Plant Operating Planning Manager

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.

• 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
• Monitor and report key planning KPIs, ensuring continuous improvement of planning processes and performance
• Escalate critical issues that may impact production schedule fulfilment and propose mitigation plans

• 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, sttrong 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

Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here.

Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding.
Find out more here.