Supply Chain Planning Manager

Role Summary

As Supply Chain Planning Manager, you develop and oversee supply and demand plans to optimize inventory levels and meet customer needs. You collaborate across procurement, production, and logistics to align resources and forecast accurately. Your role is essential for balancing cost, service, and efficiency.

Required Education, Certifications, and Experience

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field.

Certifications:

  • Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
  • Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM – APICS)
  • Certified Demand Driven Planner (DDPP)
  • SCPro Certification (CSCMP)
  • Certified Forecasting & Planning Professional (CFPP)
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Experience:

5 plus years in supply chain planning.
Experience managing planning teams.

Core Skills

  • Demand forecasting
  • Inventory optimization
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Data analysis
  • ERP proficiency

A Hypothetical Day in the Life of a Supply Chain Planning Manager

7:00 AM- You start your day reviewing sales forecasts and inventory reports. An unexpected demand spike requires immediate adjustments to replenishment plans to avoid stockouts, so you coordinate quickly with procurement and production teams to increase supply.

8:00 AM- You lead a planning team meeting to review forecast accuracy, inventory targets, and any supply risks. You set clear priorities and discuss mitigation strategies for potential disruptions.

9:30 AM- You analyze historical data and market trends to refine forecasting models, improving predictability and alignment with business objectives.

11:00 AM- You collaborate with procurement and production managers to synchronize supply plans with capacity and lead times. Effective coordination helps prevent bottlenecks and excess inventory.

12:30 PM- Lunch is a brief break, often used to prepare reports for senior leadership highlighting forecast accuracy, inventory health, and supply chain risks.

2:00 PM- You conduct scenario planning to assess the impact of potential supply disruptions or demand changes, developing contingency plans to maintain service levels.

3:30 PM- You meet with IT and analytics teams to enhance planning tools and data integration, ensuring real-time visibility and decision support.

5:00 PM- You finalize daily planning updates and communicate any critical supply chain changes to stakeholders to keep operations aligned.

630 PM- You wrap up your day by reviewing next day’s priorities and ensuring your team is prepared to respond to evolving demand and supply conditions.