Job Requirements

The Planning Manager is responsible for leading demand, supply, inventory, production planning, MRP and capacity planning activities to ensure optimal product availability while balancing inventory investment and operational efficiency. This role collaborates cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, Procurement, Logistics, and Finance to develop and execute planning strategies that support business objectives and customer satisfaction.

This role will report to the Supply Chain Manager of the plant.

Responsibilities:

Demand & Supply Planning
•    Lead the monthly demand and supply planning/ Production planning/ MRP process.
•    Develop and maintain demand forecasts using historical data, market intelligence, and business inputs.
•    Balance demand and supply to achieve service level, inventory, and cost targets.
•    Identify potential supply risks and implement mitigation plans.

S&OP / IBP Management
•    Facilitate Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) meetings.
•    Prepare planning scenarios and recommendations for management review.
•    Align business functions on demand, supply, inventory, and financial plans.
•    Monitor execution against agreed S&OP plans.

Inventory Management
•    Optimize inventory levels across raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
•    Establish inventory policies, safety stock parameters, and replenishment strategies.
•    Drive initiatives to reduce excess and obsolete inventory.

Capacity & Resource Planning
•    Evaluate production capacity and resource constraints.
•    Work closely with manufacturing and procurement teams to ensure material and capacity availability.
•    Support long-term capacity and network planning activities.

Performance Management
•    Track and report key planning metrics such as: 

o    Forecast Accuracy
o    Inventory Turns
o    Service Level / OTIF
o    Supply Plan Adherence
o    Capacity Utilization

Team Leadership
•    Lead, coach, and develop planning team members.
•    Establish clear performance objectives and development plans.
•    Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:
Education
•    Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.

Experience
•    5-7 years of supply chain planning experience.
•    3-5+ years in a leadership or managerial role.
•    Experience in manufacturing, FMCG, consumer electronics, pharmaceutical, or related industries preferred.

Skills & Competencies
•    Strong knowledge of demand planning, supply planning, inventory management, and S&OP.
•    Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
•    Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, etc.).
•    Advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities.
•    Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
•    Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence decision-making.

Competencies