Production Planning Analyst

Role Overview: You will work directly with designated suppliers to maintain accurate and timely handling of fabric commit, buy, WIP, and Liability data in the system. It is important for you to understand the logic and lead times of the Buy & Production and Time & Action (T&A) calendars. Your role will involve communicating with vendors and cross-functional teams (US Ops, Sourcing, and HK Production planning) to proactively support the execution of manufacturing activities. You should escalate potential risks to your manager in a timely manner and address operational issues as needed. Additionally, you will collect vendor capabilities and deliver results to readjust production plans for incorporating demand fluctuations from the retail end. Being a Subject Matter Expert for the vendor community on production planning processes/rules, you will also communicate and monitor any special shipping needs for specific customers. Your responsibility includes acting as a gatekeeper to ensure the team complies with SOP. Furthermore, you will partner with the Production Planning Manager and other key stakeholders on ad-hoc projects and provide external training to suppliers on production management processes such as buy and WIP modules in the Andromeda. Lastly, you will provide guidance to direct reports to resolve supply chain issues in daily operations. Key Responsibilities: - Work directly with designated suppliers to maintain accurate and timely handling of fabric commit, buy, WIP, and Liability data in the system - Understand the logic and lead times of the Buy & Production and Time & Action (T&A) calendars - Communicate with vendors and cross-functional teams to proactively support execution of manufacturing activities - Escalate potential risks to the manager in a timely manner and address operational issues - Collect vendor capabilities and deliver results to re-adjust production plans for demand fluctuations - Be a Subject Matter Expert for the vendor community on production planning processes/rules - Act as a gatekeeper to ensure team compliance with SOP - Partner with the Production Planning Manager and other key stakeholders on ad-hoc projects - Provide external training to suppliers on production management processes - Provide guidance to direct reports to resolve supply chain issues in daily operations Qualification Required: - At least 4 years of working experience in a related field (including factory + Buying office) - University Degree or above, preferably with a major in Apparel Manufacturing & Merchandising and/or Supply Chain Operations Management from a reputed university - Good command of written and spoken English - Advanced skills using Microsoft Office applications (Advance Excel) - Experience in handling Baby/Children-wear products, including the sweater category, is an advantage - Experience in the US/Canada market is preferable,