Upstream Material Flow Specialist
WFA Digital Insight
As the demand for skilled supply chain professionals continues to rise, with a 25% increase in job openings in the last year, ResMed's Upstream Material Flow Specialist role stands out. This position requires a unique blend of analytical skills, knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, and the ability to lead cross-functional projects. With the global supply chain market projected to reach $30 billion by 2027, companies are looking for experts who can optimize material flow, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their experience in supply chain optimization, as well as their ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and drive results in a fast-paced environment.
Job Description
About the Role
The Upstream Material Flow Specialist role at ResMed is a critical position that requires a deep understanding of global supply chains, material flow, and inventory management. As a key member of the supply chain team, you will be responsible for analyzing and optimizing the company's upstream material flow, partnering with cross-functional teams to identify areas for improvement, and leading projects to implement changes. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supply chain management, a proven track record of success in optimizing material flow, and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.The role will involve working closely with the Procurement, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain Engineering teams to understand current state processes and identify opportunities for improvement. You will apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to design and implement future state solutions, ensuring successful implementation and sustainability of improvements. The ability to collaborate with stakeholders across the organization, influence decision-making, and drive alignment will be essential to success in this role.
What You Will Do
- Analyze and optimize upstream material flow across the global supply network, ensuring alignment with ResMed's operational and strategic business goals
- Conduct end-to-end value stream mapping of material flows from suppliers through inbound logistics to manufacturing, identifying inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and waste
- Apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to improve flow, reduce variability, and eliminate non-value-added activities across the supply chain
- Analyze material flow data, including lead times, inventory levels, demand variability, and supplier performance, to identify improvement opportunities
- Design and implement replenishment strategies, including kanban, min/max, pull systems, and other flow-based methodologies, to optimize inventory and service levels
- Partner with Procurement and Supply Chain teams to align supplier capabilities and ordering strategies with optimized material flow designs
- Develop data models and analytical tools to support decision-making related to inventory positioning, safety stock, and network flow optimization
- Lead cross-functional projects to implement identified improvements, ensuring delivery against defined timelines, scope, and measurable outcomes
- Monitor and track performance of implemented solutions, ensuring sustainability of improvements and continuous optimization
- Standardize best practices, tools, and methodologies for material flow design and replenishment across the global network
- Collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to drive alignment and influence decision-making
- Communicate insights, recommendations, and project outcomes to senior stakeholders, driving business results
What We Are Looking For
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, or a related field
- Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in supply chain, operations, or manufacturing, with a strong focus on material flow, inventory management, or process optimization
- Deep expertise in Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, with demonstrated application in supply chain or manufacturing environments
- Strong experience with value stream mapping and end-to-end process analysis
- Proven experience designing and implementing replenishment strategies, such as kanban, min/max, and pull systems
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data sets and translate insights into actionable improvements
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional projects and delivering measurable results
- Ability to influence stakeholders across Procurement, Engineering, and Operations without direct authority
Nice to Have
- Certification in Lean, Six Sigma (Green Belt, Black Belt), or equivalent
- Experience working in a global supply chain environment
- Experience in medical device, regulated manufacturing, or high-precision production environments
- Familiarity with supply chain planning systems, ERP platforms, and data analytics tools
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to work with a global leader in the medical device industry
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment
- Professional development and growth opportunities
- Flexible working hours and remote work options
- Access to cutting-edge technology and tools
- Comprehensive health and wellness programs
How to Stand Out
- Develop a strong understanding of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, and be prepared to provide examples of how you have applied them in previous roles.
- Showcase your ability to analyze complex data sets and translate insights into actionable improvements, highlighting your experience with tools like Excel.
- Prepare to discuss your experience with value stream mapping and end-to-end process analysis, and how you have used these techniques to drive process improvements.
- Be ready to provide examples of your experience leading cross-functional projects and delivering measurable results, highlighting your ability to collaborate with stakeholders and drive alignment.
- Research ResMed's company culture and values, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's goals and objectives.
- Consider creating a portfolio or case studies that demonstrate your experience and skills in supply chain optimization, and be prepared to discuss these during the interview process.
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