What are the responsibilities and job description for the Planning Manager position at Lean Six Search | Supply Chain Recruitment?
Planning Manager
Reports To: Operations/Plant Manager
About the Opportunity:
We are Lean Six Search Group, a dynamic and fast-growing recruitment firm dedicated to connecting top talent with exceptional companies across various industries. We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Planning Manager to join a thriving organization in the Food & Beverage industry. This individual will play a key role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of their planning processes, ensuring top-tier service and product availability. Due to the confidential nature of this role, additional information about the company will be shared during the interview process.
Job Summary:
The Planning Manager will be responsible for leading detailed item-level demand planning functions, developing forecasts, and managing inventory strategies to ensure exceptional customer service levels and optimal supply chain efficiency. This position requires collaboration with key stakeholders in Sales, Operations, and Product Line Management to drive successful sales and operations planning processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop forecast models based on sales forecasts and demand patterns to meet company goals.
- Proactively adjust item-level forecasts and communicate updates to relevant teams.
- Maintain and enhance inventory strategies for all finished goods and packaging materials.
- Drive the sales and operations planning process for demand and supply reviews.
- Create and implement strategies to reduce excess and slow-moving inventory.
- Manage long-range product demand plans and scheduling.
- Prepare monthly sales vs. forecast reports and address any discrepancies.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to identify reasons for budget/forecast variations and implement solutions.
- Continuously improve forecasting and inventory processes through best practices and system enhancements.
- Lead and mentor internal teams to drive continuous improvement.
- Support ERP system implementation (IBP / S4Hana SAP) as necessary.
Qualifications and Skills:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field. (Five years of planning leadership experience may be substituted for a degree.)
- Five years of relevant forecasting, demand planning, or supply chain management experience in food manufacturing. (Ten years required if substituting experience for a degree.)
- Previous managerial experience in production/inventory control, including reporting, inventory reconciliation, and database control.
- Strong communication skills and ability to influence and collaborate across departments.
- Proficiency in ERP systems, problem-solving, and presenting clear, efficient solutions.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Access, Excel).
Preferred:
- Familiarity with best practices in forecasting and inventory management.
- Experience in implementing continuous improvement strategies within a supply chain network.
