The Planning Operations Manager will play an integral part in developing a strategic roadmap, setting, and achieving organizational objectives. This position will proactively lead our planning teams and drive efficiency and optimization across our manufacturing operations. In addition, implement effective inventory management strategies, and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment with overall business objectives. This role requires strong leadership skills, a keen eye for process improvement opportunities, and a commitment to delivering superior results.

Manage and Develop Others

·       Effectively manage manufacturing planning teams collaborating cross functionally to improve overall efficiency and drive continuous improvement.

·       Recruit and hire employees who meet the dynamic needs of the Company.

·       Coach and mentor employees with a focus on enhancing their overall skills.

·       Provide clear direction along with a level of accountability which generates superior results.

·       Promote a continuous improvement mode of operation, readily challenge all employees to take individual and group performance to the next level.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

·       Participate in developing business unit strategic roadmaps focused on the planning team structure, process, capacity utilization, inventory objectives, system tools, data analysis, master data, planning tools, tactics, and risk mitigation to strengthen and build an agile and scalable planning department.

·       Utilizing MRP systems or software to forecast demand, plan production and ensure timely availability of materials for production schedules.

·       Aligns with operations to optimize scheduling of all production lines; creatively troubleshoots production/planning issues and develops contingency plans as necessary.

·       Create the appropriate planning strategies and processes across the organization supporting the different business units.

·       Continuously evaluating and refining planning processes to fully utilize capacity, enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall performance.

·       Collaborate with business unit leaders (F&I, MBU, CU and Transportation), various departments, including procurement, production, shipping, finance, product, customer experience to ensure alignment of planning activities with overall business objectives.

·       Routinely meet with procurement and operations to drive process solutions which will improve performance throughout the entire organization.

·       Drive and execute on S&OP / SIOP as it relates to inbound rubber supply, production management, customer and/or business forecasts.

·       Responsible to evaluate and adjust production lead times based on demand and resource capacity.

·       Generating reports, KPIs, and performance metrics to track material planning effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and provide recommendations and solutions to the business.

·       Exercises independent judgment in developing methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for problem solving obtaining results.

·       Collaborates with NPD to determine production capabilities of products.

·       Works with finance and outside auditors on year-end inventory observations and any discrepancies because of the audit.

Inventory Management

·       Implement and maintain inventory systems and procedures to ensure accurate tracking of inventory movements. Regularly conducting cycle counts to identify discrepancies and address them.

·       Monitor WIP and Finished Good inventory levels and implement strategies which maximize cash flow and customer satisfaction.

·       Use innovation and implement new processes and procedures that are focused on improving efficiencies across the organization.

·       Implementing strategies to optimize WIP and Finished Good inventory turnover, minimize carrying costs, and reduce obsolescence.

·       Collaborating with other departments such as purchasing, sales and logistics to ensure alignment between inventory management activities and overall business objectives.

·       Coordinate with business units on stock levels to inventory by location to support business objectives, meet customer needs and warehouse optimization.

·       Ensures effective process for organizing and scheduling transfer of materials between warehouses.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

·       Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or equivalent.

·       Minimum of 7 years’ experience in materials, planning, scheduling and procurement

·       Minimum 5 years’ experience in Sales and Operations Planning

·       Minimum 5 years’ experience leading and managing a high performing team in a manufacturing environment with a mix of contract manufacturing, make to stock, engineer to order.

·       APICS certification preferred.

·       Proficient in Microsoft Office and MRP/ERP systems.

·       Knowledge of lean techniques and processes is preferred.

·       Strong management and employee development experience, communications, and interpersonal skills.

·       Demonstrated ability to create, set, and achieve strategic objectives that align with the organization.

·       Collaborative working style and thrives in a cross-functional team environment.

·       Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage a team.

·       Proven decision making and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines.

·       Ability to successfully manage multiple priorities.

·       Proficiency in managing and facilitating teams through problem solving and conflict resolutions.

·       Strong bias for action, and effective change agent.

·       Effective verbal/written communication and presentation skills.

·       Advanced experience in production scheduling, demand and supply planning processes

·       Experience building and implementing processes to support rapid business growth in a mid-sized company.

·       Ability to travel 20% of the time.

·       Exhibit Company Core Values of being Customer Focused, Innovative, Action Oriented, and Passionate.