Permanent contract - Based in Alsfeld (Germany)
For our newly established Integrated Value Chain Organization, we are seeking a highly motivated Manager, Integrated Planning - EMEA to lead and optimize our end-to-end planning and scheduling operations. This role is critical in delivering optimal service levels, minimizing operational costs, and fostering a high-performing, collaborative team environment.
The role partners closely with Sales, Portfolio Management, Manufacturing, Logistics, Quality, and Engineering to align demand, capacity, and resources, ensuring efficient inventory management, on-time delivery, and operational excellence in a dynamic, data-driven environment.
This position includes direct leadership of a team of planners, buyers, and schedulers responsible for raw material planning, purchasing, and master production scheduling across multiple facilities.
This is a high-impact role in a dynamic environment where data-driven decisions, continuous improvement, and strong execution will define your success.
What you will do
Production Planning & Scheduling: Oversee the creation and execution of production schedules that balance demand, capacity, and materials to meet delivery targets and operational goals.
Tactical procurement: Ensure timely and efficient sourcing of materials through the execution of tactical buying strategies, supporting uninterrupted production flow.
S&OP Process: Contribute to the Sales & Operations Planning process by aligning production plans and inventory levels with business objectives and demand forecasts.
Inventory Management: Monitor inventory levels of raw materials, components, and finished goods to prevent shortages and excess. Implement control strategies such as safety stocks, reorder points, and EOQ to optimize turnover and service levels.
Leadership and development: Empower and develop planning and scheduling teams through targeted training, structured feedback, and a focus on continuous improvement and career growth.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with manufacturing, quality, and operations teams to ensure alignment between production schedules, operational capabilities, and business objectives.
Data-Driven Optimization: Leverage real-time data, analytics, and predictive modeling to continuously improve planning and scheduling performance. Use digital tools and dashboards to monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs).
Continuous Improvement: Identify process gaps and improvement opportunities across planning activities, introducing automation and lean tools to drive productivity and sustainable performance gains.
Risk Management: Proactively assess risks related to supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and equipment downtime, adjusting schedules accordingly to minimize impact.
Support additional projects or tasks as needed to meet business objectives.
The role has full managerial responsibility: has direct reports, assigns work to staff, provides coaching and training, sets goals, is accountable for performance evaluation, plans staff development, and makes and approves people management decisions either alone or in collaboration with management and P&P (including recruitment, promotions, terminations, and compensation).
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):
Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.
Professional Experience:
* 7-10 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, with a strong focus on planning within a manufacturing environment.
* Minimum of 4 years in a leadership role within regional or global planning functions.
Team Leadership: Proven track record in leading, building, and developing cross-functional and cross-country teams in an international and hybrid working environment.
Technical Expertise:
* Strong end-to-end supply chain process understanding.
* Hands-on experience with SAP Production Planning and Execution modules (PP, PP/DS).
* Advanced skills in MS Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
* Prior use of Advanced Planning Systems (APS) such as OMP, Kinaxis, or Blue Yonder.
Core Competencies:
* Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach.
* High analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
* Strong communication skills, customer orientation, and team mindset.
* Demonstrated ability to present to senior executives and collaborate in cross-functional environments.
* Curious, adaptive, and committed to continuous learning and growth.
* Fluent in English; German is a plus.
Certifications: Ideally APICS certified (CPIM or CSCP); training in Oliver Wight S&OP methodology is an advantage.