Director, Supply Chain Planning & Optimization

AAON•Tulsa, OK

About The Position

The Director, Supply Chain Planning & Optimization leads the organization's supply chain planning, performance management, analytics, project management, and continuous improvement functions. The role provides strategic direction and governance for planning processes, performance frameworks, inventory optimization, operational excellence initiatives, and supply chain capabilities that support business growth, customer service objectives, and operational efficiency. The Director is the functional leader for supply chain planning and optimization, overseeing managers and professionals responsible for material planning, supply chain performance, analytics, project execution, and continuous improvement. The position partners with Operations, Procurement, Manufacturing, Finance, Sales, Engineering, and Information Technology leadership to develop scalable processes and improve service, inventory performance, productivity, and working capital. The role leads enterprise supply chain planning and optimization strategies, governs material and inventory planning, and serves as the primary supply chain planning interface to the SIOP process. It establishes a recurring Clear-To-Build process, planning standards, performance frameworks, and management routines. It leads supply chain continuous improvement, analytics, reporting, project management, and technology enablement, while developing organizational capabilities and influencing stakeholders across functions and business units. Success is measured by aligning strategy with execution, establishing sustainable operating processes, improving end-to-end supply chain performance, and supporting long-term growth and continuous improvement. The position requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 10 or more years of progressive experience in supply chain or related disciplines, including at least five years of leadership experience. Manufacturing industry experience is required. The role is primarily performed in a climate-controlled office, with occasional visits to manufacturing plants and warehouses. Employees must follow applicable safety policies and use personal protective equipment as required. The role is not classified as a Safety Sensitive Position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
10 or more years of progressive experience in supply chain, operations, manufacturing, planning, logistics, procurement, or related disciplines.
At least five years of leadership experience managing managers, professional staff, or multi-functional teams.
Demonstrated success leading planning, operational excellence, performance management, or supply chain transformation initiatives.
Experience developing enterprise processes, KPIs, governance frameworks, and operating standards.
Experience leading cross-functional initiatives within complex manufacturing organizations.
Proven track record delivering measurable improvements in service, inventory performance, operational efficiency, productivity, and working capital.
Experience implementing and utilizing ERP systems, planning tools, analytics platforms, and business intelligence solutions.
Manufacturing industry experience.
Knowledge of end-to-end supply chain planning and execution processes.
Knowledge of material planning and inventory optimization.
Knowledge of SIOP or Integrated Business Planning concepts.
Knowledge of manufacturing operations and supply chain performance metrics.
Knowledge of continuous improvement, Lean, and Six Sigma methodologies.
Knowledge of data analytics, reporting, and performance management.
Knowledge of ERP systems and supply chain technologies.
Knowledge of change management and organizational effectiveness.
Strategic thinking and business acumen.
Leadership of managers and professional teams.
Executive communication and presentation skills.
Cross-functional influence and stakeholder management.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Program and project leadership.
Organizational change leadership.
Talent development and coaching.
Ability to balance strategic priorities with operational execution.
Ability to drive measurable business results through direct leadership and organizational influence.
Ability to sit for extended periods and use computer systems regularly.
Visual and auditory acuity for data review and communication.
Agility to adjust quickly to shifting priorities and production demands.
Ability to build effective relationships across internal and external teams.
Ability to operate effectively in high-pressure environments with a solutions-oriented mindset.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree (MBA or related discipline).
APICS CPIM, CSCP, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, or equivalent professional certification.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of enterprise supply chain planning and optimization strategies that support customer service, operational efficiency, and business growth.
Provide leadership and governance for material planning, inventory planning, constrained supply management, and related planning processes.
Serve as the primary supply chain planning interface to the SIOP process, translating demand, capacity, inventory, and supply inputs into executable plans and identifying constraints, scenarios, risks, and decisions for cross-functional alignment and executive review.
Establish and lead a recurring Clear-To-Build process to validate material availability against the production schedule, identify shortages and constraints, assign owners and recovery actions, and drive timely escalation.
Establish planning standards, policies, and operating procedures that improve material availability, inventory effectiveness, and execution consistency.
Partner with manufacturing and supply chain leaders to balance service, inventory, capacity, and operational performance objectives.
Drive continuous improvement of planning processes through standardization, data analysis, and process optimization.
Own supply chain performance frameworks, KPI governance, scorecards, reporting standards, and performance review processes.
Establish metrics and management routines that provide visibility into service levels, inventory performance, planning effectiveness, material availability, and operational efficiency.
Lead root cause analysis and corrective action planning for systemic performance issues.
Develop benchmarking and maturity assessment practices to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities.
Provide performance insights and recommendations to supply chain and executive leadership.
Lead the Supply Chain Continuous Improvement function and establish a culture of operational excellence and disciplined execution.
Sponsor and prioritize improvement initiatives focused on process efficiency, inventory performance, service improvements, waste elimination, and cost optimization.
Support implementation of Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies throughout the supply chain organization.
Partner with operations and business leaders to identify opportunities for process simplification, standardization, and capability development.
Ensure continuous improvement initiatives deliver measurable and sustainable business results.
Provide leadership for supply chain analytics, reporting, project management, and process improvement initiatives.
Drive the development and use of dashboards, reporting tools, predictive analytics, and decision-support capabilities.
Support implementation and optimization of ERP, planning, and supply chain technology solutions.
Lead cross-functional supply chain projects that improve organizational effectiveness and business performance.
Use data and emerging technologies to improve decision quality, productivity, and supply chain visibility.
Lead and develop managers, analysts, planners, project leaders, and continuous improvement professionals.
Establish goals, priorities, performance expectations, and development plans across the organization.
Build organizational capabilities through coaching, succession planning, talent development, and knowledge sharing.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
Influence stakeholders across multiple functions and business units to achieve strategic objectives.
Establish supply chain planning standards, governance processes, methodologies, and performance management practices.
Prioritize supply chain optimization initiatives, projects, and improvement investments.
Approve planning and performance management frameworks used across the organization.
Recommend organizational, process, technology, and capability improvements to senior leadership.
Escalate operational risks, performance gaps, and resource constraints with recommended corrective actions.
Perform other duties as assigned.