Planning & Forecasting Planner

Balco, Inc.•Humble, TX

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Planning and Forecasting Planner is responsible for developing and managing the demand and supply planning processes that drive production schedules, inventory levels, and material availability at the Aspen facility. The role is responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating production activities in a Make-to-Order (MTO) manufacturing environment. This role partners closely with the General Manager and VP Operations to align planning decisions with site operational priorities, while maintaining a dotted-line relationship with the RectorSeal Vice President, Supply Chain to ensure consistency with company-wide supply chain strategy, systems, and standards. The role serves as the link between commercial demand signals, site production capabilities, and supply chain governance.

Requirements

A minimum of 3 years of experience in demand planning, supply planning, S&OP, or production scheduling required, preferably in a manufacturing environment
Strong analytical and quantitative skills; proficiency with forecasting methodologies and planning software
Advanced Excel skills; experience with BI tools (Power BI, Tableau) a plus
Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across Aspen and RectorSeal teams
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing setting
Sound judgment and comfort operating in a matrixed reporting structure, balancing site priorities with RectorSeal standards
Problem-solving mindset with a bias toward data-driven decision-making

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered in lieu of a relevant degree
Experience using ERP planning modules, preferably JD Edwards EnterpriseOne (JDE E1) production planning modules is highly preferred. Strong understanding of MRP, Capacity Planning, BOMs, Routings, Shop Floor Control, and Inventory Management is preferred.
Experience working within a matrixed organization with both site and corporate reporting relationships is a plus
APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM or CSCP) a plus

Responsibilities

Translate demand forecasts into master production schedules in coordination with site operations and manufacturing leadership
Balance capacity, labor, and material constraints to optimize production plans and minimize disruptions
Manage finished goods and raw material inventory levels to meet service-level targets while controlling working capital
Ensure customer orders are translated into executable production plans while balancing capacity, material availability, lead times, and delivery commitments.
Develop, maintain, and continuously improve statistical and collaborative demand forecasts using historical data, sales input, and market trends
Participate in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes, reconciling demand forecasts with production capacity and inventory targets
Monitor forecast accuracy and drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions for variances
Ensure required materials are available prior to production.
Coordinate with Purchasing regarding shortages and supplier delays.
Monitor inventory levels to minimize shortages while avoiding excess inventory.
Support inventory accuracy through cycle counts and reconciliation activities.
Review incoming customer orders for manufacturability and capacity.
Coordinate Engineering changes affecting customer orders.
Provide realistic production completion and shipment dates.
Communicate schedule changes and risks to Customer Service and Sales.
Act as the primary planning liaison between the Aspen site and RectorSeal Supply Chain function
Partner with Procurement, Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Logistics to resolve supply constraints and schedule conflicts
Provide planning data, forecasts, and analysis to support the General Manager's operational decision-making
Ensure site planning processes, tools, and KPIs align with RectorSeal supply chain standards and systems
Participate in corporate supply chain initiatives, reporting, and continuous improvement programs
Escalate planning risks with enterprise-wide implications (e.g., supply shortages, network-level capacity constraints) to the VP, Supply Chain
Own and maintain planning systems, ensuring data integrity and system optimization
Develop and distribute regular reporting on forecast accuracy, inventory health, production attainment, and service levels
Lead continuous improvement projects related to planning processes, tools, and metrics