Supply Chain Planner

As a Supply Chain Planner at Forge Biologics, your primary responsibilities include reviewing and generating crucial business documents like production schedules and purchase orders to ensure optimal resource planning. You'll also maintain Master Data related to materials and lead times, monitor inventory levels to optimize costs, and forecast material demands while creating supply plans to guarantee a steady availability of resources. Furthermore, you will collaborate with multiple internal departments to align operational strategies, collect data for KPI reports, and implement continuous improvement processes to enhance overall efficiency.

To be considered for the Supply Chain Planner position at Forge Biologics, candidates typically need a Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or a related field, alongside a minimum of 3 years of experience in scheduling, demand planning, or material planning. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in planning systems (like Smartsheets and PowerBI), and a knack for collaborating across various internal teams are essential for thriving in this role.

Forge Biologics is dedicated to nurturing its Supply Chain Planner team by providing a collaborative environment where creativity thrives. Team members enjoy access to professional development resources, including LinkedIn Learning and mentorship opportunities, enabling them to enhance their skills. Additionally, Forge prioritizes employee well-being with comprehensive health benefits, flexible PTO, and a supportive workplace culture that encourages open communication and feedback.

In the role of Supply Chain Planner at Forge Biologics, you will work with various software tools to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. Key tools include Smartsheets for project management, InFlow for inventory control, and PowerBI for data analytics and reporting. Furthermore, you may also utilize Excel and NetSuite for day-to-day tasks, requiring you to be comfortable with data extraction and analysis to ensure real-time accuracy in planning efforts.

The work environment for Supply Chain Planners at Forge Biologics is a blend of both a typical office setting and a warehouse space. Here, you'll find a collaborative atmosphere where you're encouraged to engage with team members across departments. While the noise level is generally moderate, the role requires physical activity, including moving materials and operating equipment, which adds a dynamic element to the daily routine.

When responding to this question, highlight specific projects where you successfully forecasted demand, managed resources, and collaborated with cross-functional teams. Use quantitative results to back up your accomplishments, illustrating how your efforts positively impacted the organization’s efficiency.

Your answer should demonstrate your understanding of key inventory management concepts. Discuss your methods for monitoring stock levels, optimizing storage, and ensuring that production schedules are met without overstocking. Mention any tools or software you’ve used to track inventory effectively.

Discuss your experience implementing continuous improvement initiatives in your previous roles. Share specific strategies you've employed, whether they were software enhancements, streamlined processes, or team collaborations that led to significant efficiency gains in supply chain operations.

Emphasize your attention to detail and experience in working with data reporting tools. Describe your methodology for extracting and validating data in systems like PowerBI, ensuring stakeholders receive accurate and timely reports to inform decision-making.

Share a specific situation where you worked with teams from different departments, such as Sales or Finance, to align supply chain objectives with broader organizational goals. Highlight any challenges faced and how your collaboration led to success.

Discuss your experience in creating and maintaining Master Data in relation to inventory and production processes. Elaborate on the importance of accurate Master Data management in supply chain efficiency and how you have implemented best practices for data accuracy.

Explain your approach to prioritization, such as using time management techniques or project management tools, to ensure that critical tasks are completed on time. Mention how you balance short-term demands with long-term strategic goals.

Highlight key performance indicators (KPIs) that you track, such as inventory turnover rates, lead times, and order fulfillment rates. Discuss how these metrics help you assess supply chain performance and identify areas for improvement.

Share your strategies for risk management and contingency planning in the face of supply chain disruptions. Describe a situation where you successfully navigated a challenge and minimized its impact through proactive communication and quick decision-making.

Use this opportunity to express your enthusiasm for Forge's mission in gene therapy. Mention how your values align with their patient-first approach, the innovative culture at Forge, and how you see your expertise contributing to their goals in advancing healthcare.