Job Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Manufacturing Production Planner to drive efficiency and excellence across our manufacturing operations. In this pivotal role, you will orchestrate production schedules, optimize resource allocation, and ensure seamless coordination between supply chain, production teams, and quality assurance. Your expertise will help us meet customer demands with precision while fostering continuous improvement initiatives that elevate our manufacturing processes. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about streamlining operations through innovative planning and management systems, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact.
Key Responsibilities
1. Demand Planning
- Develop and maintain statistical and consensus forecasts (monthly/weekly) at SKU-location level
- Collaborate with Sales & Marketing to incorporate:
- Promotions
- New product launches
- Customer-specific intelligence
- Monitor forecast accuracy (MAPE, Bias) and drive continuous improvement
- Conduct demand review meetings as part of S&OP / IBP process
2. Supply Planning
- Convert demand plans into feasible supply & production plans
- Optimize plant capacity utilization across multiple product lines
- Ensure alignment with:
- Raw material availability
- Manufacturing constraints
- Lead times
- Coordinate with Procurement for material readiness
3. Inventory & Service Optimization
- Manage inventory levels across raw materials, WIP, and finished goods
- Define and monitor safety stock and reorder policies
- Balance service levels vs working capital targets
- Identify slow-moving / obsolete inventory and recommend actions
4. S&OP Process Ownership
- Lead or support monthly S&OP cycle:
- Demand Review
- Supply Review
- Executive S&OP
- Highlight risks & opportunities (capacity, supply disruptions, demand volatility)
- Prepare scenario analysis (Base / Bull / Bear cases)
5. Analytics & Reporting
- Track and report key KPIs:
- Forecast Accuracy & Bias
- OTIF (On Time In Full)
- Inventory Turns
- Fill Rate
- Build dashboards and planning reports (Excel / Power BI / ERP tools)
- Perform root cause analysis for variances
6. Cross-functional Coordination
- Act as a bridge between:
- Sales
- Manufacturing
- Procurement
- Logistics
- Ensure alignment on priorities and constraints
- Support customer service teams in order fulfilment planning
Key Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field
- MBA / APICS (CPIM / CSCP) preferred
Experience
- 5–10 years in Demand Planning / Supply Planning / S&OP
- Experience in oleochemicals, FMCG, chemicals, or process manufacturing preferred
- Exposure to multi-plant or global supply chains is a plus
Technical Skills
- Strong expertise in:
- Forecasting techniques (statistical + collaborative)
- Supply planning & inventory optimization
- Hands-on experience with:
- ERP systems (SAP/APO, SAP IBP, Oracle, etc.)
- Advanced Excel (mandatory)
- Power BI / Tableau (preferred)
Behavioral Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage ambiguity and dynamic demand environments
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication
- High ownership and execution focus
Key KPIs
- Forecast Accuracy (MAPE, Bias)
- Service Level / OTIF
- Inventory Turns & DOH
- Plan Adherence
- Working Capital Efficiency
Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Production planning: 5 years (Required)
Shift availability:
- Night Shift (Preferred)
- Day Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Montgomery, IL 60538 (Required)
Work Location: In person
