Sales & Operations Planning Specialist

Essentials Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage S&OP process through collaboration with Sales, Customer Service, Transportation, Procurement and Operations.
• Engage with Sales and Customer Service to evaluate forecasts vs. actual sales (volume, trends and mix).
• Evaluate the best supply plan between the different plants in order to reduce the cost of sales and operations, recommending improvements to procedures, contracts and agreements.
• Implement forecast accuracy measurement and reporting to drive improvements with key stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment to demand and supply planning process.
• Identify gaps and opportunities to the plan between current plans and financial commitments, derive possible gap closing initiatives and highlight the risks and opportunities.
• Recommend and maintain optimal inventory levels at various stages in the supply chain in order to achieve customer satisfaction levels as well as mitigate costs.
• Prepare the long term production, procurement and transportation plans to support inventory optimization through a flawless business execution.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree: Business Administration / Finance or related fields. A Master’s Degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in demand planning or supply chain; preferably in the food processing industry.
• Experience working with multiple levels of the functional organization to coordinate the synchronization of supply and demand.
• Experience working with S&OP, SAP or ERP based planning and forecasting systems.
• Understanding of the requirements of manufacturing, logistics, marketing, sales and finance.
• Ability to work with S&OP tools to recognize and interpret historical demand and forecasts.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing process improvements.
• Strong conflict resolution and problem solving skills.
• Proficient computer skills including Word, Excel and PowerPoint; Advanced Excel skills (including pivot tables and VBA Programming) are required along with excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• APICS or equivalent trade certification is preferred.
• Able to travel up to 10% to other Company locations.

ANALYTICAL Skills

• This position requires a high level of analysis with the ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner, as well as gather and analyze information skillfully and maintain confidentiality.
• The ability to use statistical functions is also required.
• Ability to perform general mathematical calculations for the purpose of creating business cases, budgets etc.

MATHMATICAL Skills

• Requires ability to perform basic math functions as well as compute rates, ratios, and percentages.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.