Plan production for a leading toymaker
Creative people with a fascination for toys will be game for this position with a leading player in the toymaking industry.
Canadian toymaker Spin Master is based in Toronto and its 200 staff develop and distribute toys around the world. The company was started in 1994 by three university friends and is best known for its Air Hog, a miniature plane powered by pressurised air from a hand pump, and Aquadoodle, a water-filled mat with a plastic cover that can be written on and erased.
The firm won the 2004 Activity Toy of the Year award for the Aquadoodle, awarded by the Toy Industry Association.
The company is a lifestyle and entertainment brand for children. In response to stagnating toy sales, it developed a line of furniture, which is prominent on the shelves of local toy shops.
In 1999, the firm set up an office in Hong Kong with only two employees but now has more than 100 employees in its local and mainland offices.
'Despite its increasing size, the company continues to be a youthful, hip and energetic organisation,' said Carmen Sze Ka Man, executive assistant and the human resources manager.
She said the average age of staff was about 34.
A production planner in the firm's operations department is needed to co-ordinate with vendors, manufacturers and the head office sales and planning team. He or she will ensure that supply meets demand to fulfil the needs of customers.
The toy industry in each country has its unique safety requirements, so the ideal candidate should be familiar with local customer standards.
According to Ms Sze, people coming from other manufacturing industries such as the electronic component industry also do well because the processes are similar and the safety requirements can be learnt on the job.
'Also, we believe that candidates from different industries can bring in new concepts and chemistry,' Ms Sze said.
Daily communication with people from diverse backgrounds is a vital aspect of the role. Therefore, an outgoing person who has precise and clear speech is needed.
Good organisational skills are essential for monitoring suppliers, production capacity, production status and material control. The planner must be able to work independently to handle purchasing, planning and distribution activities for suppliers.
The job demands excellent writing skills to handle daily correspondence with suppliers and headquarters. Dedication to follow up on issues relating to demand and supply is also necessary.
Ms Sze said most of the company employees had university degrees, MBAs or doctorates but emphasised that work experience was more important than educational qualifications.
Knowledge of SAP software is essential, although the company will provide additional SAP and advanced Excel training. Training in Putonghua and team building will also be given.
