Role overview

The ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR (STORE FLOW AND INVENTORY TECHNOLOGY) is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the strategic development, implementation, and continuous optimization of forecasting and replenishment capabilities across FairPrice Group’s retail and supply chain operations.

Reporting directly to the Director of Technology and Innovation, Supply Chain, this role will lead cross-functional teams to drive the adoption and integration of advanced solutions for inventory management, Order optimisation, demand forecasting, and replenishment (F&R) processes. The incumbent will also provide strategic oversight and operational excellence to deliver scalable and high-impact outcomes.

This role requires exceptional leadership skills, a deep domain understanding of supply chain and store retail operations, and the ability to engage with senior leadership across the FairPrice Group to align priorities and deliver value. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with hands-on experience in implementing and managing best-in-class Auto replenishment and Inventory platforms, coupled with strong stakeholder management and communication capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the strategic roadmap for forecasting and replenishment systems, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and supply chain priorities.
• Provide leadership and guidance to teams managing both tracks, fostering collaboration and ensuring delivery excellence.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to in senior leadership across supply chain and FairPrice Group, offering insights and recommendations on the supply chain initiatives.

End to End Solution Implementation & Optimization

• Oversee the evaluation, selection, and end to end implementation of third-party tools such as Blue Yonder, Relex, and other F&R platforms along with ERP systems (SAP).
• Ensure seamless integration of end to end auto replenishment and Inventory solutions with existing supply chain systems, including WMS and POS platforms.
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying and implementing enhancements to forecasting accuracy and replenishment efficiency.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Partner with business stakeholders, including supply chain, Store inventory leadership, category management, IT, and store operations, to define requirements and ensure alignment.
• Act as a key liaison between technical teams, business units, and senior leadership to facilitate clear communication and alignment on priorities.
• Resolve dependencies and roadblocks, ensuring that initiatives are delivered on time and within scope.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of product managers, engineers, and consultants working on forecasting and replenishment initiatives.
• Cultivate a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning within the team.
• Align team goals with organizational objectives, fostering accountability and performance excellence.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent the technology and innovation function in senior leadership forums, providing updates, insights, and recommendations on Auto Replenishment and inventory initiatives.
• Effectively communicate complex technical concepts in business-friendly language to drive stakeholder alignment and buy-in.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across supply chain and FairPrice Group leadership.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the success of forecasting and replenishment initiatives.
• Prepare and present regular reports to senior leadership, highlighting progress, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in supply chain, demand forecasting, replenishment, or related functions, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven expertise in implementing and managing third-party auto replenishment and inventory platforms such as SAP, Blue Yonder, Relex, Oracle RPAS, o9, or Anaplan.
• Strong domain understanding of supply chain operations, including order management and optimisation, category dynamics, inventory management, and replenishment processes.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and senior leadership to align priorities and deliver results.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to present complex ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated success in leading large-scale implementations and driving organizational change.
• Solid knowledge of AI/ML principles as they apply to forecasting, with the ability to guide their application in retail and supply chain contexts.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to identify opportunities and drive innovation.

You would be a great fit if…

• You are a seasoned leader with a proven track record of driving impactful outcomes in supply chain technology.
• You excel at balancing strategic vision with operational execution, ensuring that initiatives deliver measurable value.
• You thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and are skilled at managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• You are a strong communicator who can engage with stakeholders at all levels, from technical teams to C-suite leadership.
• You have a passion for leveraging technology to transform forecasting and replenishment processes and improve customer experiences.
• You are committed to developing and empowering your team, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.