Job Purpose

The primary purpose of the Supply Planning Manager role is to lead and oversee the end-to-end supply planning process, balancing demand and supply to ensure optimal inventory levels and seamless product availability. This role requires strategic oversight to align supply chain activities with business objectives, driving cost efficiency while maintaining high service levels.

You will be accountable for developing robust forecasting methods, coordinating production planning, managing finished goods, and collaborating with various internal and external stakeholders to sustain a responsive and agile supply chain environment.

Through effective management and coordination, you will contribute significantly to CPF’s mission of delivering quality food products sustainably and responsibly to our customers.

Job Description (Accountability)

• Lead and manage the supply planning function, ensuring accurate forecasting, demand management, and replenishment strategies that meet business and customer requirements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, logistics, production, and procurement teams to optimise the supply chain process, reducing lead times and improving service levels.
• Develop and execute strategic plans for inventory management, balancing cost considerations with availability needs to minimise waste and excess inventory.
• Analyse market trends and customer insights to anticipate demand fluctuations and enable proactive planning.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by implementing best practices in supply chain management and leveraging data analytics for decision-making.
• Monitor key performance indicators related to supply reliability, inventory turns, cost control, and order fulfilment rates, taking corrective actions as necessary.
• Drive innovation in planning processes, leveraging technology and new methodologies to enhance accuracy and agility.
• Mentor and develop team members, promoting a collaborative and high-performing work environment aligned with CPF’s core values.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and sustainability goals, integrating responsible supply chain practices into all planning activities.

Competencies

Education

Experience

• Proven experience in supply chain planning or related management roles within the food industry or fast-moving consumer goods sector.
• Extensive knowledge of demand forecasting, inventory control, production scheduling, and logistics coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex supply chain processes efficiently.
• Experience in using advanced data analytics and supply chain management software to drive planning accuracy.
• Track record of successfully implementing cost management strategies and operational improvements.
• Strong background in customer-centric planning approaches, ensuring alignment with changing market needs.
• Experience in managing multi-channel sales supply requirements, adapting plans to varying channel demands.
• Prior involvement in sustainability initiatives within supply chain frameworks is desirable.

Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of supply chain management principles, including demand and supply balancing, inventory optimization, and production planning.
• Familiarity with market dynamics and competitive pricing strategies impacting supply chain decisions.
• Expertise in data analytics, forecasting techniques, and the utilisation of relevant software tools to support decision-making.
• Understanding of logistics management, finished goods handling, and packing processes to ensure smooth product flow.
• Awareness of sustainability benefits and strategic planning approaches within supply chain operations.
• Strong grasp of cost management techniques and budget control practices relevant to supply planning.
• Comprehensive knowledge of customer insight frameworks and how they inform supply planning adjustments.

Skills

• Exceptional problem-solving abilities to address complex supply chain challenges and troubleshoot disruptions effectively.
• Strategic thinking skills to develop long-term supply planning solutions aligned with business goals.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to influence and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Advanced organisational and planning capabilities to oversee multiple simultaneous tasks and projects.
• Proficiency in data analysis, critical thinking, and reporting to monitor performance and inform strategy.
• Ability to adapt swiftly to changes, demonstrating resilience and leadership through transformation initiatives.
• Leadership skills for inspiring, motivating, and building high-performing teams focused on results and innovation.
• Competency in cost management and competitive pricing formulation to support fiscal responsibility and market competitiveness.

Skills (from Role)

Key Performance Indicator

• Accuracy and reliability of demand forecasting metrics, striving for continuous improvement in forecast precision.
• Inventory turnover rates and minimisation of excess or obsolete stock to ensure cost-effectiveness.
• On-time supply fulfillment percentage aligned with customer service level agreements.
• Cost management targets, including reductions in supply chain operational expenses without compromising quality or delivery.
• Effectiveness of cross-functional collaboration measured by speed and quality of supply chain processes.
• Implementation and impact of innovation initiatives improving supply planning agility and responsiveness.
• Employee engagement and development benchmarks within the supply planning team.
• Compliance with sustainability goals, including waste reduction and resource optimisation in supply chain activities.