Solutions Architect-Distribution Systems

CooperVision, a division of CooperCompanies (NASDAQ: COO), is one of the worlds leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses. The Company produces a full array of daily disposable, two-week and monthly contact lenses, all featuring advanced materials and optics. CooperVision has a strong heritage of solving the toughest vision challenges such as astigmatism, presbyopia and childhood myopia; and offers the most complete collection of spherical, toric and multifocal products available. Through a combination of innovative products and focused practitioner support, the company brings a refreshing perspective to the marketplace, creating real advantages for customers and wearers. For more information, visit www.coopervision.com Job Summary: The role is to provide and maintain, high quality logistics business systems, personally and through leadership and membership of teams, to support the Company objectives for operational performance, customer service, quality, cost, and regulatory compliance in an assigned area of the business. The role should advise senior managers about how to plan their future distribution IT system needs, with consideration to maintain standard system functionally, rather than build of new in-house systems. Essential Functions & Accountabilities: Analysis and Solution Definition Quickly understands the business issues and data challenges of the organisation and its customers. Break down large system requirements into manageable parts. Identifies effective solutions to operational issues transaction processing business information etc. Reviews and edits requirements, specifications, business processes and recommendations related to proposed solution. Develops functional specifications and system design specifications for new systems, new interfaces, new processes and new requirements. Evaluates local system development proposals and provide analysis and recommendations to local management on likely impacts. Provide expertise and problem resolution to the functional departments when issues extend outside the knowledge of the functional department Key Users. Research, communicate and demonstrate best practice opportunities for the local/regional organization, allowing key decision makers and local/regional managers the opportunity to leverage best practice as a strategic and competitive advantage for the organization. Project Execution Communicates and applies project standards. Consistently delivers high-quality services to the logistics user community. Plan and lead testing, implementation, training, support and documentation activities for local projects. Assist developers internal and external through provision of functional specifications and technical walk through. Provide reporting to project management on Project progress and issues. Primary technical contact for local applications and systems Resolve technical issues Request and specify modifications Leads testing efforts. Ensures issues are identified, tracked, reported on and resolved in a timely manner. Works with the users to identify required changes Communicates needed changes to internal and supplier development teams. Provide Local or Regional input to Global Business System projects. Manage the standard CooperVision global release cycle, including analysis, design, test, implementation, support and documentation. Facilitate communication, cooperation, and knowledge sharing with the end user community across the regional area and with the other local/regional Business Analysts to ensure a global system Travel Requirements: Position may require an estimated 20% for commercial travels. Qualifications Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Communication: Lead the facilitation of team and user group meetings. Delivers informative, well-organised presentations. Ability to understand how to communicate difficult/sensitive information tactfully. Effectively communicate complex technical issues in an easy to understand format. Technical Understanding: Proven experience in the areas of application programming, database and system design. Experience and knowledge of Internet, Intranet, Extranet and client/server architectures. Experience and knowledge of how WMS, WCS and ERP systems interface with each other. Problem Solving: Identifies critical issues with ease by utilising both IT knowledge and logistics process knowledge resulting in effective solutions. Pushes creative thinking beyond the boundaries of existing systems and infrastructure. Leadership: Generates enthusiasm among team members. Proactively seeks opportunities to serve in leadership roles. Challenges others to develop as leaders while serving as a role model. Manages and leads the process of innovative change Teamwork: People Skills Dealing with different personalities and needs. Facilitates effective team interaction. Acknowledges and appreciates each team member's contributions. Logistics User Group Management Develops relationships with the user community that fosters trust and the ability to work in partnership. Communicates effectively with users to identify needs and evaluate alternative business solutions with project/logistics management. Project management: Prioritising work to meet deadlines Work Environment: This Post Holders working environment will be split between an office and warehouse / factory building. There is an acceptable level of noise generated from Packaging and Distribution machinery. Some areas of operation will require personal protection to be worn ( High Viz. and safety footwear) provided by the company. Temperatures in the warehouse fluctuate due to seasonal variations. Experience: Detailed user knowledge and experience of logistics processes and systems in several major functional areas. Experience working directly in at least major operational area Planning, Supply-Chain, Packaging, Distribution or other production environment. 8 to 10 years of experience in a similar role Essential IT Experience Must have extensive proven experience in logistics IT including WMS, WCS, Interfaces to ERP systems and automation. Must be familiar with remote data capture technology, automation control systems. Minimum 5 years experience in WMS project implementations, across multiple fields Preferably with RedPrairie/JDA WMS Must be familiar with ERP systems ideally Baan. High level of IT literacy concepts and terminology Competence with all major Office applications including Excel, Word, Outlook and Vision Education: Degree or A-Levels coupled with relevant experience in an IT or Operational role. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran For U.S. locations that require disclosure of compensation, the starting base pay for this role is between $143, 445 and $152, 590 per year and may include cost of living adjustments. The actual base pay includes many factors and is subject to change and modification in the future. This position may also be eligible for other types of compensation and benefits. #LI-RC1 Equal Opportunity Employer - minorities/females/veterans/individuals with disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity Minimum Salary: 0.00 Maximum Salary: 0.00 Salary Unit: Yearly