Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Production Planning Manager to join our team. This key role involves overseeing production planning and scheduling, inventory optimization, and Sales, Inventory and Operations Planning (SIOP) process for our Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will bring a data-driven approach to aligning production with demand and optimizing inventory levels to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow.

Reports to: Director of Operations

Responsibilities:

Production Planning and Scheduling

• Lead and support the Production Planner in the execution of the near-term planning strategy to ensure operational and financial efficiency.
• Develop and manage production plans and schedules with the intent to maintain the targeted inventory levels needed to meet customer demand, while ensuring optimal resource utilization, machine capacity, and production efficiency.
• Analyze, maintain and modify key item-level replenishment settings (i.e. reorder point, optimal production quantities, inventory targets, etc).
• Continuously monitor and adjust production plans to respond to changing demand or unexpected disruptions, ensuring on-time performance.
• Manage the integration of new products into the production planning process, ensuring capacity, inventory, and sourcing needs are met.
• Balance insourcing vs. outsourcing strategies by evaluating production needs, cost-effectiveness, and capacity, while ensuring the right blend of internal and external resources.

Production Capacity and Resource Planning

• Lead the annual production planning process to effectively balance resources with demand.
• Partner with Operations to plan production capacity with forecasted demand and long-term business goals, ensuring scalability, operational flexibility and efficiency.
• Identify and address potential resource constraints, implementing solutions to ensure efficient use of assets, time and labor.
• Monitor the manufacturing process to identify any inefficiencies and recommend improvements.

Inventory Optimization

• Develop and execute strategies to optimize inventory levels while ensuring the required product availability.
• Monitor and manage inventory turnover, working with Procurement to balance stock levels with production needs and customer demand.
• Analyze inventory trends to identify slow-moving or obsolete stock, and recommend corrective actions to reduce excess inventory and associated costs.
• Recommend improvements in production and inventory management practices to support business growth and cost reductions.

Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP)

• Lead the SIOP process, coordinating cross-functional teams to align production schedules, inventory levels, and demand forecasts.
• Track and analyze performance against key KPIs such as on-time delivery in full (OTIF), inventory levels, Attainment-to-Schedule, (ATS) and production efficiency.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on SIOP performance, recommending process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with Procurement, Quality, Operations, Sales, Logistics and Customer Service teams to ensure alignment across the supply chain and operations.
• Partner with the management team to develop sustainable production strategies and ensure the company’s operations remain agile and competitive.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on inventory status, production schedules, and overall SIOP outcomes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years production scheduling and planning experience, within a high-speed manufacturing environment (experience in an FDA/USDA regulated environment is preferred).
• Strong knowledge of production scheduling techniques and inventory management principles.
• Experience in inventory management and advanced planning and scheduling software systems (experience with PlanetTogether is preferred).
• Proficiency in ERP systems and data analysis tools (e.g., SAP, Excel, Power BI).
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and influence decision-making.
• Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
• CSCM / APICS certification is preferred.