Tactical planner

About the role

Under the management of the S&OP Manager, the tactical planner will be responsible for developing long-term plans (tactical horizon) for Barry Callebaut European production facilities.  As part of the monthly S&OP process, the tactical planner will optimize profitability by solving imbalances between demand and supply for the European network. Additionally, the tactical planner will participate in key initiatives and projects to support continuous improvement.

The scope is Tactical Planning Horizon M4-M24

• for the Regional Chocolate Supply Planning network, up to 15 chocolate manufacturing sites + Subco’s;
• and for Regional distribution centers for inventory deployment plan.

Key responsibilities include

• Develop and maintain production plans, inventory plans and external supply plans for the tactical horizon that meets the sign off forecast while optimizing the use of shift regimes in the factories, total inventories and backup supply costs.
• Assess and proactively solve lost sales resulting from the plans
• Proactively identify and solve supply chain issues
• Bring unsolvable issues to the relevant decision forum (as part of S&OP)
• Follow-up on actions resulting from the S&OP meetings and ensure implementation of decisions impacting supply taken in the S&OP
• Deliver long-term RM requirements, both for Cocoa and non-Cocoa ingredients; Ensure tactical planning alignment with Cocoa and Sourcing (in collaboration with Regional RM planning)
• Ensure alignment on export plan with other chocolate regions
• Ensure integration/continuity of tactical plan with operational plan; Build bridges with operational team to ensure alignment and adherence to tactical targets and S&OP decisions
• Trigger the production transfer process towards operational planning, to ensure sufficient supply options to absorb volatility in execution, and to foresee BCP options
• Ensure continuous alignment with (/buy-in of) Plants on production volumes, based on agreed planning parameters 🡪 Supply “Sign-off” and facilitate discussions with plants on required shift regimes
• Develop and implement strategies for optimizing distribution
• Provide direction/input towards business development team to support the right capacity investment decisions (Capex discussions)
• Prepare and share information on available to sell capacity
• Support pricing with capacity assessment for new significant contract request
• Continuously measure and improve accuracy of tactical plan, through active follow-up of the ‘Adherence-to-plan’ KPI
• Review and update supply network model and processes to ensure cost-efficiency
• Support the yearly budget exercise, coordinating with plant controllers in particular

About you

• Bachelor or Master’s Degree, preferably within Business or Engineering
• APICs or related supply chain certification
• English fluent

• 5 years’ experience in supply planning, purchasing, inventory management, and/or logistics
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
• Knowledge of supply chain management principles and practices, specifically the integrated supply planning process.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to learn new systems and processes quickly
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel
• Previous experience with SAP and Business Objects
• Previous experience with OMP is a plus

• Ability to work with multiple stakeholders and cross-functional teams
• Ability to communicate adequately across the organization
• “Can Do” attitude – Issue solving mindset
• Holistic approach to decision making, taking into account multiple factors and stakeholders
• Process Oriented

This role can be located in Wieze, Belgium or in Lodz, Poland.