Manager, Planning

We're Hiring: Manager, Planning
Location: South Deerfield, MA
Company: Pelican

Who We Are:
At Pelican, we engineer products that stand up to the world’s toughest conditions—because the people who rely on us do too. For nearly 50 years, we’ve been a trusted partner for military personnel, first responders, outdoor adventurers, and innovators who push the limits.

With a global presence that includes 11 offices, 4 manufacturing facilities, and 4 custom case centers, we create high-performance protective solutions that ensure our customers can focus on what matters most. Whether it’s transporting critical medical supplies, securing mission-essential equipment, or keeping expedition gear safe, Pelican products are Built to Protect to Equip for the Mission.

At Pelican, your work has a real-world impact. You’ll be part of a team driven by innovation, craftsmanship, and the shared belief that when the mission is critical, failure isn’t an option. If you’re ready to build something that makes a difference, be part of a team that protects what matters most.

What You'll Do:
Drive the plan. Optimize the flow. Power operational excellence.
Pelican is seeking a strategic and results-driven Planning Manager to lead production planning, capacity planning, inventory optimization, and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) for our South Deerfield manufacturing operation. In this highly visible leadership role, you'll help balance customer demand, manufacturing capacity, inventory investment, and business objectives while driving continuous improvement across the supply chain. This is an exciting opportunity for a planning professional who thrives on solving complex operational challenges, leveraging data to make decisions, and building scalable processes that support growth.

Production Planning & Scheduling
• Lead production planning and scheduling activities across Injection Molding, Rotomolding, and Assembly operations
• Develop planning strategies that optimize capacity utilization, inventory levels, customer service, and operational efficiency
• Monitor schedule attainment and production performance to drive improvements in throughput and on-time delivery
• Partner with Operations to proactively address constraints, shifting priorities, and customer requirements
• Support new product introductions, product transitions, and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) to minimize inventory risk and disruption
S&OP & Capacity Planning
• Lead capacity planning activities by balancing forecasted demand, labor requirements, equipment utilization, and inventory strategies
• Facilitate monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes and align cross-functional stakeholders around business priorities
• Develop scenario-based planning models to support growth, demand variability, and risk mitigation
• Support long-range planning and capital investment decisions related to equipment, tooling, automation, and facility expansion
Inventory & Supply Chain Optimization
• Drive inventory strategies that improve service levels, inventory turns, and working capital performance
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Procurement, and Operations teams to ensure material availability and production continuity
• Monitor forecasts, inventory positions, and supply chain performance to identify risks and opportunities
• Develop and report key performance metrics including forecast accuracy, schedule attainment, capacity utilization, and inventory performance
Systems & Continuous Improvement
• Lead optimization and continuous improvement of SAP planning functionality, Advanced Planning Systems (APS), and scheduling tools
• Utilize analytics and operational data to improve planning accuracy, responsiveness, and decision-making
• Champion Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives throughout planning and scheduling processes
• Identify and implement technology solutions that enhance visibility, automation, and operational performance
Leadership & Team Development
• Lead, coach, and develop planning and scheduling team members
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence
• Establish performance expectations, development plans, and succession strategies
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Plant Leadership to deliver business results
• Perform additional duties as assigned

What We’re Looking For:
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in production planning, demand planning, supply planning, materials management, or manufacturing operations.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of leadership experience managing planners, schedulers, or supply chain professionals.
• Demonst