Master Planner, Plastics

Inspired to grow with your experience, learn and share with new colleagues?
 

Huhtamaki is a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions for consumers around the world, enabling wellbeing and convenience. Our innovative products protect on-the-go and on-the-shelf food and beverages, ensuring hygiene and safety, and help prevent food waste.

We are committed to protecting food, people and the planet and are on the lookout for passionate and consummate professionals to join our growing team to help us deliver on our ambitious 2030 Strategy. We look for colleagues who Care, Dare and Deliver.

Job Summary

The Master Planner, Plastics is a critical leadership role responsible for developing and executing supply plans that balance customer demand with resource optimization, cost efficiency, and inventory management across all plants that produce plastic products. This position drives the creation and maintenance of the Master Production Schedule (MPS), is a key source of information and connection between short-term and long-term planning ensuring seamless collaboration across key departments, and champions continuous improvement initiatives to enhance overall supply chain performance. 

Essential Functions

Position could be located out of our De Soto (KS), New Vienna (OH), Batavia (OH), or Coleman (MI) facilities.

Production Planning and Scheduling:  

• Develop, monitor, and continuously optimize the Master Production Schedule (MPS) based on demand forecasts, customer orders, and operational capacity constraints. 
• Coordinate with manufacturing teams to ensure production plans are aligned with resource availability, timelines, and business objectives. 
• Manage scheduling adjustments proactively to address unforeseen disruptions or changing priorities. 

Demand and Supply Management  

• Analyze sales forecasts, customer orders, and historical data to create accurate and efficient supply plans that meet defined service-level targets. 
• Partner with the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) team to align supply with demand and resolve imbalances effectively. 
• Drive data-informed decisions by leveraging demand planning tools and analytics. 

Inventory Optimization 

• Optimize inventory as a strategic buffer to balance supply and demand by actively monitoring inventory levels and collaborating with the S&OP Manager to define and implement effective inventory parameters. 

Performance Monitoring and Reporting:  

• Track, analyze, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Production Attainment, Inventory Levels, and Service Rates. 
• Provide actionable insights and regular updates to senior leadership on production performance and supply planning progress. 

Continuous Improvement:  

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance supply chain efficiency and reduce costs. 
• Participate in cross-functional projects to improve planning tools, systems, and practices. 

ERP Transformation:   

• Participate in ERP workshops as a Subject Matter Expert, representing plastics technology by providing insights into current practices and business requirements. 
• Serve as a change agent, leading the standardization of processes and the adoption of best practices to support the successful implementation of the ERP transformation project as well as on-going development of future process & system improvements.  

Job Qualifications

Required

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred). 

Experience:  

• 3–5 years of experience in production planning, supply chain management, or a related role.
• Hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Oracle SCM, SAP, or similar tools). 

Skills:  

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. 
• Proficiency in data analysis tools, including Microsoft Excel, Power BI, or similar platforms. 
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and organizational abilities. 

Certifications (Preferred):  

• APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).

Preferred

• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies. 
• Advanced knowledge of scheduling constraints, capacity planning, and resource management. 
• Experience with Oracle SCM or equivalent supply chain planning software 

Environment

• Hybrid work environment that mixes in-office and remote work to offer flexibility and support to employees. In-office hours are set by group Manager.
• Work hours are usually 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. but could require after hours and weekend work to complete projects on time
• Travel as needed; up to 10%