Job Description

Job Posting Title: Manager, Planning

Job Requirements Summary:

The Planning Manager is responsible for leading demand and supply planning processes to ensure optimal product availability, inventory levels, and service performance. The role oversees forecasting, supply planning, and inventory management activities to support business growth and operational efficiency.

The Planning Manager plays a key role in the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, working closely with Commercial, Procurement, Logistics, and Finance teams to align demand forecasts with supply capabilities and inventory strategies.

Job Requirements:

1. Demand Planning

• Lead the demand forecasting process by collaborating with Sales, Product Management, and Commercial teams.
• Analyze historical sales data, market trends, and business insights to develop accurate demand forecasts.
• Monitor forecast accuracy and implement improvements to enhance planning performance.
• Identify demand risks and opportunities and communicate impacts to stakeholders.
• Maintain demand planning models and forecasting methodologies.

2. Supply Planning

• Develop supply plans that balance demand requirements with supply constraints and operational capabilities.
• Coordinate with Procurement and Logistics teams to ensure timely product availability.
• Monitor supply risks such as supplier delays, production issues, and logistics disruptions.
• Implement contingency plans to ensure continuity of supply.

3. Inventory Management

• Define and manage inventory targets based on service levels, working capital objectives, and demand variability.
• Monitor inventory KPIs including inventory turns, days of inventory, and aging stock.
• Work with commercial teams to address slow-moving or obsolete inventory.
• Optimize stock levels to balance service performance and working capital.

4. Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)

• Facilitate and manage the monthly S&OP process to align demand, supply, and financial plans.
• Prepare planning reports and supply chain performance dashboards for leadership review.
• Provide visibility on supply constraints, inventory risks, and demand changes.
• Drive alignment across Sales, Operations, Procurement, and Finance teams.

5. Data, Systems & Process Improvement

• Manage planning parameters and master data in ERP systems (e.g., SAP).
• Utilize planning tools and analytics to improve forecast accuracy and supply visibility.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and planning automation.
• Support digital initiatives related to supply chain planning.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Commercial teams to understand market demand and business priorities.
• Work closely with Procurement and Logistics teams to ensure supply chain alignment.
• Provide planning insights to support business decisions and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 7–10 years of experience in demand planning, supply planning, or supply chain management, preferably in chemical distribution, manufacturing, or industrial sectors.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and planning tools.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration abilities.

Brenntag TA Team