Supply Planner (Manufacturing & Tolling)

Nielsen Massey Vanillas I•Waukegan, IL

7d•$65,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Demand & Supply Planner is responsible for translating customer demand into executable production and supply plans across internal manufacturing sites and external tolling partners. This role ensures alignment between forecasted demand, production capacity, material availability, and inventory targets to support high service levels and efficient plant operations. Working closely with Sales, Operations, Procurement, Quality, and external toll manufacturers, the planner manages the end-to-end planning process including forecasting, production scheduling inputs, material planning, and inventory management. The role also supports the monthly S&OP process and proactively identifies supply risks and mitigation strategies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Engineering, or related field.
3–7 years of experience in production planning, supply planning, or demand planning within a manufacturing environment.
Experience coordinating with contract manufacturers or tolling partners preferred.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in Excel and ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar).
Understanding of manufacturing processes, production scheduling, and material planning.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
Strong cross-functional communication and collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with S&OP / Integrated Business Planning processes.
APICS / ASCM certification (CPIM or CSCP) a plus.
Experience in food, ingredients, chemicals, or CPG manufacturing environments.
Experience in a family or privately held business

Responsibilities

Convert demand forecasts into production plans for internal manufacturing sites and external tolling partners.
Monitor inventory levels to identify production schedule adjustments
Balance production capacity, lead times, and inventory targets to maintain service levels while optimizing plant efficiency.
Coordinate closely with plant operations to ensure feasible production schedules.
Identify capacity constraints and recommend adjustments to production sequencing or supply sources.
Plan and manage supply produced through external toll manufacturers.
Coordinate production volumes, lead times, and material availability with tolling partners.
Ensure alignment between internal demand requirements and toller production schedules.
Monitor toller inventory levels and shipments to ensure timely fulfillment of customer orders.
Analyze material requirements and collaborate with Procurement to proactively address potential shortages.
Plan and track material conversions to maximize production efficiency and minimize stranded inventory expense.
Maintain appropriate inventory levels of finished goods and intermediates to support service targets.
Track slow-moving, excess, or obsolete inventory and develop mitigation strategies.
Support warehouse and logistics teams with inventory visibility and planning insights.
Work closely with Operations, Quality, Procurement, and Logistics to resolve supply issues.
Support new product launches, packaging changes, and new part number introductions by integrating them into planning systems.
Provide clear communication on supply risks, recovery plans, and customer impacts.
Maintain planning data in ERP/MRP systems including forecasts, lead times, and planning parameters.
Track and report key planning metrics including forecast accuracy, service level, and inventory performance.