Master Planner

About the role

This role is a Manager, Master Planning position based in Fort Smith, Arkansas, offering a hybrid work arrangement. The role is part of a global consumer packaged goods client and involves leading integrated production and materials planning for a large-scale manufacturing operation.

Responsibilities

• Own the master production plan, balancing demand forecasts, inventory targets, labor, materials, and manufacturing capacity

• Develop and maintain short-, medium-, and long-range production plans across weekly, monthly, and annual horizons

• Evaluate capacity constraints and develop mitigation strategies to support service and operational goals

• Lead scenario planning related to new product launches, line expansions, seasonal demand fluctuations, and operational changes

• Oversee materials planning activities, ensuring raw materials and packaging components are available to support production requirements

• Partner with procurement and suppliers to manage lead times, shortages, and supply chain risks

• Drive inventory optimization initiatives, including inventory turns, aging inventory, and excess & obsolete reduction

• Oversee production scheduling and partner closely with operations to improve schedule adherence and execution performance

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of planners and schedulers while establishing best practices and standard work processes

• Support S&OP / IBP processes by translating demand forecasts into feasible supply plans and communicating risks, constraints, and recommendations

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to planning systems, ERP utilization, data quality, and planning processes

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related discipline

• 7+ years of production planning, supply planning, or master planning experience within a manufacturing environment

• Experience within beverage, food, CPG, consumer goods, or other complex manufacturing operations strongly preferred

• Prior leadership experience managing or mentoring planners, schedulers, or supply chain professionals

• Strong understanding of MRP, capacity planning, inventory management, and production scheduling principles

• Advanced ERP experience (SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, or similar)

• Strong Excel capabilities

• Experience supporting S&OP / IBP processes and cross-functional supply chain decision making

• APICS / ASCM certifications (CPIM, CSCP) considered an asset

• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills

Qualifications

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without need for employer sponsorship, now or in the future.