Defining the different Roles and Responsibilities of S&OP. As noted in the What Is S&OP article, a multi-functional S&OP team allows each organization to participate in plan development. Usually participate the organizations that are impacted by or has an impact on the plan. The resulting plan balances the needs of each department while also fulfilling the corporation’s strategic objectives. Defining upstream roles and responsibilities, is one of the advantages of S&OP in term of Organizational Co-Operation and Enhanced Decision-Making.

Executive Management’s Role in the S&OP Process

Executive Management can provide oversight to the S&OP process to make sure that the plan stays within budget. Management oversight can help ensure that there is accountability for plan adherence. If  the needs of various divisions compete with one another, senior management can decide which needs take precedence.

Sales & Marketing Leader’s Role in the S&OP Process

A Sales and Marketing Leader works with sales team members to develop accurate monthly demand forecasts. This executive also keeps Executive Management informed regarding new developments with key customers. Also, a Sales and Marketing Leader explains any deviations in sales performance.  

Demand Planner’s Role in the S&OP Process

A Demand Planner produces demand-based forecasts to drive the rest of the planning process. Performing a deep dive of the demand and production schedules is a key part of the role of the Demand Planner. He or she has to look for any anomalies from past behaviors, and soliciting input from either sales or manufacturing. The goal is to proactively resolve any foreseeable schedule conflicts.

The Role of Sales Personnel in the S&OP Process

The Role of Sales Personnel in the S&OP Process is primordial. Each Salesperson is both an advocate and a representative for the customers within their assigned territory. Each month, every Salesperson should make sure that both actual orders and forecasted future needs have been entered into the forecasting system. If a Salesperson has critical intelligence regarding trends in their market segments, they should share this information with the planning team.

Operations Leader’s Role in the S&OP Process

Then, the Operations Leader serves as a liaison between personnel on the S&OP planning committee and the manufacturing facility. This Leader makes sure that the S&OP production targets are achievable. He or she will also takes into account planned equipment maintenance and raw material supplies. By leading the monthly planning meetings, this person can facilitate communication among critical team members to make sure production flows as smoothly as possible.

Supply Planning and Master Scheduling

Finally, members of the Supply Planning and Master Scheduling team maintain an up-to-date, detailed knowledge of safety stock levels, manufacturing production rates, vendor performance, and raw material lead times. These team members should also regularly review orders and try to proactively resolve any demand conflicts. They should prepare themselves to share their detailed analyses, as needed, in monthly planning meetings.

Above all, when companies clearly define the roles and responsibilities of S&OP team members, S&OP programs tend to get off to a good start.

On the same topic:

S&OP: A 7-Step Business Process

Advantages of S&OP for Supply Chain Management

What are the 5 Key Pillars of S&OP?

What is Integrated Business Planning (IBP)?

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