The Plant Operating Planning Manager is responsible for leading plant operating planning activities across manufacturing operations, ensuring the effective translation of demand requirements into optimized production plans and schedules. The role oversees production planning, scheduling, and material management processes to support service, inventory, cost, and operational performance objectives.

Acting as a key interface between manufacturing, supply chain, and central planning functions, the Plant Operating Planning Manager ensures the efficient utilization of production capacity, materials, and workforce resources while maintaining alignment with business priorities. The position plays a critical role in driving planning excellence, mitigating operational risks, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the plant environment.

Main Responsibilities: Develop and manage production plans across assigned planning horizons, ensuring optimal allocation of production volumes by SKU, line, and week

Monitor inventory levels and provide visibility on stock projections and potential supply risks

Collaborate with regional and local planning teams to align production plans with business demand and capacity constraints

Create and maintain detailed production schedules by SKU, line, day, and shift

Ensure the execution of agreed production schedules while balancing service, efficiency, and cost objectives

Optimize the utilization of manufacturing assets, including production lines, machinery, materials, and workforce resources

Support workforce planning and shift pattern management to meet operational requirements

Coordinate production scheduling activities with external co-manufacturing and co-packing partners where applicable

Ensure the availability of raw materials,



packaging materials, semi-finished goods, and other production inputs required to support manufacturing plans

Manage material call-offs and coordinate closely with suppliers and procurement teams

Monitor inventory levels and proactively address material shortages or excess stock situations

Drive actions to reduce material obsolescence in line with company guidelines and inventory management targets

Serve as the key planning representative for the plant and the main point of contact with central planning teams

Lead planning performance reviews and provide regular updates on planning activities, risks, and opportunities

Conduct root cause analyses on planning and supply issues, identifying and implementing corrective actions About You: University degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline

Relevant experience in production planning, supply planning, operations planning, manufacturing, or supply chain management

Experience working within a manufacturing environment, preferably in FMCG, food, consumer goods, or related industries

Proven experience in production scheduling, inventory management, and materials planning

Strong understanding of manufacturing planning processes and supply chain operations

Excellent analytical and problem‐solving capabilities, strong cross‐functional collaboration skills

Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at different organizational levels

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‐paced production environment

Proficiency in ERP and planning systems (e.g., SAP APO, SAP IBP, SAP ECC, or similar tools)

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills

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📌 Plant Operating Planning Manager (Alba)
🏢 Ferrero International
📍 Alba