Solution Architect, Supply Chain Planning Solutions

Job Title: Solution Architect, Supply Chain Planning Solutions 

Location: Hershey, PA, remote options available

Summary: The Hershey Supply Chain Planning Solutions group is charged with providing critical system capabilities focused on Commercial Planning, Demand Planning, and Supply Planning technologies to the business.  We are looking for a Solution Architect to lead the technical solution architecture and support for our end-to-end Supply Chain Planning systems. The individual will partner with a diverse group of dedicated and talented cross-functional teams (internal and external) across the enterprise. 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

Lead the technical solution architecture for end-to-end Planning system processes. Ensure success through technical development & delivery, and innovative thought leadership as well as iterate and evolve the systems & capabilities that drive Supply Chain Planning 

Collaborate with internal & external partner IS functions (e.g. Enterprise Data, Architecture, Development, Integration, ERP S/4 Transformation) to ensure solutions are compliant with architectural and data standards 

Collaborate with business partners and IS Solution Managers to define, manage and deliver projects & capabilities that drive business strategy within the Supply Chain Planning Solution space as well as integration with the broader planning data & technology ecosystem. 

Lead and manage the support operations of the Supply Chain Planning systems landscape in partnership with external vendors. 

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Analytical Acumen:  

• The ability to frame up, simplify, translate, and solve complex problems, finding root causes and hidden problems. Able to think holistically to understand the broader implications in an evolving Integrated Supply Chain Planning landscape and how it can drive commercial and operational capabilities. 

• Business Acumen:  

• Understanding of Supply Chain Planning business processes including; Commercial Planning, Demand Planning, Supply Planning, Master/Detail Scheduling, Supply Chain Visualization, Integrated Business Planning, Transportation Modeling, Supply Chain Optimization, Project Management 

• Project Management, Agile, and Lean Certifications a plus 

• Social Acumen:  

• Able to foster strong working relationships 

• Able to successfully influence and interact with partners at various levels of the organization 

• Able to lead external managed services teams that support the Supply Chain Planning system landscape 

• Technical Acumen: 

• Experience and strong understanding of SAP S/4 system processes, configuration, data, and integrations 

• Experience with Kinaxis Rapid Response/Maestro, SAS Viya Forecasting, SAP APO, JDA Supply Planning, JDA Detailed Scheduling, Snowflake, Databricks, Informatica, SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) is a plus 

• Coding experience in Python and/or SQL is a plus 

• The ability to understand system processes within the Planning landscape as well as the various integration points upstream and downstream (e.g. forecast generation, planning hierarchies, demand segmentation and analysis, Bill of Material (BOM) explosion for Supply Planning, rough cut capacity planning, scenario modeling) 

• Experience monitoring the Planning ecosystem ensuring the systems have appropriate versions/patching, meet Hershey security requirements, and required upgrades when necessary 
• Demonstrated ability designing Planning solutions with Business Partners, Enterprise Architecture, Transformation Offices, etc. and owning the roadmap in support of business priorities 

• Able to translate complex technical processes into business terminology 

• Able to adapt and learn new technologies 

• Pro-active self-starter with a desire to excel 

• Strong collaboration and communication skills  

• Passion for analytical problem solving 

• Ability to adapt in a dynamic environment 

• Ability to work in teams or individually 

Education: 

Bachelor’s degree with STEM focus (Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems/Management, or closely related field)  

Experience:

•  5+ years of experience in solution architecture, application analysis, development, configuration, implementation, and support 
• 5+ years’ work experience in technologies and practice related to Supply Chain Planning.  

• 3+ years’ experience leading and working with cross-functional and managed services teams, communicating across organizations at all management levels and engaging in innovative research and thought for optimized outcomes. 

• 5+ years’ experience in support and maintenance of IT systems/solutions 

• CPG industry experience a plus