S&OP Planner - 12 Month Contract

Lead the monthly Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process for PLV2 and all Kitting Packaging items to ensure high availability for affiliates while maintaining optimal inventory levels. Establish improved ways of managing these items using a structured book ordering process and support the transition of ownership for select items to regional markets.

Key Stakeholders:
Affiliate Planning Teams, Strategic Sourcing, Integration Project Managers, Global/Local Marketing Teams, Finance

Primary Accountabilities

S&OP Responsibilities

Ensure optimal stock coverage at the Distribution Center, balancing high service levels with minimal slow-moving or obsolete inventory.

Proactively identify and resolve supply risks through collaboration with key stakeholders.

Issue purchase orders and monitor on-time delivery into the Distribution Center at required inventory levels.

Communicate shortages, recovery plans, and timelines clearly to regional teams and coordinate required decision-making.

Analyse monthly and weekly demand fluctuations, set priorities with suppliers, and challenge supplier responsiveness and flexibility.

Manage and rationalize the product catalogue.

Monitor supply chain performance metrics, conduct root cause analysis, implement corrective actions, and propose continuous improvements.

Maintain and optimize planning system parameters across the end-to-end supply chain.

Support stock equation (SEQ) processes for budget planning and forecasting.

Participate in cross-functional projects and business review meetings.

Project Responsibilities

With a focus on continuous improvement, conduct a comprehensive review of PLV2 and kit packaging item portfolios to:

Define make-to-order versus make-to-stock strategies.

Implement a structured book ordering model with affiliates and transition management of all make-to-order SKUs accordingly.

Confirm clear Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) and ensure feasible planning through MPS and SAP systems.

Collaborate with regional integration teams to transfer ownership of select SKUs to markets or contract manufacturers.

Apply strong stakeholder management and influencing skills to drive alignment with RACI frameworks and project timelines.

Bring commercial awareness to the role by understanding and challenging assumptions in relation to business strategy and performance targets.

Key Experience, Knowledge & Skills Required

5+ years of experience in Supply Chain (planning, factory, subsidiary, or S&OP roles).

Solid understanding of Supply Chain Planning principles and inventory management best practices.

Experience using ERP and advanced planning systems (e.g., SAP, MPS).

Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups (marketing, sourcing, finance, manufacturing, etc.).

Strong analytical and numerical capabilities; commercially aware.

Problem-solving mindset with sound decision-making ability.

Agile and able to prioritize in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Proficient in Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel.