Manager, Operation Systems

Job Description Summary:

Our vision is to craft the brands and choice of drinks that people love. We value how we work as much as what we achieve.  This is a pivotal role within our manufacturing facilities and works with a team of associates on the production line to bring our brands to market.

1. Lead optimization of Finite schedule

• Daily Scheduling Management: Oversee and manage daily production scheduling processes through SAP planning functionality and MES (Manufacturing Execution System), considering critical factors such as demand fluctuation, available capacity, physical and process constraints, productivity metrics, and resource allocation.
• Contingency Management: Act as the primary lead for handling urgent change requests caused by unforeseen contingencies (e.g., sudden demand spikes, material shortages, quality issues, machine downtime), ensuring optimal adjustments to schedules with minimal impact on overall production targets.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Communicate and collaborate proactively with key stakeholders such as Production Manager, Production Supervisors, Master Planning Manager, and other functional managers (e.g., Planning & Logistics (P&L), Material Operations & Planning (MOP), Quality, Safety, and Environment (QSE), and Engineering) to align priorities and address operational constraints.
• Inventory Control (WIP & Batch Remnants): Manage and maintain production inventory levels for Work-In-Progress (WIP) and Batch Remnants to support uninterrupted production and minimize waste or excess stock.
• Data Maintenance: Maintain and regularly update product information in SAP and MES systems for all BBs, ensuring data accuracy to prevent scheduling errors.
• New Product Introduction (NPI): Coordinate and lead scheduling aspects related to New Product Introductions (NPIs), ensuring alignment with production timelines and on-time delivery by working closely with PP (Product Portfolio), P&L, QSE, and Production Supervisors (SVs).
• IT System Recovery Support: Lead recovery efforts for IT system-related disruptions impacting scheduling processes (e.g., SAP or MES downtime), in collaboration with Production Manager,  IT Team and Engineering Team, to swiftly restore operations and minimize downtime.

2. Data report/analysis, feasibility study and project management

• Production KPI Monitoring and Analysis: Track and analyze key production performance indicators (KPIs) such as production volume, working hours, productivity, and Material Usage Variance (MUV). Use these insights to identify opportunities for continuous improvement in production efficiency, capacity utilization, and cost control.
• Corrective Action Collaboration: Engage with SVs and other functional managers to develop corrective actions based on KPI trends, establishing a culture of data-driven improvement.
• Feasibility Studies: Conduct thorough feasibility studies informed by data trends and production analysis to propose improvement initiatives or new projects including Site Master Plan (SMP) aimed at long-term operational enhancements.
• Project Management for Capability Enhancements: Lead and manage projects designed to enhance production capabilities, working collaboratively across teams. Provide clear, regular progress updates in Project Management Office (PMO) meetings to all relevant stakeholders.
• Traceability Management: Lead traceability efforts during contingency situations (e.g., quality concerns, Incident Management and Crisis Response [IMCR]) by effectively handling SAP and MES data for root cause investigation and corrective action planning.
• Monthly/Weekly Close Activities: Take responsibility for executing monthly and weekly activities in SAP, collaborating closely with SVs to ensure smooth and accurate process execution.
• Inventory Count and Reporting: Oversee the periodic inventory count for WIP and Batch Remnants. Verify and report results, working with Production Managers / SVs, and ensuring inventory accuracy and transparency for stakeholders.

3. Procurement and Inventory Management

• Procurement Planning and Execution: Coordinate the procurement of manufacturing-related supplies and materials in alignment with production schedules. Ensure smooth and timely availability of items to prevent production delays. Proactively manage supplier relationships to support procurement goals.
• Cost Optimization: Identify and implement strategies for cost-effective procurement while maintaining the quality and reliability of supplied materials.
• Inventory Management: Develop and execute inventory management plans that balance material availability with inventory holding costs, working with production operator. Regularly review safety stock levels and lead times to optimize production resource utilization.
• Collaboration Across Functions: Work closely with P&L (Planning & Logistics), Production Managers, SVs, MOP, HR/GA, and Engineering to integrate inventory management into the overall production process seamlessly.
• Inventory Audits and Processes: Conduct periodic audits and reviews of inventory to ensure accuracy, compliance with internal policies, and alignment with production needs. Provide transparent inventory reporting to stakeholders for better decision-making.

4. Organization Lead / Team Management

• Team Performance Management: Manage and supervise the daily performance and productivity of team members in the production department. Create a culture of accountability, empowerment, and continuous improvement within the team.
• Capability Development: Focus on building and enhancing the functional and leadership capabilities of team members, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle current and future challenges. Provide coaching, mentorship, and training opportunities to support their growth.
• Alignment with Organizational Goals: Lead the team to achieve departmental and organizational goals, ensuring alignment with company-wide performance standards and objectives. Act as a frontline leader in the production department in collaboration with CPS Japan leadership.
• Team Coordination and Resilience: Foster an environment that encourages strong cross-functional teamwork, adaptability, and resilience within the production team, ensuring sustained performance even under pressure.

Requirement:

• Minimum Years of Experience: At least 3 years of experience in a production planning, demand planning, or supply chain management function in a production/manufacturing industry environment.
• Inventory Management Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience in inventory management processes, stock controls, and optimization strategies.
• Project Management Skills: Proven experience managing projects in a cross-functional and multi-national environment, with the ability to lead, coordinate, and deliver results across diverse teams. Experience handling improvement projects related to scheduling, supply chain, or production enhancement is advantageous.
• Technical Systems Knowledge: Hands-on experience with production-related software systems such as SAP, MES (Manufacturing Execution System), or other advanced planning and scheduling tools is essential. Knowledge of Siemens Opcenter APS (Advanced Planning and Scheduling) is a strong plus.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Strong skills in data analysis and reporting, especially production KPIs, inventory performance metrics, and cost efficiency indicators. Experience using tools like Excel, Power BI, or similar systems is desirable.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Proven ability to communicate effectively and align priorities with stakeholders, including production teams, procurement functions, quality teams (QSE), and engineering. Experience addressing unexpected challenges collaboratively is required.

Skills:

5s (Inactive), Ammonia Refrigeration, Change Management, Continual Improvement Process, English Language, Food Safety and Sanitation (Inactive), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), ISO 90001, Japanese Language, Microsoft Office, PLC Logic, Problem Solving, Production Management, Production Processes, Quality Control (QC), SAP Operations, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), Supply Chain Systems

Location(s):

Japan

City/Cities:

Shiga

Travel Required:

00% - 25%

Relocation Provided:

No

Job Posting End Date:

July 31, 2026

Our Purpose and Growth Culture:

We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what’s possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors – curious, empowered, inclusive and agile – and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.