The Supply Chain Planning Manager is responsible for developing Sweet Loren’s demand and supply planning function.  As the heartbeat of our Operations function, this role demands a superior analytical tool kit and a strong focus on cross functional collaboration to ensure we reach the highest client / customer service levels in an effective and efficient manner.  This position will be responsible for managing supply across the planning horizon and assuming responsibility for planning all elements in material flow including production, raw materials, packaging, contract manufacturing and inventories, on a real time basis. This leadership role demands customer focus, strong decision-making capabilities, agility, and excellent communication skills to effectively manage supply across multiple functions & geographies.

 

·        S&OP Process Management: Lead and manage the S&OP process in a manner that ensures alignment with business objectives and strategies. Lead the development and facilitation of monthly S&OP meetings where collaboration with sales, marketing, finance, and operations teams ensure alignment between demand forecasts, production plans, and inventory strategies.

·        Demand Planning: Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts based on historical data, market trends, and Finance and Sales input. Work closely with sales and marketing teams to align forecasts with promotional activities and market changes. Regularly monitors market conditions and retail consumption data to inform demand plans.  

·        Inventory Management: Optimize inventory levels to balance supply and demand, reduce excess inventory, and minimize stockouts. Implement strategies to improve inventory turnover and reduce carrying costs.

·        Supply / Production Planning: Coordinate with co-manufacturing teams to create and adjust production schedules based on demand forecasts and inventory levels. Ensure production plans are aligned with capacity constraints and lead times. Monitors actual client/customer orders and inventory levels on a weekly basis. 

·        Supplier Coordination and Materials Planning: Work closely with Supply Chain team and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials and components. Partner with Supply Chain team to negotiate and manage supplier agreements to support supply chain objectives and mitigate risks.

·        Collaboration and Communication: Serve as the primary liaison between supply chain planning and other departments including procurement, logistics, and sales. Communicate planning updates and changes effectively to ensure alignment across the organization.

·        Performance Tracking: Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure supply chain performance, forecast accuracy and other KPIs. Provide regular reports and analysis to senior management to support decision-making.   Build programs and approaches for continuous improvement.  

·        Risk Management: Identify potential supply chain risks and develop contingency plans to mitigate disruptions. Proactively address any issues that could impact supply chain performance.

·        Manage Amazon inventories and planning, a plus.

·        Experience implementing a company planning system is a major plus.

·        Works closely with Sales, Marketing, Innovation and Operations teams to manage new products, product and packaging changes, issues, and rollouts.  Owns and develops plans to minimize any obsolescence. 

·        Support Company with ad hoc supply chain and planning analysis, as needed.

·        Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced relevant certification (e.g., APICS CPIM) is a plus.

·        Proven experience (5+ years) in supply chain planning, demand forecasting, or inventory management, preferably within the consumer products industry.  Perishable product experience a plus.  

·        Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis, forecasting techniques, and supply chain software.  Ability to build and manage complex data models.  High level of Excel proficiency required.   High degree of accuracy and attention to detail.  

·        Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

·        Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with a track record of collaborating across functions and with external partners.  Highly collaborative.  Able to build constructive and effective relationships with a broad and diverse group of business partners.

·        Demonstrated problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing supply chain challenges.

·        Familiarity with industry best practices and emerging trends in supply chain management, including S&OP methodologies.

·        Strong proficiency in MS Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).  Strong Excel competence is a must.

·        General knowledge of MRP planning systems or aptitude to learn technical applications quickly.  Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) inventory Management systems (i.e. NetSuite, Sage, Microsoft Dynamics) is a strong plus.

·        Self-starter, highly motivated and able to work in remote environment.  A positive, energetic personality.