Solid Planning Lead

About the role: 

Barry Callebaut is a global organization poised for growth; a company which has embraced the vision to delight its customers, while out-performing its competitors, a business which is committed to sustainability, has innovation in its DNA, is a leader in complex manufacturing and supply chain solutions and is focused on being a best-in-class employer. Barry Callebaut seeks diverse and passionate people who thrive in a dynamic environment, focused on continuous learning, living BC’s Values and of course loving chocolate.

Under the management of the Operational Planning Manager (Solid), the Solid Planning Lead is responsible for leading solid supply planning activities across the North America network for multiple product categories, including Dark Molded, Dark Chunks, Blocks, Milk, White, and Compound, spanning 6 manufacturing plants in the US and Canada.

The role translates network supply plans into clear, measurable, and executable actions by ensuring effective handoffs with scheduling and tactical planning teams. The Solid Planning Lead drives deployment decisions and regional balancing while continuously improving network supply solutions to optimize service level, cost, and working capital.

Key responsibilities include: 

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 3 OPR Planners, ensuring clear ownership across plants and product categories
• Develop and maintain production plans across sites with optimal use of network, asset utilization, stock levels and maximized customer satisfaction
• Generate reports to identify potential supply shortages and check capacity utilization
• Collaborate closely with Liquid planning, to ensure synchronization of dependent requirements
• Collaborate with the Planners in the network, to ensure consolidation of total requirements and consistency of the plans, as well as proactively identify and resolve supply chain issues
• Monitor production plan execution through attainment to plan and challenge Operations on their performance.
• Facilitate effective handoff meetings with plant scheduling and tactical planning teams
• Follow-up on actions resulting from the S&OE meetings and ensure implementation of decisions impacting supply taken in the S&OE

About you:

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably within Business or Engineering
• APICS or related supply chain certification 
• English fluent
• Experience with team management of minimum 3 team members
• Minimum of 5  years experience in supply planning, purchasing, inventory management
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
• Previous experience with SAP and Business Objects
• Previous experience with OMP is a plus or other planning software.
• Experience in manufacturing environments with multiple plants across NAFTA region and high operational complexity.

What you can expect from Barry Callebaut:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Environment that welcomes workplace flexibility
• An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature. We call it #OneBC! Just ask our champions with the Americas Women’s Forum and the Racial Equality Forum!
• Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth
• Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm through Forever Chocolate with priorities centered around prospering farmers, zero child labor, carbon and forest positive, and creating 100% sustainable ingredients in all of our products.