Manager, Planning

Pelican • South Deerfield, MA

4d • $105,000 - $130,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Pelican is seeking a strategic and results-driven Planning Manager to lead production planning, capacity planning, inventory optimization, and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) for our South Deerfield manufacturing operation. In this highly visible leadership role, you'll help balance customer demand, manufacturing capacity, inventory investment, and business objectives while driving continuous improvement across the supply chain. This is an exciting opportunity for a planning professional who thrives on solving complex operational challenges, leveraging data to make decisions, and building scalable processes that support growth.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in production planning, demand planning, supply planning, materials management, or manufacturing operations.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of leadership experience managing planners, schedulers, or supply chain professionals.
• Demonstrated experience leading S&OP, capacity planning, inventory optimization, and production planning processes.
• Strong understanding of forecasting, demand planning, supply planning, inventory management, and manufacturing operations.
• Experience working within ERP and Advanced Planning Systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership abilities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
• Training and experience in an ISO 9001 (2015) and/or ISO 14001 environment
• Experience with manufacturing

Responsibilities

• Lead production planning and scheduling activities across Injection Molding, Rotomolding, and Assembly operations
• Develop planning strategies that optimize capacity utilization, inventory levels, customer service, and operational efficiency
• Monitor schedule attainment and production performance to drive improvements in throughput and on-time delivery
• Partner with Operations to proactively address constraints, shifting priorities, and customer requirements
• Support new product introductions, product transitions, and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) to minimize inventory risk and disruption
• Lead capacity planning activities by balancing forecasted demand, labor requirements, equipment utilization, and inventory strategies
• Facilitate monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes and align cross-functional stakeholders around business priorities
• Develop scenario-based planning models to support growth, demand variability, and risk mitigation
• Support long-range planning and capital investment decisions related to equipment, tooling, automation, and facility expansion
• Drive inventory strategies that improve service levels, inventory turns, and working capital performance
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Procurement, and Operations teams to ensure material availability and production continuity
• Monitor forecasts, inventory positions, and supply chain performance to identify risks and opportunities
• Develop and report key performance metrics including forecast accuracy, schedule attainment, capacity utilization, and inventory performance
• Lead optimization and continuous improvement of SAP planning functionality, Advanced Planning Systems (APS), and scheduling tools
• Utilize analytics and operational data to improve planning accuracy, responsiveness, and decision-making
• Champion Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives throughout planning and scheduling processes
• Identify and implement technology solutions that enhance visibility, automation, and operational performance
• Lead, coach, and develop planning and scheduling team members
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence
• Establish performance expectations, development plans, and succession strategies
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Plant Leadership to deliver business results
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Benefits

• Competitive paid time off plans
• Holiday pay
• Extra vacation purchase opportunities
• 401k plan – with immediate match
• Pet insurance
• Health Savings Account Contribution
• Wellness Discount Program
• Global Mental Wellness Program
• Quarterly Employee Celebration Days
• Peer to Peer Recognition Program
• Service Recognition Program
• Amazing employee discount program on Pelican Products, Pelican branded apparel and gear
• Employee referral program
• Onsite Gym
• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• Company-paid life and disability plans

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed