What are the responsibilities and job description for the Planning Director position at Sunsweet Growers Inc.?
Position Summary:
The Director of Planning will lead the demand, supply, and production planning functions to ensure operational excellence, forecast accuracy, and inventory optimization across the organization. This role is critical in supporting the business's strategic goals by aligning supply chain capabilities with sales, marketing, and customer demand in a fast-paced CPG environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the demand planning, supply planning, and inventory management teams.
- Develop and maintain an integrated Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process to align cross-functional teams on demand forecasts and supply plans.
- Drive forecast accuracy improvements through collaboration with Sales, Marketing, and Finance.
- Balance inventory levels to meet service levels while minimizing obsolescence and excess inventory.
- Partner with Procurement, Manufacturing, and Logistics to ensure efficient supply planning and capacity management.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on planning systems, tools, and processes.
- Provide clear and actionable reporting and KPIs related to forecast accuracy, service levels, inventory turns, and production plan adherence.
- Manage and develop talent within the Planning organization.
- Contribute to strategic initiatives including new product introductions, network optimization, and cost-reduction programs.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or related field; Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
- 10 years of progressive experience in planning roles within the CPG industry.
- Proven leadership experience managing planning teams in a complex, fast-moving environment.
- Strong understanding of demand planning, production planning, inventory management, and S&OP processes.
- Proficiency in planning software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Kinaxis, or similar).
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to lead cross-functional collaboration and influence decision-making at all levels.
Preferred Skills:
- APICS/CPIM certification.
- Experience with international supply chains and global planning.
- Familiarity with Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
- Experience with SAP, Arkeiva or other Planning tools
