Asst. CS & Planning Manager - UI Anz

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Asst. CS & Planning Manager - UI Anz Company: Unilever Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Job Type: Full-Time Category: Supply Chain Operations / Revenue Operations Date Posted: 2025-10-24 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the overall supply planning function for SEAA countries, managing an approximate 10M EU GSV (Gross Sales Value).
• Act as a key Customer Service liaison and Business Partner for SEAA markets, supporting approximately 70M EU GSV.
• Drive operational excellence in supply planning, capacity interlocking, sourcing network optimization, and inventory management.
• Oversee customer service operations, including Order to Cash (OTC) processes, claims, order fulfillment, and documentation.
• Implement and manage performance metrics to ensure the effectiveness of the supply planning and customer service functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title suggests an "Assistant Manager" role, the responsibilities outlined, including leading functions, managing significant GSV, and handling complex processes like sourcing network optimization, indicate a role with substantial autonomy and strategic input, often aligned with a Manager or Senior Manager level in other organizations. The experience requirement of 4-5 years further supports this. The "UI Anz" likely refers to Unilever's internal business unit or region.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Operational Supply Planning:
  • Periodically liaise with sourcing units to review and align supply plans with confirmed customer orders.
  • Consolidate supply plans from all sourcing units, ensuring timely distribution to the customer service team.
  • Proactively identify and communicate short-term capacity issues to the business, developing contingency plans by sourcing from alternate units.
  • Conduct Loss Tree Analysis for all non-supplied orders to identify root causes (e.g., forecast, capacity, material issues).
  • Lead KPI reviews with sourcing units, focusing on service levels, supply plan compliance, and loss reasons.
  • Provide supply plans and potential capacity constraints to demand planners for risk assessment within the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) cycle.
  • Monitor and lead offshore supply planning operations, ensuring adherence to global standards and efficiency.
• Capacity Interlocking & Business Growth Support:
  • Interlock 0-24 months capacity plans (medium-term) with sourcing units and cluster product supply chains based on S&OP forecasts.
  • Interlock 2-5 years capacity plans (long-term) with the Global Supply Chain team.
  • Identify Unilever internal (UI) driven Capital Expenditure (CapEx) requirements based on discussions with Global Supply Chain, feeding back to UI business and finance teams for evaluation.
• Sourcing Network Optimization:
  • Collaborate with the global supply chain team to sign off on the UI sourcing strategy.
  • Work with UI finance and Global Supply Chain teams to identify opportunities for sourcing network optimization based on predefined criteria (service, cost).
  • Drive supply chain cost reduction initiatives through strategic sourcing network optimization.
• Inventory Planning & Management:
  • Define planning strategies at a 'Customer–Sourcing Unit–SKU' level, considering forecast accuracy and service level criteria (Make to Forecast vs. Make to Order).
  • Establish clear stock-holding principles for Make to Forecast SKUs, categorizing stock into safety stock, cycle stock, and buffer.
  • Define stock replenishment guidelines and ordering frequencies for each sourcing unit based on planning cycles.
  • Monitor Days On Hand (DOH) against targets and identify areas for improvement.
  • Manage Slow-Moving and Obsolete (SLOB) stock by highlighting issues to the business for timely disposal actions.
• Performance Management & Service Strategy:
  • Define and measure key performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of the supply planning function.
  • Support the design of segmented supply chain strategies for optimal service delivery.
  • Clearly define service strategies by vertical for the overall UI business, differentiating between Make to Order (MTO) and Make to Forecast (MTF) based on customer-SKU combinations and appropriate stock locations.
• Customer Service Operations & Order to Cash (OTC) Management:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for customers regarding all supply chain requirements.
  • Lead the Order to Deliver process for assigned customer groups, ensuring cost-effective and timely fulfillment of customer needs.
  • Drive the achievement of Customer Service KPIs, including high fill rates and on-time deliveries, and reduce losses within the OTC cycle.
  • Lead digitization and capability initiatives to enhance customer service operations.
  • Partner with Business Development Managers and customers to resolve supply issues and servicing concerns (dispatch plans, invoicing, claims, documentation, pre-payment processes).
  • Monitor and improve fill rates for key customers through Loss Tree analysis.
  • Collaborate with the Capabilities team on system/tool improvement projects.
  • Manage the setup of new lanes for UAPL (Unilever Asia Pacific) sourced product ranges and transacting businesses for Unilever sourced products, coordinating progress and driving efficiencies for fast operationalization.
  • Provide inputs for customer and order prioritization during supply constraints, and manage exceptional and less-than-lead-time orders as per business strategy.
  • Review orders against the supply plan, proactively communicating potential issues to customers and connecting with planning teams for resolution.
  • Handle all supply chain-related claims, returns, and refusals, leading investigation and closure of cases.
  • Review invoices for approval.
  • Work with customers to ensure accurate order release to the planning team within agreed timelines.
  • Provide timely feedback and updates to customer queries, circulate reports, and conduct regular review meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic supply chain planning and tactical customer service execution. The role requires a strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes, from demand forecasting and capacity planning to order fulfillment and claims management. The emphasis on "digitization and capabilities relating to improving Customer Service" suggests a mandate for process innovation and technology adoption.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Essential: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Supply Chain Management.
• Preferred: APICS certification.

Experience:

• Essential:
  • 4 to 5 years of experience in Supply Chain, with at least 3 years specifically in Supply Planning.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong analytical skills and robust interpersonal skills.
  • Pro-active communication skills and demonstrated ability to manage customer interactions effectively.
  • Customer-centric mindset with strong influencing skills to drive change and process improvement.
  • Ability to organize, structure, and manage business partners within a rapidly growing business.

Required Skills:

• Supply Planning: Deep understanding of operational supply planning principles, capacity interlocking, and inventory management strategies.
• Customer Service Operations: Expertise in managing Order to Cash (OTC) processes, including order management, claims, and dispute resolution.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Strong capability in data analysis, Loss Tree analysis, and identifying root causes for supply chain disruptions.
• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to collaborate with and influence internal teams (sourcing units, global supply chain, finance, business development) and external partners (customers).
• Process Improvement: Demonstrated experience in identifying inefficiencies and driving improvements in supply chain and customer service processes, including leveraging digitization.

Preferred Skills:

• S&OP Expertise: Familiarity with Sales & Operations Planning cycles and contributing supply-side insights.
• Inventory Optimization: Experience in defining stock holding principles and managing Days On Hand (DOH) and SLOB stock.
• Network Optimization: Exposure to or experience in sourcing network optimization initiatives.
• APICS Certification: Formal certification in supply chain management, demonstrating foundational knowledge.
• Change Management: Ability to lead and manage change initiatives within a complex organizational structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements emphasize a balance between hands-on supply planning and customer-facing interaction. The "preferred" APICS certification signals a desire for candidates with a recognized standard of supply chain knowledge. The requirement for "influential skills to drive change and process improvement" points to a role that is not just execution-focused but also innovation-driven.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Documented examples of how you identified and resolved supply chain inefficiencies, leading to measurable improvements in service levels, cost reduction, or inventory optimization.
• Performance Metrics & Reporting: Examples of KPIs you have defined and tracked, with demonstrated ability to analyze performance data and drive action plans. This could include sample reports or dashboards you've created or managed.
• System Implementation/Improvement Contributions: Evidence of involvement in projects related to system enhancements or digitization efforts within supply chain or customer service functions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Examples: Demonstrations of how you've successfully partnered with different departments (e.g., sales, finance, manufacturing) to achieve shared supply chain objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Ability to map existing supply chain and customer service workflows, identify bottlenecks, and propose optimized processes.
• Implementation & Automation: Experience in contributing to the implementation of new processes or automation solutions, detailing the steps taken and outcomes.
• Measurement & Analysis: Skills in defining metrics for new processes, establishing monitoring mechanisms, and analyzing performance data to ensure continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a portfolio requirement, the responsibilities strongly imply that candidates will need to demonstrate their experience in process improvement, data analysis, and stakeholder management. A portfolio showcasing such achievements would significantly strengthen an application.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: ₩40,000,000 - ₩70,000,000 VND per year (approximately $1,600 - $2,800 USD per month).
• Explanation: This estimate is based on market research for mid-senior level Supply Chain and Operations roles in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, considering the required experience (4-5 years) and the scope of responsibilities (managing significant GSV, leading planning functions). Unilever, as a large multinational corporation, typically offers competitive compensation packages.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for employees and potentially dependents.
• Paid Time Off: Annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays as per Vietnamese labor law.
• Performance Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses based on individual and company performance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and potential APICS certification support.
• Employee Assistance Programs: Support services for employees' well-being.
• Global Mobility Opportunities: Potential for career advancement within Unilever's global network.
• Employee Discounts: Discounts on Unilever products.

Working Hours:

• Standard: Approximately 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday.
• Flexibility: While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility for urgent tasks or collaboration needs outside standard hours, common in fast-paced supply chain environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market data for Ho Chi Minh City and the specified experience level. Actual compensation will depend on Unilever's internal compensation structure, the candidate's specific qualifications, and negotiation. Benefits are typical for multinational corporations operating in Vietnam.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG). Unilever is a global leader in beauty, personal care, home care, nutrition, and ice cream. Company Size: Large Enterprise (10,000+ employees globally). Unilever is one of the world's largest consumer goods companies, with a significant presence in over 190 countries. Founded: 1929 (through the merger of Lever Brothers and Margarine Unie). Unilever has a long history of innovation and market leadership.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The role sits within the Supply Chain function, likely reporting to a Supply Chain Manager or Director overseeing SEAA operations.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role requires extensive collaboration with demand planning, logistics, procurement, finance, sales, marketing, and global supply chain teams.
• Reporting Hierarchy: The role involves leading offshore supply planning operations, indicating a direct or indirect management of offshore teams and a responsibility to report upwards on performance and strategic initiatives.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Unilever emphasizes using data and analytics to drive planning, performance management, and strategic decisions.
• Process Optimization: A continuous focus on improving efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and service levels across the supply chain.
• Customer Centricity: A core value is understanding and meeting consumer needs, which extends to customer service operations.
• Global Best Practices: Adoption and adaptation of global supply chain strategies and technologies.

Company Website: https://www.unilever.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Unilever's culture is characterized by a commitment to sustainability, diversity, and "purpose-led" growth. For operations professionals, this translates to working within a structured, globally aligned framework that values efficiency, innovation, and ethical business practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step for a supply chain professional, moving beyond pure execution to strategic planning and stakeholder management. It's a mid-to-senior level position with direct impact on business performance and customer satisfaction. Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Supply Chain Manager or Director for the SEAA region. It also involves leading offshore teams and close collaboration with various business functions, providing exposure to senior leadership and diverse operational areas. Operations Impact: The role directly impacts Unilever's top-line growth (GSV) through ensuring product availability and customer satisfaction, and contributes to bottom-line performance through efficient inventory management, sourcing network optimization, and cost reduction initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Supply Chain Leadership: Potential progression to Senior Supply Chain Manager, Regional Supply Chain Director, or specialized roles in areas like S&OP, Logistics, or Procurement.
• Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to move into broader commercial roles, business development, or finance within Unilever's FMCG portfolio.
• Global Exposure: Unilever's global footprint offers chances for international assignments or roles with global strategic responsibilities.
• Skill Development: Continued learning in areas like advanced analytics, digitization, sustainability in supply chains, and leadership through Unilever's extensive training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a key contributor within a complex regional supply chain, offering a solid platform for career advancement within a major multinational. The emphasis on both planning strategy and customer service execution provides a well-rounded development path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and is an on-site position within a Unilever office. This environment typically fosters collaboration and provides access to necessary infrastructure. Office Location(s): Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This location offers access to a vibrant business hub and a growing economy. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic office setting where teamwork and communication are essential for managing cross-functional operations.
• Tools & Technology: Access to Unilever's global IT infrastructure, including ERP systems, planning software, and communication tools.
• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with local and regional supply chain teams, as well as business partners across sales, marketing, and finance.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily Monday to Friday, adhering to standard business hours. However, given the global nature of supply chain operations and the fast-paced FMCG industry, there might be occasional requirements for work outside standard hours to manage urgent issues or critical planning cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role emphasizes the importance of real-time collaboration, team presence, and direct engagement with colleagues and potentially suppliers/customers in the region.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter review of application and resume for essential qualifications.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on experience, role understanding, and operational approach. Expect questions on supply planning methodology, inventory management, and customer service philosophy.
• Case Study/Presentation: A common Unilever practice. Candidates may be asked to analyze a supply chain scenario, develop a plan, or present a past project demonstrating their skills in problem-solving, strategy, and communication.
• Cross-Functional Interview(s): Interviews with key stakeholders from sales, demand planning, or finance to assess collaboration skills and business acumen.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project or responsibility, clearly state the problem, your solution, and the quantifiable results (e.g., "Reduced DOH by 15%", "Improved fill rate by 5%", "Achieved 3% cost savings through network optimization").
• Process Focus: Highlight your ability to map, analyze, and optimize processes. Use flowcharts or diagrams if helpful.
• Tool Proficiency: Briefly mention the systems and tools you've used (e.g., SAP, advanced Excel, specific planning software) and your level of expertise.
• Stakeholder Management: Provide specific examples of how you navigated complex stakeholder relationships to achieve objectives.
• Customer Service Impact: Clearly link your actions to improved customer satisfaction, loyalty, or business growth.

Challenge Preparation:

• Supply Chain Simulation: Be prepared for scenarios involving demand fluctuations, supply disruptions, or inventory imbalances. Practice formulating contingency plans.
• Data Analysis Exercise: Expect questions requiring you to interpret data (e.g., sales trends, inventory levels, lead times) and recommend actions.
• Process Improvement Proposal: Think about a common supply chain process (e.g., order fulfillment, stock replenishment) and be ready to propose improvements, considering cost, efficiency, and service.
• Presentation Skills: Practice clearly and concisely presenting your findings and recommendations, anticipating questions from a business perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: Unilever often employs a structured interview process that includes behavioral questions and practical assessments. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates tangible results and a clear understanding of supply chain dynamics will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• ERP Systems: Experience with large-scale ERP systems like SAP (common in large multinationals like Unilever) is highly valuable for managing inventory, orders, and supply plans.
• Advanced Excel: Proficiency is essential for data analysis, scenario modeling, and report generation. This includes complex formulas, pivot tables, and potentially VBA scripting.
• Planning Software: Familiarity with specialized supply chain planning (SCP) tools or Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) systems used for demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and capacity planning.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience with BI platforms like Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView for creating dashboards and visualizing performance metrics.
• Data Analysis Tools: Skills in statistical analysis software or libraries (e.g., R, Python with Pandas) may be beneficial for deeper insights.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not the primary focus, understanding how CRM data (customer orders, forecasts) feeds into supply chain planning is important.
• Order Management Systems (OMS): Experience with systems that manage the order lifecycle from placement to fulfillment.
• Process Automation Tools: Familiarity with any workflow automation or Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tools used to streamline repetitive tasks within the OTC or planning processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in SAP and advanced Excel is likely a baseline expectation. Experience with dedicated supply chain planning software and BI tools will differentiate candidates.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Care Deeply: Demonstrates genuine concern for consumers, colleagues, and the planet. In operations, this translates to ensuring product quality, employee safety, and sustainable practices.
• Stay Three Steps Ahead: Encourages bold thinking, curiosity, and anticipating future needs. Operations professionals are expected to be proactive in identifying risks and opportunities.
• Deliver with Excellence: Emphasizes high standards, pace, personal ownership, and accountability. Operations teams are driven by execution quality and pride in delivering results.
• Focus on What Counts: Ruthless prioritization of key goals and impact. Operations professionals need to identify critical tasks and allocate resources effectively.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Unilever's culture strongly promotes breaking down silos. Operations teams must work seamlessly with sales, marketing, finance, and other supply chain functions.
• Open Communication: Open dialogue, constructive feedback, and transparency are encouraged to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement.
• Global & Local Alignment: Balancing global strategy with local market needs and operational realities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Unilever's "Standards of Leadership" behaviors are deeply embedded in its culture and are key to how employees are expected to operate and advance. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these values in their work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complexity: Overseeing supply planning and customer service for multiple SEAA countries with diverse market dynamics, regulatory environments, and consumer preferences.
• Balancing Demand & Supply: Effectively managing demand volatility and supply constraints to meet service level targets while optimizing inventory and costs.
• Driving Digitization: Leading and championing the adoption of new technologies and digital solutions within supply chain and customer service operations to enhance efficiency and customer experience.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating diverse priorities and perspectives among various internal and external stakeholders to achieve consensus and drive initiatives forward.
• Continuous Improvement: Maintaining a proactive approach to identifying and implementing process enhancements in a fast-paced FMCG environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Supply Chain Specialization: Deepening expertise in advanced planning techniques, inventory management strategies, and network design.
• Leadership Development: Access to Unilever's comprehensive leadership training programs, focusing on strategic thinking, change management, and people development.
• Industry Certifications: Potential for support in obtaining or maintaining certifications like APICS (CPIM, CSCP).
• Cross-Cultural Experience: Gaining valuable experience working with diverse teams and markets across the SEAA region.
• Exposure to Global Best Practices: Learning from and contributing to Unilever's global supply chain initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a role operating at the intersection of strategic planning and operational execution in a global FMCG company. The growth opportunities are substantial, leveraging Unilever's scale and commitment to employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between customer service levels and cost optimization. How did you resolve it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your decision-making process, stakeholder management, and measurable results.)
• "How would you approach optimizing inventory for a portfolio of SKUs with varying demand patterns and lead times in the SEAA region?" (Demonstrate your understanding of inventory strategies, planning parameters, and analytical approach.)
• "Outline a strategy for improving fill rates for key customers in a complex supply chain environment. What data would you use, and what steps would you take?" (Showcase your analytical skills, problem-solving methodology, and customer-centric approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Unilever's 'Standards of Leadership' (Care Deeply, Stay Three Steps Ahead, Deliver with Excellence, Focus on What Counts) align with your own work philosophy?" (Prepare specific examples for each behavior.)
• "Describe your experience working in a diverse, multinational environment. How do you adapt your communication and collaboration style for different cultural contexts?" (Highlight your intercultural competence and adaptability.)
• "What do you see as the biggest opportunities for digitization and process improvement within a supply chain like Unilever's?" (Show your forward-thinking perspective and understanding of industry trends.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• STAR Method: Structure your portfolio examples using the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method for clarity and impact.
• Visual Aids: If presenting digitally, use clear, concise slides with relevant data visualizations (charts, graphs) to support your points. Avoid text-heavy slides.
• Focus on Impact: For each example, emphasize the business impact – cost savings, service level improvements, efficiency gains, revenue impact. Quantify whenever possible.
• Tailor to Unilever: Research Unilever's current strategic priorities (e.g., sustainability, digital transformation) and try to connect your experiences to these areas.
• Be Prepared for Follow-up: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodologies, the challenges you faced, and what you would do differently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews at Unilever often assess not only technical skills but also cultural fit and leadership potential. Demonstrating a proactive, data-driven, and customer-focused approach, aligned with their core values, will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Unilever careers portal via the provided URL.
• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience in supply planning, customer service operations, stakeholder management, and process improvement, using keywords from the job description (e.g., "Operational Supply Planning," "Order to Cash," "Capacity Interlocking," "Loss Tree Analysis").
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather 2-3 key projects or experiences that best showcase your achievements in supply chain planning, customer service improvements, or process optimization. Focus on quantifiable results and be ready to discuss them using the STAR method.
• Research Unilever: Understand Unilever's brands, its commitment to sustainability, and its recent business initiatives to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.
• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare answers for common behavioral and situational questions, focusing on demonstrating Unilever's Standards of Leadership and your operational expertise.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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