VP of Planning

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The VP of Planning in a manufacturing environment leads long-range planning, production planning, capacity forecasting, and cross-functional alignment to ensure the company achieves operational efficiency, customer service, quality, and cost targets. This role bridges strategic planning with plant-floor execution—integrating supply chain, production, engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives into a cohesive operational strategy

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Strategic & Capacity Planning

• Develop long-term manufacturing capacity plans that align with business growth, market demand, and financial objectives. 
• Forecast resource requirements for materials, equipment, technology, and workforce to meet production targets while maintaining budget constraints. 
• Collaborate with R&D to plan for new product introductions and manufacturing integration. 

2. Production Planning & Scheduling Oversight

• Oversee production scheduling processes to ensure cost-effective, efficient output meeting quality and delivery targets. 
• Optimize planning systems such as MRP/ERP to improve accuracy of demand planning, scheduling, and inventory control. 
• Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies to improve flow, reduce waste, and increase throughput. 

3. Supply Chain & Materials Planning

• Partner with procurement and supply chain leaders to ensure timely sourcing of materials, negotiating cost-effective contracts while maintaining supplier reliability. 
• Improve material planning accuracy and reduce stockouts, excess inventory, and lead times.
• Integrate supply chain optimization practices that support manufacturing efficiency and cost reduction. 

4. Operational Excellence & Process Innovation

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing principles to exceed benchmarks in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. 
• Lead cross-functional teams to evaluate planning performance, resolve bottlenecks, and refine processes.
• Adopt emerging manufacturing technologies and automation strategies to enhance capacity and competitiveness. 

5. Performance Management & Analytics

• Develop and track planning-related KPIs such as OEE, throughput, scrap, service levels, and forecast accuracy. 
• Analyze downtime trends, capacity utilization, and equipment performance to inform strategic decisions.
• Provide executive leadership with performance dashboards, scenario modeling, and recommendations.

6. Leadership & Cross-Functional Alignment

• Lead planning, scheduling, and analytics teams, building strong talent pipelines and fostering a high-performance culture. 
• Serve as a strategic partner to Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Finance to ensure alignment across production and commercial demand.
• Ensure integration of safety and regulatory compliance into all planning activities.
• Other tasks as assigned 

Requirements

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field; MBA preferred.

Experience:

- 8–10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience

- Proven leadership in production planning, capacity planning, supply chain, or operations. 

- Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.

Other   Skills (Technical, or Other special knowledge and abilities)

-   Deep understanding of manufacturing systems, MRP/ERP, production scheduling, and supply chain planning. 

- Excellent analytical, forecasting, and problem-solving abilities. 

- Strong communication, leadership, and cross-functional influence skills. 

- Demonstrated ability to manage complex planning processes in fast-paced environments.

- Improved forecast accuracy and planning reliability. 

- Reduction in lead times, downtime, and operational bottlenecks. 

- Improved OEE, productivity, and on-time delivery rates. 

- Strong alignment between production capacity and commercial demand. 

- Successful integration of new technologies and continuous improvement initiatives.