Principal Global Distribution Specialist

Overview:
Waters Corporation is currently seeking a Principal Global Distribution Specialist to join our Global Distribution and Fulfilment (GDF) organization. This is an exciting opportunity with a global scope to make an impact at the enterprise level by designing and maintaining a global distribution network to reduce cost, increase flexibility, and support future business growth. The role will drive the usage of data and systems in the optimization of flows, modes and nodes within our global distribution network, and influence Waters' strategies.

This is a critical and visible role that will enable and support the multi-year Global Supply Chain roadmap by strategizing and delivering innovative solutions, identifying efficiency opportunities, driving continuous improvement and delivering service excellence for our customers.

**Responsibilities**:

- Play a key role in developing and refining the Waters distribution strategy based on changing business needs to meet targeted objectives for cost, customer service and inventory.
- Determine the optimal flow of product from sources into, and within, the distribution network and to customers.
- Lead continuous improvement Kaizens with cross functional team leveraging Lean tools and methodologies.
- Collaborate with Planning on increasing visibility on product availability and optimizing inventory throughout the DC network.
- Conduct business process analysis to understand the needs of the supply chain and translate those needs into clear specifications for key stakeholders.
- Partner with the DC Site Leads, IT and Operational Excellence teams to develop process and system solutions for complex issues in the areas of Deployment, Inventory and Freight.
- Drive change management and adoption of Digital and Lean/CI programs in the GDF organization.
- Research, track and communicate industry trends, share best practices, benchmark against other companies and applicable indices, with a view to bring innovation, competitive advantage, and increased profitability.
- Perform cost/benefit tradeoff analysis and develop business cases for recommended projects involving process, system or technology change.
- Oversee major initiatives/programs and prioritize amongst these. Assess and mitigate potential risks, evaluate project successes and failures.
- Develop and maintain a prioritized portfolio of IT Enhancements for GDF.
- Deliver status updates to Senior Leadership on progress and elevate critical issues and decisions as appropriate.
- Collaborate and foster strong working relationships within the organization at all levels. Partner with Manufacturing sites, Sourcing, Planning, Quality, IT, Finance, Subsidiaries, Order Processing and other functions to implement new processes and manage changes.
- Conduct studies to determine the most efficient sequence of operations and workflow by analyzing production costs, process flow charts, and production schedules.

Qualifications:

- Minimum Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, logistics or business; Graduate degree highly preferred
- Minimum of 8-10 years’ experience in supply chain, distribution and logistics
- Strong ability to handle large amounts of data, analyze and draw meaningful insights for decisions, proficient with data analytics and tools
- Ability to solve complex problems and drive improvements
- Robust experience with the use of Lean tools, e.g. Value stream mapping, PDCA, visual management, structured problem solving, Hoshin Kanri
- Hands-on and deep experience with supply chain planning concepts and ERP systems
- Self-starter; must be responsible, reliable, self-motivated, and able to work with mínimal supervision
- Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written plus an ability to adjust communication style to different audiences as required
- Proven ability to interact and influence a wide range of stakeholders - from customers, service providers to department leaders, from shop floor to the Executive Committee
- Willing to challenge status quo and drive change
- Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects
- Experience with financial processes: budgeting, reporting, analysis of results

**Other Duties**:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Company Description:
Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT), the world's leading specialty measurement company, has pioneered chromatography, mass spectrometry and thermal analysis innovations serving the life, materials, and food sciences for more than 60 years. With more than 7,000 employees worldwide, Waters operates directly in 35 countries, including 15 manufacturing facilities, with products available in more than 100 countries. Our team focuses on creating business advantages for laboratory-de