Supply Planning Job Description Overview
The role of Supply Planning in the Supply Chain/Logistics sector is crucial for ensuring the seamless flow of goods and materials, optimizing inventory levels, and meeting customer demands efficiently. Supply Planning directly impacts the company’s success by enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs through effective inventory management, and improving customer satisfaction by ensuring product availability. This role fosters team collaboration by aligning procurement, production, and distribution functions, thereby supporting the company’s goals of on-time delivery, cost control, and market competitiveness.
In today’s dynamic business environment, major innovations such as advanced analytics, AI-driven forecasting tools, and automation are transforming supply planning processes. Supply Planning professionals must navigate challenges like demand volatility, supply chain disruptions, and sustainability requirements while keeping abreast of industry trends like lean supply chain practices and circular economy principles. The key stakeholders for this role include Supply Chain Managers, Procurement Teams, Production Planners, and Sales and Marketing Departments. Success in this role is measured by key performance indicators (KPIs) such as inventory turnover, forecast accuracy, on-time delivery, and supply chain cost efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Planning and Execution: Supply Planners are responsible for developing detailed project plans, scheduling production activities, and ensuring timely execution to meet demand fluctuations and production targets.
- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Supply Planners analyze supply chain data, identify bottlenecks, and make informed decisions to optimize inventory levels, mitigate risks, and address supply chain disruptions effectively.
- Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams: Supply Planners collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, procurement, logistics, and sales to align supply plans with demand forecasts, production capacities, and inventory strategies.
- Leadership and Mentorship: Experienced Supply Planners may lead a team of supply chain professionals, providing guidance, mentorship, and training to ensure operational excellence and team development.
- Process Improvement and Innovation: Supply Planners drive continuous improvement initiatives, implement innovative supply chain strategies, and optimize processes to enhance efficiency and responsiveness in the supply chain.
- Technical or Customer-Facing Responsibilities: Supply Planners may interact with suppliers, customers, and technology vendors to negotiate contracts, resolve supply issues, and implement customer-centric supply chain solutions.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in supply chain planning software (e.g., SAP APO, Oracle ASCP), advanced Excel skills, data analysis tools (e.g., Tableau), knowledge of ERP systems, and experience with demand forecasting models.
- Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field. Professional certifications like APICS CPIM or CSCP are desirable.
- Experience Level: 3-5 years of experience in supply chain planning, materials management, or inventory control. Experience in a manufacturing or retail environment is preferred.
- Soft Skills: Strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, interpersonal communication, leadership qualities, adaptability to changing priorities, and a collaborative mindset.
- Industry Knowledge: Sound understanding of inventory management principles, procurement processes, demand forecasting methodologies, and compliance requirements in the supply chain industry.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in implementing advanced planning systems (APS) like Kinaxis RapidResponse or JDA Demand Planning.
- Holding certifications in Lean Six Sigma, project management, or supply chain analytics.
- Familiarity with emerging technologies such as blockchain for supply chain transparency, IoT for real-time tracking, or machine learning for predictive analytics.
- Demonstrated experience in scaling operations across multiple regions, optimizing global supply chains, or leading process improvement projects.
- Participation in industry conferences, supply chain forums, or contributing to thought leadership articles on supply chain best practices.
- Additional proficiency in a foreign language to support international supplier relationships and global supply chain management.
Compensation and Benefits
- Base Salary: Competitive salary range commensurate with experience and industry standards.
- Bonuses & Incentives: Performance-based bonuses, annual incentives tied to supply chain metrics, and opportunities for profit-sharing.
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, employee assistance programs, and wellness initiatives.
- Retirement Plans: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching, pension schemes, and long-term financial planning assistance.
- Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, parental leave policies, and company holidays to support work-life balance.
- Career Growth: Professional development opportunities, training programs, mentorship initiatives, and potential for career advancement within the organization.
Application Process
Individuals interested in the Supply Planning position are encouraged to follow the application process outlined below:
- Submitting Your Application: Interested candidates should submit their updated resume and a tailored cover letter through our online application portal.
- Initial Screening: Our HR team will review applications to assess qualifications, relevant experience, and alignment with the role’s requirements. Selected candidates will be contacted for a preliminary screening interview.
- Technical and Skills Assessment: Depending on the role, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment, case study, or demonstrate their supply chain planning skills.
- Final Interview: Shortlisted candidates will have the opportunity to interview with the hiring manager to discuss their background, competencies, and fit for the role. This interview may also include cultural fit discussions.
- Offer and Onboarding: Successful candidates will receive a formal job offer detailing compensation, benefits, and start date. Our onboarding process will ensure a smooth transition into the organization and the supply chain team.
