Planning Manager

Purpose and Mission

The Regional Supply Chain Manager is responsible for aligning customer demand with operational capabilities through advanced forecasting, data-driven analysis, and proactive cross-functional collaboration. This role serves as the strategic integrator between sales, operations, planning, and supply chain to ensure product availability, optimal inventory levels, and high service performance across the region. Leveraging digital tools and analytics, this position drives continuous improvement in forecasting, S&OE/S&OP, inventory strategy, and operational performance

Key Activities and Responsibilities

Forecasting & Demand Planning

• Collaborate with sales and customer service to provide operations team with forecasts in order to align demand signals with raw materials and production planning.

• Develop short-, mid-, and long-term demand forecasts using analytics, historical trends, and customer inputs.

• Monitor forecast accuracy and partner with commercial teams to drive corrective actions.

• Use scenario planning to anticipate demand shifts and prepare operational responses.

Digital & Data-Driven Optimization

• Build and maintain dashboards and analytical tools in Power BI, Excel, SAP, or similar systems to visualize key KPIs and demand trends.

• Apply advanced data analytics to identify risks, gaps, and opportunities across the supply chain. Suggests improvements discerned through the data.

• Drive continuous improvement in demand planning and S&OP processes through digital innovation.

• Maintain and analyze OTIF performance; recommend Make-to-Stock (MTS) or Make-to-Order (MTO) strategies to improve service.

• Use digital tools to predict capacity constraints and provide data-driven solutions.

Inventory Strategy & Production Alignment

• Evaluate product portfolio and recommend appropriate stocking strategies (MTO vs. MTS).

• Monitor inventory Turns to Set and adjust min/max stock levels based on service requirements and forecast variability.

• Ensure inventory levels support customer needs while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.

• Align sales forecasts with plant production capacity to identiy postential bottlenecks or gaps

Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration

•Lead weekly Sales & Operations Execution (S&OE) meetings and monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) reviews.

• Act as the central liaison between commercial and operational teams to ensure aligned priorities and execution.

• Recommend and coordinate alternate routings, production strategies, and capacity adjustments to balance demand and supply.

• Provide insights and recommendations to leadership on operational risks, opportunities, and required actions.

Performance Management & Continuous Improvement

• Track and improve key operational metrics including OTIF, Days of Inventory, service level, forecast bias, and inventory turnover.

• Identify and drive continuous improvement projects that enhance customer service, reduce cost, and optimize flow.

• Support transformation initiatives aimed at improving operational resilience and digital capabilities. SKU rationalization for parts that are not performing at the expected level of sales volume.

• Partner with manufacturing teams to plan for future capacity needs based on demand projections. Plan for future demand change scenarios and ensure capacity is adjusted to meet future demand

Skills

Essential skills & competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Analytics, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in demand planning, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems is preferred.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to make data-driven decisions quickly and confidently.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across departments.
• APICS, IBF, or similar certification is a plus.

Previous Experience

•  3-5 years of experience in production planning or a related field
• Experience in Manufacturing Industry

Qualifications and Education

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, operations management, or a related field.
• Relevant certifications (e.g. project management, production & inventory management, supply chain professional) are considered advantageous.