Sr. Production Planner

Ghirardelli Chocolate; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 94,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghirardelli Chocolate in California seeks a Sr. Production Planner to manage master planning and detailed scheduling for our chocolate portfolio. You will lead monthly production planning, optimize lines, and ensure raw materials and packaging are available in advance.

You will collaborate with procurement, supply chain, operations, and finance, use SAP IBP/PPDS to maximize throughput, and drive continuous improvement in planning processes and KPI reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics or operations.
• 7–10 years experience in production planning or related field.
• Experience with SAP IBP/S4-PPDS and ERP systems.
• Advanced Excel and data visualization skills.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly master planning and detailed scheduling for key product lines.
• Coordinate with SAP IBP and PPDS to ensure on-time production.
• Develop scenarios for capacity and inventory during S&OE reviews.
• Collaborate with procurement, operations, and finance to optimize service levels.
• Monitor shelf-life and WIP; adjust plans to minimize waste.

Skills

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Storytelling with data

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management

Bachelor's degree in logistics or operations

APICS certification

Tools

SAP IBP-S4-PPDS

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

WHO WE AREAt Ghirardelli, we honor tradition and drive innovation, aiming to be the top choice for premium chocolate. Our commitment to Making Life A Bite Better inspires both our products and the way we do business. We support personal and professional growth, recognizing that each employee’s contribution directly impacts Ghirardelli’s growth and success. Join our dynamic team and help shape Ghirardelli's future.Job SummaryThe Sr. Production Planner is responsible for managing the Master Planning and the detailed Scheduling for a share of the Ghirardelli’s portfolio of items. The role can also be specific to the planning and optimization of production assets within the Ghirardelli Manufacturing network (Chocolate Manufacturing / packaging / co packing)Responsible to lead the process of detailed scheduling and planning monthly production of finished goods and use our planning and ERP systems (SAP based) to confirm that the proper quantity and quality of raw materials and packaging are available for use in advance of production. You will ensure compliance with company policies, practices, and procedures to contribute to operational efficiency and cost effectiveness through the scheduling of the production lines. You will be working cross functionally with internal stakeholders and/or external third party co packers. Through all of this you will recommend, develop, implement, and manage safety, quality, and food safety on all product lines.Requires problem solving mindset with ability to break down production challenges into actionable solutions. Uses data-driven decision making while balancing intuition and experience. Anticipates bottlenecks and proactively develops alternatives.Needs to collaborate effectively with procurement, supply chain, operations, sales, and finance by developing strong working relationships. Listens actively and adapts communication style to different audiences.Uses storytelling with data (dashboards, KPIs) to gain alignment. Influences peers and leaders without relying on authority. Explains the “why” behind the planning choices.Seeks opportunities to streamline planning processesNumber of direct reports: NoneProduction and Capacity PlanningTake the lead and drive the process of planning and scheduling of seasonal and new product launchesAccountable for planning and maintaining weekly detailed production schedules for assigned production lines and products portfolio and communicate the plan to manufacturing.Accountable for the maintenance of specific planning parameters within the planning integrated tool (SAP IBP) in accordance with Policies agreed with management (inventory, service and changeover targets)Accountable for developing / maintaining a longer-term Master plan (12 month) using the planning systemWork with the Detailed Scheduling system (SAP PPDS) to incorporate known constraints to maximize throughput through process bottlenecksLeads the Rough Cut Capacity (RCCP) process and prepares supply scenarios for full year and year to go capacity and inventory projection, in preparation for the Monthly Supply Review with Operations senior management.Lead S&OE discussions and action plans. Example: Supply & Demand reviews, action plans, and risk assessments.Review capacity plan constraints and full year projection. Develop options to prebuild inventory and level load production plansMultiple Site Planning and CoordinationPlan production volume in supply network (multiple sites – GCC/Lindt) based on available capacity and East Coast/West Coast distribution requirementsCommunicate production plan to Lindt subsidiaries (if applicable). Update plans in APO as needed.Collaborate with Deployment team on Network inventory balancing, WIP inventory transfers. Drive service level risk mitigation activities based on production plans, demand changes and DC level inventoryInventory ManagementManage Shelf-life Heuristics planning to optimize inventory and product aging to be aligned with customer requirements.Support reporting activities for operations, supply chain, and finance. Example, volume analysis vs. Budget/LE estimatesDevelop/adjust production plans to ensure majority of the SKUs are within the min-max inventory settings and manage inventory cash flowExecution and Control of Operations (Shelf life requirements by Product / by Customer)Monitor aged finished goods and WIP items inventory. Take corrective action when required.Communication and CollaborationConfirm significant forecast changes with the Demand Planning departmentDevise alternate plans when monthly and weekly production plans need revisionsWork with the Production team to utilize mass production and to correctly utilize available staffing during peak production periods.Maintain and update data to generate reports and distribute information to internal customers.Provide IM/BOM input for new items and component transitions.Provide coverage for other planner’s duties when necessary.Other projects as assigned.Material ManagementProactively respond to material shortages or quality defects affecting scheduled productionMonitor WIP inventory and incorporate WIP availability into the production planManage the execution and communicate packaging and ingredient transitions to all affected parties.Coordinate and follow-up with Purchasing on materials and ingredients required for production.Minimum Education and Experience RequiredBachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Logistics or Operations preferred and/or 7 to 10 years experience in related fieldKnowledge of production planning in a manufacturing environmentRelated industry certification a plus (ex: APICS, IBF)Experience with tool-based supply planning / SAP IBP-S4-PPDS knowledge a big plusStrong skills with PC-based tools for analyzing and presenting dataAdvanced knowledge of excel tools.Strong communication and presentation skills to management.5 - 7 years of experience in ERP systems (SAP preferred). Proficiency and ability to teach others as a super user.Physical, Mental, and Environmental RequirementsOccasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 poundsRequired to regularly sitMust be able to work seated or standing for at least 8 hoursMust be able to concentrate for extended periods of time paying close attention to detailWorks in a normal office environmentRequired to travel up to 20% of the timeundefinedSalary Range: $93,878 - $122,057