Brand Initiative Leader, Cdi

Brand Initiative Leader

Job Specification

The Brand Initiative Leader (BIL) take responsibility for a given portfolio of projects and influence the activities of a multi-functional team who, together, develop and execute an initiative within the context of an Initiative Masterplan (IMP) from idea through to launch. The Brand Initiative Leader operate as the ‘orchestra conductor’ helping to drive collaboration in defining and executing the project plan (Critical Path Schedule) with colleagues in Category Marketing, Artwork, Supply, Procurement and R&D and bring their expertise in Innovation systems and processes to deliver outstanding, breakthrough project results.
The Brand Initiative Leader is the source of truth on project 360 readiness (commercial, financial, technical) and ensure that risks and issues are pro-actively identified and mitigated through their facilitation of the multi-functional project team and adherence to the technical and commercial qualification activities. They collaborate closely with Site Initiative Leaders in Supply who take responsibility for the product execution project plan once designs are locked and committed - although the Brand Initiative Leader maintain accountability in the end-to-end innovation process.
The Brand Initiative Leader operate through influence to guide and coach the teams through the stage gate process and in the correct use of tools and techniques owned by Initiative Management Team.
Furthermore, the Brand Initiative Leader is expected to identify, frame, and improve global standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (For given portfolio of responsibility)
Manages Brand I nitiative M aster P lan (IMP) ensuring initiative productivity and prioritization
Manages Brand stage gate process and preparation
Manages their portfolio of projects through the development of a project plan (CPS) and brings together the multi-functional team to work collaboratively and pro-actively progress the agreed work
Co-ordinates the review of readiness of an initiative, working closely with Category Marketing, R&D/Supply/Procurement and Marketing Finance
Frames and communicates project questions to facilitate informed and agile decision taking
Applies the standard Supply operating strategy matrix to recommend finished good sourcing approach
Ensures issues and risks are pro-actively identified and brought to the attention of the project team for mitigation or resolution. Elevates project issues to IM Segment Director for visibility and support in resolution when needed
Coach his (her) team to build innovation management capabilities, identify talent
Co-ordinates the formal Alert Process with global teams when a critical issue arises. Brings the project team together in crisis collaboration if needed.
Builds Initiative Management capability within the multi-functional teams and drives Continual Improvement through coordinating project learning cycles
Portfolio of projects can include Innovation/new launches; Gross Margin Improvement projects; Regulatory compliance projects; Preservation projects

KEY DELIVERABLES (for given portfolio of responsibility)

Collaborate with multi-functional partners to deliver a portfolio of initiatives that is sufficient to fulfill the brand innovation strategy in consumer offer, business scale and profitability, and meeting Coty standards
Deliver the Initiative Success. Clarify business objectives and expectations, Deliver project Success Criteria. Focus on Business First, Project Second.
Ensure gate adherence % and timely project start-up linking activity calendars via project complexity to standard CPS.

**Project Success**: Right First Time Initiative delivery (on time, on quality) with a high Customer Service achievement (OTIF/Fill Rate) and a sustainable manufacturing/procurement supply chain in place

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Proven experience in Supply Chain role(s)
Proven track record on managing projects and delivering on time, on cost and on quality
Proven experience in delivering projects as leader and/or member of a multi-functional team
3 years project management experience - familiarity with CPS/Project Planning, standard project management toolbox
Experience in operating in a matrix structure and across borders
Technical Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent
Fluency in English (spoken and written)
Project management experience
Understanding of new product development processes & stage gate approach
Understanding of MRP system logic
Exposure to production environment & interaction of packaging, process, manufacturing
Strong Microsoft excel & Microsoft project capability
Additional background in planning/purchasing/technical environment beneficial
Preferably to have experience of Coty Operations or related industry, pharmaceutical, paint, food, FMCG

Personal Characteristics

Demonstrates a strong sense of individual accountability
Is autonomous, action-orientated and pragmatic
Is committed to deliver results, goes after the stretch targ