Manager, Planning

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Drive 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

Requirements

• 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
• Demonstrated experience leading S&OP, capacity planning, inventory optimization, and production planning processes
• Strong understanding of forecasting, demand planning, supply planning, inventory management, and manufacturing operations
• Experience working within ERP and Advanced Planning Systems
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership abilities
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools
• Training and experience in an ISO 9001 (2015) and/or ISO 14001 environment
• Experience with manufacturing

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Experience with SAP planning functionality, Advanced Planning Systems (APS), and scheduling tools
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills

Skills

• Data analysis
• Forecasting
• Supply chain management
• Production planning
• Capacity planning
• Inventory optimization
• Lean Manufacturing
• Microsoft Excel

Benefits

• Competitive paid time off plans / Holiday pay /extra vacation purchase opportunities
• 401k plan – with immediate match
• Great Benefits – several options including Pet insurance for our animal lovers. Health Savings Account Contribution
• Wellness Discount Program
• Global Mental Wellness Program
• Quarterly Employee Celebration Days
• Peer to Peer Recognition Program
• Service Recognition Program
• Ambitious employee discount program on Pelican Products, Pelican branded apparel and gear
• Employee referral program – get paid to work with your trusted network
• Beautiful New England location
• Onsite Gym
• Established reputable brand offering premium products – you’ll be proud to represent Pelican!