of cross-functional leadership is highlighted, with an example of how Jam ha improved communication and material flow across departments.
• 💻 Technical proficiency is crucial, and Jam ha shares an experience with implementing supply planning software, Blue Yonder, and training the team.
• 📚 Stock modeling knowledge is discussed, with Jam ha detailing how to implement and train a team on statistical stock modeling techniques.
• 🤝 Customer collaboration is key, and Jam ha provides an example of how to work with retailers to improve forecasting and reduce stockouts.
• 🔍 The video series aims to help supply chain professionals build skills for their job and career that aren't typically taught in college.

Q & A

What was the main reason for conducting the poll on LinkedIn?

The poll was conducted to understand which job interview Supply professionals find the most difficult, with the majority indicating that supply planning and demand planning interviews were the most challenging.

What is the focus of the first part of the video series?

The first part of the video series covers questions that come up in a demand planning manager job interview.

What are the key differences between a supply planning manager job interview and a supply planner job interview?

The supply planning manager job interview focuses more on managerial and leadership skills, while the supply planner job interview is more technical and operational.

What is the STAR format mentioned in the script?

The STAR format is a structured way to respond to behavioral interview questions by describing a Situation, Task, Action taken, and Result achieved.

How did the speaker approach the development and implementation of a new Supply planning process?

The speaker delegated ownership to a diverse team, provided mentorship, fostered collaboration, and presented the proposal to senior management to gain buy-in and ensure alignment with company objectives.

What was the outcome of implementing the new Supply planning process?

The new process led to a reduction in stockouts by 10%, minimized overstock by 5%, achieved a sales growth of about 6%, and improved inventory accuracy and customer satisfaction.

How did the speaker drive cross-functional leadership to ensure a smooth flow of materials?

The speaker spearheaded the creation of a cross-functional team, implemented regular meetings and communication platforms, and established processes for sharing forecasts and adjusting production plans.

What was the result of improving cross-functional collaboration?

The result was an 8% increase in on-time delivery of finished goods, streamlined communication, and a reduction in overstocking or material shortages.

What experience does the speaker have with using Supply planning software?

The speaker has experience with implementing and training a team on Advanced Supply planning software, such as Blue Yonder, to optimize inventory management and forecast accuracy.

How did the speaker ensure the team's effective use of the new Supply planning software?

The speaker prioritized training and development, provided ongoing mentorship, and fostered a collaborative environment for sharing best practices and troubleshooting.

What is the importance of stock modeling in supply planning?

Stock modeling is crucial for determining the right inventory targets, minimizing holding and ordering costs, and ensuring sufficient stock to meet demand during lead times.

How did the speaker implement and train the team on statistical stock modeling?

The speaker familiarized the team with various stock modeling techniques, conducted training sessions, included hands-on exercises, and established a culture of open communication for troubleshooting.

What was the impact of implementing a well-studied stock model?

The implementation led to a 15% reduction in out of stocks during peak seasons, reduced overall inventory holding costs, and improved the team's ability to manage inventory efficiently.

How does the speaker stay informed about changing customer needs and buying patterns?

The speaker collaborates with key retailers, establishes forecasting processes, and incorporates real-time sales data and consumer insights to inform the supply planning process.

What was the result of the collaborative forecasting process with retailers?

The collaborative approach led to a 10% reduction in stockouts at the retailer's stores, increased customer satisfaction, and a 5% increase in sales for the products.