Eric Balk Email & Phone Number

London, Gb

Evaluation, design, customization and optimization of digital and cloud-based Supply Chain Planning solutions that will bring the client's digital vision and strategy to life.• Lead project teams through agreed-upon phases of project governance, requirements definition, vendor selection, risk analysis, customization, testing, training and rollout of a client's project lifecycle• Develop applicable methodologies, tools, approaches, points of view, thought leadership and accelerators to differentiate EY in the digital and emerging technology consulting market• Provide broad technical and functional knowledge of various key technology and business platforms• Team with client technology professionals and third-party strategic alliances• Establish long-term relationships and networks both internally and externally

Slough, Berkshire, Gb

Coached the Demand Planning team of 10 Demand Planners on forecasting and Kinaxis RapidResponse best practices and initiatives for $3B revenue consumer household hygiene products (Lysol, Airwick, and Finish). Coordinated and supported the monthly Demand Review meetings that fed the company's S&OP/IBP cycle. • Increased forecast accuracy by 20% and reduced bias by 25% as a result of implementing new Kinaxis software and IBP procedures• Directed transition from SAP APO DP to Kinaxis RapidResponse from User Acceptance Testing (UAT) to Post Hyper care• Facilitated transformation from existing Sales and Operation Planning (S&OP) to more robust Integrated Business Planning (IBP) utilizing Oliver Wight methodology • Constructed automated reporting structure in Power BI to reduce dependency on manual Microsoft Excel files• Collaborated with a cross-functional team that increased planning master data accuracy from 65% to 95% • Orchestrated the Slow Moving & Obsolete (SLOB) inventory reduction task force, resulting in inventory reduction of 40% through 2022• Represented Demand Planning on the SKU Optimization team, resulting in a portfolio rationalization of 30%• Defined methodology and reporting system in partnership with IT for accuracy KPIs, in-month pacing, and month-end predictions• Implemented S&OE process, created tool planners used to communicate weekly forecast changes

Slough, Berkshire, Gb

Member of the core team leading the Demand and Supply process transformation of a business that went from single percent year-over-year growth to +85% growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported the Planning Director and led special projects in all business areas during the hyper-growth period. Subject matter expert in discovery and blueprinting phase of an implementation project of Kinaxis planning software• Mapped existing Demand, Supply and Production processes to identify gaps versus best practice - defined action plan to close gaps and implementation of new best practice planning processes• Designed and lead training programs aligned with new "best practice" planning processes• Simplified root cause analysis process for the Production and Planning teams to develop action plans for items below KPI's targets• Automated weekly/monthly inventory levels, fill rate, and forecast accuracy reports • Supervised transportation yard and offsite warehousing stock levels during periods of capacity limitations• Mentored and helped with professional development of the Supply Chain interns • Conducted S&OP maturity survey to overhaul processes to focus on mid and long-term plan • Key contributor to a network capacity study to determine long-term warehousing needs

Heerlen, Limburg, Nl

Oversight of 6 direct reports, accountable for all supply planning activities at three manufacturing locations for over 800 custom made-to-stock and made-to-assemble SKUs and 20,000 globally sourced raw materials. Reorganized the planning team structure, duties, and responsibilities to streamline the planning process from order entry to shipment, leading to a 13% increase of the On Time and In Full (OTIF) KPI (79% to 92%). • Instituted a capacity model to plan long-term demand at location/asset level to support the S&OP process• Reduced working capital by $5M by lowering non-sellable inventory by enacting safety stock and replenishment strategies• Partnered with global counterparts to share best practices and continuous improvement • Defended $18M of existing business by coordinating a material substitution project

White Plains, New York, Us

Responsible for the overall supply planning processes, system integration, and continuous improvement efforts within a brand-new planning department. Designed the company's transformation from a make-to-order house to a make-to-stock environment. • Oversaw end-to-end integrated planning processes for all product categories• Established new capabilities to integrate co-manufacturing and co-packing vendors into supply planning processes• Managed system integrity, batch process jobs, and master data of SAP/APO• Implemented stock and service level agreement policies • Devised KPI's and loss trees to measure case fill, production adherence, spoilage, and freshness• Executed continuous improvement initiatives leveraged to drive productivity and efficiency• Established forecasting and Sales & Operation Planning process for emerging market in Eastern Europe

White Plains, New York, Us

Led implementation of multiple SAP Projects (APO DP, SNP & PPDS) from conceptual design through post-go-live support with no service interruptions, providing transparency to the upstream and downstream business. • Supervised implementation of a $1.5M SAP/APO SNP & PPDS project that came in $40K under budget• Directed execution of a $.5M SAP/APO DP project from conceptual design to post go-live that was $150k under budget and two months ahead of schedule• Orchestrated internal IT and multiple external consultants resources • Conducted Executive Steering Committee meetings and project updates• Created post go-live support plan for SAP/APO DP focused on statistical models and on-going training• Established change management plan from project introduction to end-user training programs• Overhauled project management and communication tools for entire company• Instituted training protocols and documentation and taught cross-functional and leadership training seminars

White Plains, New York, Us

Developed a new department that was forecasting at a high level, to a group that planned 100% of the business at the SKU Customer Level, by creating a temporary MS Excel and Access forecasting and reporting system to bridge system gaps. • Evolved reporting structure from simple MS Excel reports to an SAP BI/BO solution • Drove efficiencies by leading a cross-functional process to complete the Annual Operating Plan• Provided product category leadership to Marketing and Manufacturing departments• Administered forecast support for multiple product line reformulations and repackaging campaigns • Designed processes to provide structure to monthly Sales & Operation Planning process • Mentored and coached other planners on demand planning best practices

Paris, Fr

Led the transformation of daily distribution operation from a paper and pencil process to a sophisticated SAP application that reduced non-value-add time and produced a more refined distribution plan. Oversaw process improvement projects. Provided coaching, development, management, and leadership to a team of Distribution Managers. • Formulated distribution strategy for a new 10-story warehouse with Automatic Storage and Retrieval System with Automatic Guided Vehicles • Devised Business Continuity Plans to ensure continual supply during weather events or mechanical failures• Maintained relationship and service level agreements for Third Party Logistic partners• Facilitated opening and closing of Distribution Centers to optimize supply chain network• Built new distribution model for low volume items resulting in $175K savings • Gave leadership to underperforming warehouse staff that led to best in class transformations

Paris, Fr

Managed inventory levels of perishable products across a nationwide network, from a manufacturing location to six distribution centers, with greater than 98% fill rate while minimizing unsellable product.• Supply Level 1 APO Support• Team Lead for Special Company Projects • Collaborated with cross-functional teams as the New Item Coordinator for department • Completed Multiple SAP/APO and R3 version upgrades• Administered Safety Stocks and Min/Max Settings to optimize fill rate• Led effort to centralize deployment function from off-site offices

Paris, Fr

Forecasted perishable items weekly with greater than 85% accuracy, contributing to existing forecasting team maintaining levels of excellence and opportunity to explore methods of process improvements. • Planned, executed and analyzed large monthly volume promotional events • Spearheaded enhancing communication process between Sales Team and Supply Chain for Wal-Mart and other large customers to produce a better forecast• Conceived Forecasting and Sales database to meet complex reporting needs• Collaborated with Sales, Marketing, and Production on developing new product forecast in test markets

Transformed the forecasting group from simple spreadsheets to an advanced software application. (SAP APO-DP) Instrumental in changing the business’ viewpoint from localized to global markets. Created valuable cross-functional relationships with sales, marketing, finance and manufacturing groups.• Partnered with “Big Box Retail” customers using Point of Sale data in the forecasting process• Authored forecast policy and procedures manuals• Integrated S&OP planning practices into monthly demand review • Resolved and reinforced data integrity issues • Chief liaison with Information Technology department for special projects

Memphis, Tennessee, Us

Forecasting responsibility for high volume division using sophisticated time series analysis program incorporating Market Intelligence (Manugistics). • Maintained system forecast accuracy and resolved statistical exceptions for over 300 accounts. • Managed forecasting for multiple manufacturing facilities and sales regions delivering high level of accuracy. • Reduced working capital expenses by $1M, increasing division's ROI. • Designed Six Sigma project to increase forecasting accuracy and precision. • Collaborated on development, deployment, and training of new information systems to improve sales and forecasting process. • Point man for continuous stream of special (ad hoc) projects including, but not limited to analytic reports, office management issues, logistics, customer service and troubleshooting. Consistently recognized for willingness and capability to adapt to current situations, to provide quick and effective solutions while maintaining positive and collegial attitude.

Memphis, Tennessee, Us

Handled all billing inquiries for division's largest sales region. Developed important relationships with customers to resolve current and minimize future billing discrepancies. Reconciled outstanding invoice balances. Coordinated processing for rebates, commission and special promotions' payments. • Facilitated reduction of credits, saving company $75K annually. • Key contributor to SAP integration process. • Developed more effective pricing matrix for major national account customer. • Managed collections of funds, incorrectly deducted, providing impact of $50K