E2E Planning Process Expert

Job Title

Job Summary

We are seeking an End-to-End Planning Process Expert to design, optimize, and sustain high-performing planning processes across data, people, technology, and operations. The role applies Lean, Six Sigma, and Agile practices to enhance planning efficiency, accuracy, compliance, and user experience. You will partner with Supply Chain, Business Units, Regions, IT, and functional teams to define planning requirements, standardize and optimize E2E planning processes (Demand, Supply, Inventory Optimization, S&OP/S&OE), lead deployments, drive change management, and establish performance reporting. Hands-on experience with advanced planning software (Blue Yonder, o9, SAP IBP, Kinaxis, or similar) is essential to ensure planning processes align with system capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Planning Capability Development

• Design and enhance end-to-end planning processes including demand planning, supply planning, inventory optimization, and S&OP/S&OE.
• Define process requirements ensuring simplification, compliance, and standardization.
• Maintain a planning capability roadmap aligned with business priorities and regulatory expectations.

Process Definition & Standardization

• Lead creation of planning capabilities that meet the needs of BUs, Regions, Functions, customers, and regulators.
• Define minimum standards and guardrails for planning processes while enabling guided flexibility.
• Co-create fit-for-purpose E2E process models within the Process Framework.

Systems Alignment & Advanced Planning Tools

• Ensure planning processes align with supporting IT systems (ERP, APS, IBP).
• Provide hands-on expertise in advanced planning platforms (e.g., Blue Yonder, o9, SAP IBP, Kinaxis).
• Participate in solution design workshops and map planning requirements to system capabilities.
• Validate system functionality through fit-gap analysis, requirement mapping, and design reviews.

Testing, Validation & Deployment

• Lead UAT and software validation activities with planning-specific test scenarios and workflows.
• Prepare planning teams for deployment through training, change management, and readiness checks.
• Monitor initial deployments to confirm process effectiveness and integrate lessons learned.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Develop dashboards and reports tracking KPIs such as forecast accuracy, adherence, cycle time, inventory performance, and adoption.
• Present planning performance and improvement opportunities to leadership.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Governance

• Serve as the primary liaison between departments to ensure alignment and collaboration.
• Align tools, data models, SOPs, job descriptions, and training materials.

Continuous Improvement

• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and Agile principles to improve planning reliability and eliminate waste.
• Coach planning teams on best practices and capability maturity.
• Refine planning processes based on feedback, compliance requirements, and system insights.

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Finance, or related fields.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years (Bachelor’s) or 3 years (Master’s) in relevant functional domain
• Experience in Project Management, Change Management, Lean Manufacturing, or equivalent

Preferred Experience & Certifications

• Hands-on experience with advanced planning systems (Blue Yonder, o9, SAP IBP, Kinaxis, or similar)
• CPIM or CSCP certification (preferred)
• Lean Six Sigma certification (preferred)

Preferred Skills

• Business Acumen & KPI Management
• Data Management & Analysis
• Regulatory Compliance
• Stakeholder Management
• Continuous Improvement & Process Management
• Project Management & Change Management
• Training Delivery & Systems Integration
• Technical Acumen