Planning Operations Lead

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.•Novato, CA

11d

About The Position

BioMarin is a global rare disease biotechnology company. The Planning Operations Lead reports to the Director of Supply Chain Operations and is a senior leader within the Global External Operations organization. This role is accountable for Planning Operations execution across external manufacturing sites, ensuring reliable product supply to a global patient population. The Planning Operations Lead owns and integrates key operational disciplines including Ready processes, inventory control, warehouse and inventory management, and continuous improvement. The role translates production plans into material, inventory, and purchasing requirements to meet target inventory levels, maintain customer supply, and support external manufacturing operations. A core expectation of this role is strong cross-functional and external partnership. The Planning Operations Lead works closely with Operations, Scheduling, Quality, Finance, IT, Global Procurement, and external manufacturing partners to ensure materials, systems, and processes are in place to support current operations and future growth. This includes ensuring consumables and materials are purchased and available on time, and that planning and inventory processes remain scalable as the business, product portfolio, and technologies evolve. The Planning Operations Lead also serves as a key leader within Supply Chain Operations, providing functional leadership, representing the department at critical forums, and driving disciplined execution through effective use of ERP systems, performance metrics, and continuous improvement practices.

Requirements

At least 10 years of experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical sector, including roles in supply chain, procurement, and/or manufacturing.
Background in Master Scheduling, Inventory Analysis and Management, ERP systems, and launching new products is essential.
Proven track record of collaborating across functions and building partnerships with other departments to accomplish business goals.
Effectively apply KPIs and metrics to oversee operations and promote high-performing teams.
Outstanding communication abilities—both oral and written, including formal presentations to senior leaders, middle management, and staff.
Adept at achieving results by guiding and influencing others.

Nice To Haves

APICS certification or supply chain education preferred, not mandatory.
Continuing education initiatives like Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or industry courses are highly desirable.
Hands-on expertise in planning and scheduling management.
Deep familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and workflows (experience with SAP is a plus).
Holds APICS certification—CPIM or CSCP—or an equivalent qualification.

Responsibilities

Implement and manage Ready processes in Supply Chain Operations to ensure consistent product supply for patients.
Develop and monitor metrics for Ready & Inventory to assess progress, highlight improvement areas, and track initiatives.
Lead and participate in investigations and Root Cause Analysis, providing permanent solutions.
Provide key support and leadership for Global External Operations ERP system.
Serve as the main contact for Ready process and inventory, while collaborating with OPS, Quality, Regulatory, CMOs, Finance, and Project teams.
Identify and assess the resources, systems, and process requirements necessary for the team, considering the future needs of a dynamic and expanding business, including new products and modalities.
Establish mechanisms to ensure disciplined and effective use of ERP within Planning & Inventory, while promoting integration with other functional teams.
Serve as a key leader within the Supply Chain Operations team by representing the department—and occasionally the entire site—at critical meetings.
Provide coaching, mentoring, and training to colleagues on Supply Chain processes, operational excellence tools, and high-performance team behaviors.
Participate in and support plant optimization initiatives that strengthen the value proposition for future investment.
Maintain a strong focus on visibility boards for all metrics and statuses, with particular emphasis on Planning & Scheduling and S&OE (facilitating coordination among DS, DP, and FG batch release activities to ensure materials are available for Filling & Packaging schedules as required).
Lead and support improvement projects as assigned, ensuring alignment with CMO business objectives and priorities.
Guide teams in developing, implementing, and standardizing efficient physical and transactional processes.
Develop proposals and business cases for improvement initiatives, including defining deliverables, conducting financial analyses, and transforming concepts into well-defined, prioritized projects.