Manager II-Global Inventory and Logistics

CRS will only consider candidates who are based in countries where we have existing offices. CRS does not sponsor visas for telecommuting employees.

About CRS:

Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serve those in need.

Manager of Global Inventory and Logistics

CRS is seeking an experienced supply chain professional to be the Manager of Global Inventory and Logistics. S/he is responsible for the global oversight of CRS’ inventory and logistics operations which includes: 1) identifying and reviewing systems and tools to ensure alignment of business and system processes, including identifying gaps and opportunities for optimization, 2) developing and advancing best practices, policies, procedures, guidance, and tools for inventory and logistics management aspects of supply chain 3) partnering with key stakeholders to initiate and lead capacity strengthening initiatives, 4) developing, socializing, and monitoring the strategy to optimize inventory and in-country logistics performance, 5) providing technical expertise for improving the efficiency and quality control of all products, including handling, storage, packaging, transport and delivery practices, and 6) development and infusion of inventory and logistics metrics to improve operations and to promote a culture of continuous process improvement. The Manager of Global Inventory and Logistics will focus on process areas that include but are not limited to; warehouse management and operations, inventory and logistics management systems, national transportation, inventory and logistics planning (including dispatch and distribution of goods), and quality control and assurance.

The Manager of Global Inventory & Logistics will form part of an HQ-based team that sits within the Global Supply Chain Management (GSCM) department. This position reports to the Director of International Transportation and Logistics (ITL). This role will have one staff member reporting to it. Given the global nature of CRS’ supply chain, as well as the decentralized nature of our programming, it is important that the manager possess excellent communication and presentation skills with a strong background in relationship building and influencing.

Detailed Responsibilities:

Under the overall leadership of the Director of International Transportation & Logistics, in close collaboration with other GSCM (sub)units, and in consultation with her/his team, s/he will:

Systems Optimization and Metrics

• Lead the annual physical inventory count process and ensure that CPs are properly conducting cycle counts and inventory throughout the year. This includes ensuring the appropriate use of the business system to support these activities.
• Design and lead a continuous improvement strategy for inventory and logistics operations globally. Conduct regular analysis of data to derive insights and to recommend evidence-based actions in support of the strategy.
• Participate in system discussions and projects to improve functionality (i.e., inventory functionality).

Policy and Process Improvement

• In collaboration with the other GSCM Units, engage with regions and country program offices to identify and address global supply chain challenges/constraints and to propose solutions to ensure operational optimization. Set shared objectives with identified stakeholders accordingly.
• Partner with key stakeholders to review and improve global inventory and logistics processes and policies. Ensure coordination and alignment between business and system processes and identify improvements that could impact quality of product and/or storage and delivery.
• Advance best in class sustainable operations at the Agency and design and implement sustainability initiatives that contribute to our climate action and safeguarding objectives.
• Partner with CRS donor engagement staff to participate in review of draft proposal documents to ensure alignment with realities and best practices

Capacity Building

• Within the identified key inventory and logistics steps, identify capacity strengthening needs for CRS country program staff and design, as well as lead capacity strengthening initiatives through facilitation of training and development of learning materials.
• Identify and develop tools and guidance to increase efficiencies within inventory and logistics processes, as well as improved compliance to related policies and best practices.
• Provide subject matter expertise and technical assistance for inventory and logistics-related issues and topics referencing industry best practice, as well as regulatory and internal policy compliance, including in-country logistics, port operations, handling & storage management, quality control and assurance.

General Responsibilities

• Build and lead a team dedicated to developing inventory and logistics metrics and analytical capabilities.
• Act as a representative in relevant internal and industry meetings, conferences, etc.
• Responsible for cross-functional collaboration to drive optimal inventory performance, cost savings, and risk mitigation across the Agency.
• Manage direct report such that they are doing their best to achieve GSCM-ITL objectives.
• Manage consultants hired for objectives support.
• Monitor and reports progress to leadership team, relating to global health of inventory and logistics
• Perform reporting and entry of Oracle/Insight inventory transactions, as needed
• Other duties, as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the supervision of the Inventory and Logistics Specialist.

Personal Attributes:

• Proactive and results-oriented leader with excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, oral and written communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of an organization, actively listen, and understand information presented by people with different communication styles and different points of view.
• Strong relationship skills: track record of leading high performing teams, able to collaborate well with autonomous expert peers, demonstrated capacity to lead by influence.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills resulting in the ability to make sound judgement.
• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics.
• Tact, diplomacy, and calmness, especially when dealing with performance failures and disputes.
• Continuous improvement mindset that relies on performance indicators and data analytics

Key Working Relationships:

INTERNAL (HQ): Other GSCM Sub-Units (Global Procurement, Strategic Technical Assistance and Response (STAR), Systems & Performance), Finance; Audit; All Units in HQ OverOps/Programs, Humanitarian Response Department (HRD), Office of General Counsel, GKIM (IT), and the ERP Project Team.

INTERNAL (Regions/Field): Regional Advisors for SCM, relevant Chiefs of Party; Heads of Operations, Supply Chain/Logistics Managers.

EXTERNAL: Major donors – especially, USG (USAID-BHA and USDA) and GFATM- peer organizations’ SCM leaders, industry suppliers, various logistics service providers (i.e., carriers, transporters, agents).

Required Qualifications:

• 10 plus years of professional experience in humanitarian response operations with a focus on supply chain/logistics management
• A minimum of 5 years of management experience in a supply chain position
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain/Logistics or related field
• Demonstrated working knowledge in inventory and supply chain and current best practices with experience in the movement of food, health and cold-chain products, emergency relief items preferred
• Experience with development of KPIs, including collecting, organizing, analyzing, and reporting on information with accuracy and attention to detail
• Experience in quality management
• Experience in managing integrated air, sea/waterway, and land transport operations
• Willingness and ability to travel overseas up to 20%, including remote and/or difficult operating environments, for assessments and to provide in-person training/assistance to field programs
• Fluency in English
• Working fluency with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Outlook, SharePoint, Power BI or other dashboarding systems required)
• Experience in developing business processes and policies

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS, HLCP, or other related certification or advanced degree a plus
• Experience working with USG or other major donors preferred (e.g., Global Fund)
• Familiarity with relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, as well as understanding of standard contractual terms and conditions to mitigate legal risk
• Experience in large and complex operations
• Working ability in French, Spanish or Arabic
• Demonstrated competency in ERP software applications preferred.
• Working knowledge of statistical and analytical tools

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Integrity
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

What we offer

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, a generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

Note: All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside their home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical examination.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm.

EOE/M/F/D/V – CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (For all US and International positions)