Planning Manager III

AFL Telecommunications, LLC; Scotland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

AFL Telecommunications, LLC is seeking a Supply Planner to develop realistic supply plans balancing demand, capacity, inventory, and service goals. The role bridges IBP with plant-level master scheduling to ensure alignment across demand planning, manufacturing, procurement, and supply chain operations.

Success requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a solid understanding of manufacturing processes and supply chain operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Statistics, Engineering, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in supply planning within a manufacturing organization, including at least 3 years in manufacturing or supply chain operations.
• Experience developing supply plans, evaluating manufacturing capacity, and coordinating production requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to improve forecast accuracy and inventory performance.
• Experience with supply chain and demand planning software such as SAP APO, Oracle Demantra, or JDA; Salesforce CRM integration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain master supply plans that align with strategic priorities, customer requirements, and manufacturing capabilities.
• Optimize supply chain and operational performance by aligning supply plans with demand forecasts and directing production volumes to appropriate facilities or contract manufacturers.
• Evaluate manufacturing capacity and supply chain capabilities against approved IBP supply plans.
• Identify potential supply gaps or constraints and recommend adjustments to maintain operational efficiency.
• Consolidate supply inputs into a unified IBP Supply Plan aligned with organizational objectives.
• Coordinate critical material requirements with procurement and production teams to ensure timely availability.
• Ensure monthly supply requirements are reflected in plant-level master production schedules and procurement plans.
• Collaborate with plant schedulers and sourcing teams to evaluate capacity and feasibility of scheduling changes.
• Communicate manufacturing capability changes and potential impact on demand fulfillment.
• Monitor and manage inventory levels to meet service expectations and company thresholds.
• Evaluate backlogs and implement corrective actions to maintain service levels.
• Balance inventory, capacity, and customer demand to support overall supply chain performance.
• Partner with demand planning, manufacturing, procurement, and sourcing teams to align supply plans with business objectives.
• Communicate master supply plans to plant schedulers and sourcing managers.
• Ensure plans are translated into production schedules and procurement activities.
• Proactively address supply chain challenges through cross-functional collaboration.
• Identify and implement process improvements to improve accuracy, responsiveness, and efficiency.

Skills

Analytical skills

Collaboration

Communication

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's/Associate degree in related field

Tools

SAP APO

Oracle Demantra

JDA

Salesforce CRM

Job description

The Supply Planner plays a critical role in developing realistic and achievable supply plans that balance customer demand, manufacturing capacity, inventory levels, service expectations, and financial and strategic objectives.

This position serves as the bridge between Integrated Business Planning (IBP) and plant-level master scheduling, ensuring alignment across demand planning, manufacturing, procurement, and supply chain operations.

The Supply Planner translates approved IBP supply plans into actionable production and procurement requirements, optimizes operational and supply chain resources, and proactively identifies and addresses potential supply constraints.

Success in this role requires strong analytical, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills, along with a solid understanding of manufacturing processes and supply chain operations.

Key Responsibilities

Supply Planning & Optimization

Develop and maintain master supply plans that align with strategic priorities, customer requirements, and manufacturing capabilities.

Optimize supply chain and operational performance by aligning supply plans with demand forecasts and directing production volumes to appropriate manufacturing facilities or contract manufacturers.

Evaluate manufacturing capacity and supply chain capabilities against approved IBP supply plans.

Identify potential supply gaps or constraints and recommend adjustments to maintain operational efficiency.

Consolidate supply inputs into a unified, company-wide IBP Supply Plan aligned with organizational objectives.

Production & Material Planning

Coordinate critical material requirements with procurement, purchasing, and production teams to ensure timely availability.

Ensure monthly supply requirements are accurately reflected in plant-level master production schedules and procurement plans.

Collaborate with plant master schedulers and sourcing teams to evaluate capacity, production feasibility, and proposed scheduling changes.

Communicate manufacturing capability changes and their potential impact on customer demand fulfillment.

Inventory & Backlog Management

Monitor and manage inventory levels to maintain company-approved thresholds while meeting customer service expectations.

Evaluate customer backlogs and implement corrective actions to maintain acceptable service levels.

Balance inventory investment, production capacity, and customer demand to support overall supply chain performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with demand planning, manufacturing, procurement, sourcing, and supply chain operations teams to align supply plans with business objectives.

Communicate corporate master supply plans to plant-level schedulers and sourcing managers.

Ensure supply planning requirements are effectively translated into production schedules, procurement activities, and capacity plans.

Proactively address supply chain challenges through collaboration with key stakeholders.

Identify and implement process improvements that enhance supply planning accuracy, responsiveness, and efficiency.

Develop, monitor, and analyze supply planning reports and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Use data-driven insights to improve planning accuracy, inventory performance, and overall supply chain effectiveness.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Statistics, Engineering, or a related field; or an Associate's degree with commensurate experience.

Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in supply planning or related roles within a manufacturing organization, including at least 3 years in manufacturing or supply chain operations.

Experience developing supply plans, evaluating manufacturing capacity, and coordinating production requirements.

Demonstrated ability to improve forecast accuracy and inventory performance.

Experience with supply chain and demand planning software such as SAP APO, Oracle Demantra, or JDA.

Proficiency in Salesforce CRM and its integration with demand planning processes.

Demonstrated experience building and leading high-performing teams, including developing and mentoring team members.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA).

Oliver Wight and/or Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) certification.

Experience with Integrated Business Planning (IBP), Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), and manufacturing master scheduling.

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Effective leadership, mentoring, and team development capabilities.

Ability to influence stakeholders and drive cross-functional collaboration.

Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.

Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Adaptability and willingness to learn in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Strategic thinking with the ability to understand broader business objectives.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a normal office and manufacturing facility environment.

Occasional travel may be required, generally less than 15%.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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