Job: English-speaking Factory Manager role, location Aachen, Germany or Venray, The Netherlands
Please send CV in English to moyak@microsoft.com

Purpose:

Provide strategic Region Leadership for the Forward and Reverse logistics solution for strategic Microsoft Hardware & Software (HW/SW) products. Establish and drive the network for areas such as Postponement, Consumer Return and Exchange and Returns from MS Partners in the field with supporting parts logistics processes. As the business owner this position is responsible for meeting/exceeding the operational and pricing performance terms established with the selected partner or partners within Germany & the Netherlands. Establishing, meeting and continually improving customer service levels are key to the success of this position. This position will act as the advocate and liaison between the customer operating units and product delivery units within the region.

Responsibilities:

Establish the strategy and direction for MS HW/SW forward and reverse logistics in the region within an established network of partner or partners. The Network will include the following key areas.

• Responsible for all operational aspects of vendor performance.
o Process compliance.
o Process standardization across other regions and products.

• Drive Continuous Contract Manufacturer improvement and development
o Continuous process improvements throughout the supply chain
o Drive and set goals towards mutually beneficial cost reduction initiatives
o Provide technical and operational support to hardware operations as needed
o Determine overall long term capabilities and capacity (related to throughput)

• Drive Continuous Distribution Partner improvement and development
o Continuous process improvements throughout the supply chain
o Drive and set goals towards mutually beneficial cost reduction initiatives
o Provide technical and operational support to hardware operations as needed
• Establish service level and contract compliance guidelines and measurements
o Establish vendor performance management goals and objectives
o Define specific requirements within the statement of work and overall contract framework
o Agree Service Levels with selected vendor

• Management activities
o Main point of contact for all operational aspects regarding Contract manufacturer
o Interface with cost accounting and other areas across Microsoft organization.
o Drive and continuously analyze vendor risk evaluation and management
o Ensure level playing field between vendors during contract negotiations
o Set guidelines for long range departmental budgeting

• Technical Activities
o Participate in all process evaluation design stages as appropriate.
o Responsible for reviews of potential legal or safety issues caused by product failures
o Resolve escalated call center customer or product issues
o Direct “Rapid Review” quality programs in Contract Manufacturer.

• Inventory Accountability
o Direct Contract Manufacturer/Distribution Partner to achieve budgeted inventory goals of consoles and components in process.
o Direct timely returns of In Warranty components to respective vendors for credits
o Ensure credits/replacements are received
o Perform quarterly audit to minimize loss

• Projects
o Manage and/or participate in cross regional projects
o Manage preparation and evaluation of RFI's / RFP's
o Participate in hardware/Process design reviews as needed
o Drive cost reductions as identified in a service processes and framework.
o Analyze and report on failure rates, patterns, paretos and parts costing throughout the supply chain.

• Contract and price negotiation for upcoming contract service term
o Drive contract design with legal/commercial and the other operations centers in conjunction with Hardware operations
o Establish and drive long term pricing strategy
o Drive quarterly management reviews
o Drive Strategic priority setting with the chosen vendor(s)
o Work to establish strong relationship management (communication and advocacy)

Contacts:

The Factory Manager is expected to develop and maintain excellent communication with VPs, GMs, Directors and Managers at Corp., Microsoft Subsidiaries and various HQ locations; work directly with product manufacturers as required.

Qualifications Should Include:

• Strong demonstrated work experience in a high volume Manufacturing, consumer service and repair environment, EMEA distribution, including experience in running operations, facilities, repair lines, P&L responsibility, inventory management, account, project management and customer service.
• A BA/BS degree in business, mathematics, engineering or related field required or equivalent.
• Strong working knowledge of the console game market and/or fast moving consumer goods market place focused on refurbishment and repair.
• Prior management experience required and demonstrated ability to manage/supervise diverse groups and in particular cross regional groups.
• Strong working knowledge of vendor contracts and negotiation principles; vendor selection and RFP processes.
• Strong working knowledge of distribution, and/or supply chain principles
• Demonstrated ability to manage large projects/programs.
• Strong working knowledge of domestic and/or international business practices.
• Strong working knowledge of and ability to interpret complex analysis, budgeting, and business information.
• Ability to translate customer needs into an actionable plan.
• Demonstrated experience in re-engineering efforts and statistical training such as Six Sigma.
• Language skills: English, Dutch/German an advantage.

COMPETENCIES


Conviction and Courage
Decision Making
Drive for Results
Managing Systems and Processes


Transaction & Process Management
Information Management
Vendor Management