Director, Supply Planning - Mfg U.S.

Ferrara Candy Co.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 131,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Paid time off

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Ferrara is seeking a Director of Supply Planning to set strategic direction and lead execution across supply planning and network capacity for our manufacturing network. You will optimize inventory, service levels, sourcing, and capacity across internal and co-manufacturing operations.

As a key leader in IBP and S&OP, you will drive cross-functional decisions to improve agility, cost efficiency, and customer service across the globe.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years in supply chain, planning, or related field.
• Experience leading network or capacity planning with senior teams.
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; SAP/BI preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end supply planning across internal plants and external partners.
• Lead short- and mid-range network capacity planning and site reviews.
• Develop sourcing strategies evaluating plant capabilities and costs.
• Represent planning in IBP/S&OP forums and drive trade-off decisions.
• Set inventory policies including safety stock and EOQ targets.
• Drive improvements in service, turns, and stock obsolescence.

Skills

Strategic planning

Supply and capacity planning

Inventory optimization

Manufacturing sourcing

IBP/S&OP leadership

Executive communication

Cross-functional influence

Education

APICS CPIM or CSCP certification

Tools

SAP

BI / Business Warehouse

Job description

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At Ferrara, Ferrero, Fox’s Burton’s, and The Fine Biscuits Company, we’re loved by people of all generations for the joy we bring—and that joy is crafted by our people. Join us and explore a whole world to discover, where your passion will find its place.

Today, Ferrara is the #1 sugar confectioner in the U.S, with global sales in more than 40 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of over 9,000 employees around the world who deliver and create hundreds of iconic and beloved products.

In the U.S., more than 67 million households annually enjoy our popular brands like NERDS®, Brach’s®, Jelly Belly®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli®. In Brazil, Dori has become a household name with snacking products that include brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100. And, in France, Carambar & Co have earned generations of loyal customers through the timeless appeal of iconic candy and chocolate brands such as Carambar, Lutti, Krema, Poulain, Vichy and Terry’s. A privately held company, Ferrara Group is headquartered in Chicago. Ferrara boasts a network of over 30 locations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities.

Due to the highly interactive and team-based nature of this role, in-person attendance for most of the workweek (i.e., 3 days or more) is essential for: effective communication including during in-person meetings, strong supervision, real-time problem-solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.

Want to make an impact?

The Director, Supply Planning sets strategic direction and leads execution across supply planning and short- and medium-term network capacity planning for Ferrara’s manufacturing network. This role optimizes inventory, service levels, sourcing, and capacity across internal manufacturing and co-manufacturing/co-packing operations. As a key leader in Integrated Business Planning (IBP) and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), the Director drives cross-functional decisions that improve agility, cost efficiency, and customer service.

Ways you will make a difference

• Lead end-to-end supply planning across internal plants and external manufacturing partners, including short- and mid-range plans, seasonal pre-builds, product launches, transitions, and discontinuations.
• Lead short- and medium-term network capacity planning, maintain plant calendars, conduct manufacturing site reviews, and identify constraints and investment needs.
• Develop sourcing strategies for current and new items by evaluating plant capabilities, network fit, capacity, cost, and service implications.
• Represent supply planning and network capacity in IBP/S&OP forums; facilitate trade-off decisions involving constrained supply, service risk, inventory, and capacity allocation.
• Establish inventory policies for semi-finished and finished goods, including safety stock, economic order quantities, replenishment strategies, and weeks-of-supply targets.
• Drive improvements in customer service, inventory turns, planned order adherence, plant attainment, and inventory obsolescence.
• Lead root-cause analysis and service recovery for supply disruptions, including preventative action plans and forward-looking risk assessments.
• Partner with Plant Operations, Material Planning, Commercial, Innovation, and Finance leaders to align supply and capacity plans with business priorities.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing supply planning team; establish clear goals and build capability to support business growth.

Skills that will make you successful

• Strategic planning
• Supply and capacity planning
• Inventory optimization
• Manufacturing sourcing
• IBP/S&OP leadership
• Executive communication
• Cross-functional influence

Experiences that will support your success

• 7-10 years of progressive experience in supply chain, supply planning, inventory management, operations planning, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading network or capacity planning and influencing senior-level cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; SAP and Business Warehouse/Business Intelligence experience strongly preferred.
• APICS CPIM or CSCP certification preferred.

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Benefits-Resource-Center

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $130,725 - $183,015 annually.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.