Labor Planning and Forecasting Manager

gategroup•Los Angeles, CA

6d•$90,000 - $100,000

About The Position

Responsible for all local activities related to long- and short-term labor planning and scheduling for assigned units. Develops workforce strategies and forecasts to align staffing with operational needs, manages labor budgets and analytics, collaborates across departments, improves planning processes, ensures regulatory compliance, and guides and mentors the team. The role covers multiple units in an area, involves 10–25% travel outside 50 miles, and is classified as exempt. The work environment is office/manufacturing.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in operational planning, monitoring operational KPIs, or financial controlling.
Experience leading strategic or operational workforce planning activities, including demand and gap analysis.
Ability to identify complex themes, findings, and recommendations from quantitative and qualitative assessments.
Ability to function independently.
Adaptability, receptiveness to change, and a strong drive to adopt innovative approaches.
Ability to handle tasks under demanding time constraints.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Skill in personnel scheduling and rostering.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint.
Knowledge of union regulations and labor legislation.
Fluent written and verbal English.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of a second language.
Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute labor resource planning strategies aligned with business goals and operational needs.
Analyze historical data, trends, and market dynamics to optimize labor allocation and respond to demand fluctuations.
Collaborate with Finance and Operations to develop labor budgets, monitor actual versus planned spending, and identify cost-efficiency improvements.
Forecast labor needs using data-driven techniques and account for seasonal variations, special events, and other workforce factors.
Develop and maintain reporting to track labor utilization, productivity, and cost KPIs, and provide updates to senior management.
Collaborate with Operations, Human Resources, Finance, and Industrial Engineers to align labor plans with operational strategies and business objectives.
Recommend short- and long-term staffing strategies, including hiring, training, and reassignment of labor resources.
Monitor and review weekly schedules to accommodate changing business needs.
Identify and implement process improvements and best practices in labor planning and resource allocation.
Stay current with labor regulations and policies and ensure workforce planning activities comply with legal requirements.
Guide and mentor team members and foster a collaborative, high-performing, results-oriented team environment.