Planning Section Manager

About the role

The Planning Section Manager leads demand, material and distribution planning to ensure optimal availability of raw materials and finished goods while balancing service levels, inventory, cost and capacity. The role drives forecasting accuracy, cross‑functional alignment and disciplined execution to meet business objectives and customer commitments.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the demand planning process, consolidate inputs from sales, projects and commercial teams, and ensure forecasts are accurate and aligned with market trends.
• Oversee material planning to guarantee timely availability of raw materials, components and packaging, and manage shortages, excess and obsolescence risks.
• Direct distribution planning to allocate finished goods across warehouses, balance service levels with logistics costs, and monitor inventory aging.
• Coordinate integrated planning across demand, production, procurement and logistics, participating in S&OP forums and escalating risks with clear recommendations.
• Ensure planning governance, data accuracy and effective use of ERP planning tools while defining and monitoring KPIs such as forecast accuracy and service level.
• Lead, coach and develop the planning team, set objectives, monitor performance and promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Required profile

• Proven ability to recruit, develop and manage high‑performing teams, with a focus on performance‑driven results.
• Strong decision‑making skills, proactive problem solving and accountability for delivering quality, cost‑effective outcomes.
• Experience in translating corporate goals into actionable business plans, monitoring performance and driving corrective actions.
• Commitment to health, safety and environmental standards and to fostering quality as a competitive advantage.

Required skills

• Materials Flow Analysis
• Materials/Parts Knowledge
• Continuous Flow Production
• Demand Management
• Workforce Demand Analysis
• Demand Forecasting
• Distribution Resource Planning (DRP)
• Material Requirements Planning (MRP/MRPII)
• ERP planning tools