Manager, Supply Chain Planning, KitchenAid Small Appliances

Whirlpool • Benton Harbor, MI

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Supply Chain Planning will serve as a hands-on planning leader responsible for driving supply planning execution and inventory optimization across OEM finished goods and internal production planning. This high-visibility role requires strong planning fundamentals, analytical rigor, systems capability, and cross-functional leadership. The role is ideal for a digitally savvy supply chain professional who can operate effectively in existing planning systems, while also using advanced analytics, automation, and AI tools to simplify work, close process gaps, and improve decision quality.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Business, Logistics or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in one or more of the following areas: supply planning, production planning, inventory planning, materials planning, S&OP, logistics planning, or supply chain operations.
• Experience managing supply planning in a manufacturing, consumer products, durable goods, appliance, industrial, automotive, retail, or other complex product environment.
• Strong cross-functional communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across functions and regions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with long-lead-time global supply chains and international suppliers.
• Strong digital and analytics capability, including advanced Excel, Power Query, Tableau, automation tools, and practical use of AI tools (Gemini) to improve planning processes.
• Strong storytelling and presentation skills, with the ability to convert complex data into clear business recommendations for senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute weekly supply planning cycles for OEM finished goods and manufacturing production planning, validating system-generated plans against demand, supply, inventory, capacity, and inbound signals to ensure supply continuity and timely order placement.
• Serve as a supply planning subject matter expert, using planning fundamentals, business judgment, and data-driven analysis to validate plans, identify exceptions, and drive timely decisions.
• Lead inventory optimization by establishing and maintaining appropriate planning parameters, including safety stock, lead times, MIN/MAX targets, planning methods, and SKU-level inventory strategies to balance service, cost, and cash flow.
• Build and manage monthly supply plans and annual business plans in alignment with demand, supply capability, inventory targets, and business growth objectives.
• Lead shortage, excess inventory, and inbound risk management by identifying root causes and corrective actions, quantifying business impact, developing recovery plans, and escalating unresolved issues as needed.
• Plan phase-in and phase-out activity by partnering with cross-functional stakeholders to support new product launches, product transitions, and lifecycle management.
• Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing Operations, Procurement, Finance, Logistics, Demand Planning, Merchandising, Sales, and regional teams to resolve constraints and align supply plans with business priorities.
• Track inbound supply risks, including international shipments, container delays, supplier schedule changes, production delays, and logistics disruptions, and translate risks into clear mitigation actions.
• Establish and publish operational dashboards, reports, and performance metrics (KPIs) to provide leadership with visibility to supply health, inventory, service risk, and required actions.
• Use advanced analytics, automation, and AI-enabled tools to simplify planning processes, improve decision quality, reduce manual work, and strengthen planning execution.
• Coach and guide planners or analysts as needed, helping raise the team’s capability in supply planning, analytical rigor, communication, process discipline, and digital tool adoption.
• Ensure a Continuous Improvement (CI) culture is developed and sustained.

Benefits

• Generous benefits package
• Whirlpool employee discount
• Fitness reimbursement programs
• Educational reimbursement programs
• Kitchenettes
• Beautiful, recently renovated office space
• Free coffee
• Biking/walking trails
• Access to The Eddy - Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability - additional costs required)
• Always On Flexibility
• Two-Week Work from Anywhere
• Sabbatical - Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager