Supply Planning Transformation Specialist

Job Title: Supply Planning Transformation Specialist Job Description The Supply Planning Transformation Specialist plays a key role within the Digital Strategy Team, contributing to a Future Focused Planning program that transforms supply planning across manufacturing sites. This role serves as the dedicated site transformation resource, guiding each assigned site through the full transition to a new Target Operating Model, ensuring sustainable adoption of new processes, tools, and ways of working. The specialist bridges the gap between central transformation strategy and site-level execution by translating strategic objectives into practical outcomes that enhance supply planning performance and long-term operational excellence. Responsibilities Own the end-to-end deployment of the Future Focused Planning program at assigned manufacturing sites, from initial assessment through full implementation and stabilization. Partner closely with site leadership and supply planning teams to drive adoption of the new Target Operating Model and ensure alignment with broader digital and supply chain strategies. Conduct detailed site readiness assessments to evaluate current capabilities, processes, and tools, and identify gaps against the target state operating model. Develop and execute site-specific deployment plans, including change management strategies tailored to each manufacturing site’s needs and maturity level. Design, deliver, and continuously refine training and capability-building sessions for site supply planning teams transitioning to new processes, tools, and ways of working. Track and report site progress against deployment milestones and key performance indicators, providing regular updates and insights to the central Deployment Lead. Identify, monitor, and escalate risks and issues in a timely manner, and collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement mitigation plans. Embed new processes, tools, and ways of working at the site level to ensure lasting change and sustainable adherence to the Target Operating Model. Capture, document, and share site-level learnings, best practices, and improvement opportunities to support continuous enhancement of the overall deployment approach. Ensure each site is fully prepared for post-deployment sustainability, including ownership of new processes, ongoing performance monitoring, and continuous improvement activities. Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, global supply chain, procurement, planning, and purchasing teams to ensure integrated and cohesive transformation outcomes. Support the transfer and integration of programs from acquired entities into the new planning framework, ensuring consistency and alignment with the Future Focused Planning program. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. 5–8 years of experience in supply planning, demand planning, or S&OP within a manufacturing environment at a sr or manager level, ideally within large pharmaceutical organizations. Proven experience working in big pharma, medical device, or healthcare sectors, with pharmaceutical experience strongly prioritized. Hands-on experience with SAP and advanced planning tools such as Blue Yonder/JDA or equivalent, with at least working-level knowledge and preferably expert-level hands-on proficiency. Demonstrated experience leading or contributing to supply chain transformation initiatives or Target Operating Model deployments, including site readiness assessments, gap analysis, and deployment planning. Experience designing and delivering facilitation, training, and capability-building programs for supply planning teams adopting new operating models. Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across manufacturing and global supply chain functions and influence without formal authority. Analytical mindset with the ability to identify gaps, interpret data, and drive pragmatic, actionable solutions in complex supply chain environments. Comfort working independently at the site level with minimal supervision, taking ownership of deployment activities and outcomes. Supply planning and transformation experience within manufacturing environments, including direct exposure to planning processes on the shop floor. Additional Skills & Qualifications Master's degree or professional specialization in Supply Chain or Operations is preferred. Experience working in matrix organizations, effectively guiding and motivating non-direct reports through change. Experience involving procurement, planning, and purchasing functions in addition to core supply chain responsibilities. Change management knowledge or certification is desirable and beneficial for driving sustainable transformation. Experience with demand planning processes in manufacturing and pharmaceutical environments. Exposure to integration of programs and processes following acquisitions, particularly in complex global supply chains. Work Environment This is a fixed-term contract role for approximately 24 months, operating primarily on a remote basis. The position follows a Monday through Friday schedule aligned to Pacific Time. The role involves regular travel to assigned manufacturing sites, primarily those associated with acquired operations, with an estimated travel requirement of approximately 15–35% of working time depending on deployment phase and site needs. The work environment is highly collaborative and cross-functional, engaging with digital strategy, manufacturing, global supply chain, procurement, planning, and purchasing teams. You will work extensively with enterprise technologies such as SAP and advanced planning tools including Blue Yonder/JDA or equivalent systems. The culture emphasizes innovation in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, continuous improvement, and a strong focus on delivering advanced medicines and therapies across therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and aesthetics. The environment supports professional growth through exposure to large-scale transformation initiatives, complex global supply chains, and modern planning methodologies in a dynamic, future-focused setting. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of North Chicago, IL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $60.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully remote position. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 10, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. 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