Planning Director

Overview

Responsible for leading the development of strategic plans to deliver on our growth objectives and improve overall supply chain performance. This position oversees Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) for packaged beverages serving DSD route-to-market through our owned and partnered distribution. Specific team responsibility will include Demand and Supply Planning, Inventory Management, Customer Service and Order Fulfillment. This position will lead our supply chain responsibilities of new product introductions for our cold beverages segment. This leader will work with Commercial leadership, Manufacturing, Logistics and DSD Sales Operations teams to ensure customer requirements are met.

Responsibilities

• Directs the development and implementation of the operations strategic plan to achieve the optimum service level to customers and the achievement of company objectives through cost efficient, integrated operations systems. Directs all liquid products operations activities and establishes policies and procedures to ensure that all activities meet company standards for safety, quality, timeliness and cost. 25%
• Develops and maintains external high-level business relationships, including participation in relevant trade and association meetings, regular meetings and conferences with customers, and other relevant activities to ensure constructive customer relationships and the maintenance of the Company's continued good standing with existing and prospective customers. 20%
• Directs subordinate management in staff/personnel functions, including selecting employees, assigning work, providing training and development, evaluating performance, and building a motivated, effective team to ensure that organizational goals for diversity, career development, productivity, performance management and employee involvement are met. 15%
• Provides high-level technical support to domestic and international operations. Develops recommendations for improving operations. Assists in developing capital improvement implementation plans and budgets to meet growth objectives and Company expectations for return on investment. Coordinates operations functions with the Vice President of Sales and Marketing and ensures that manufacturing and packaging capabilities meet current and projected market projections. 15%
• Identifies third party processing and/or packaging resources and ensures that Company standards for cost, safety, quality and timeliness are met. 10%
• Participates in developing the overall strategic direction of the company to ensure the achievement of projected growth, profitability and customer service goals for the nearer- and longer-term market challenges and opportunities. 10%
• Participates in planning and purchasing of key commodities to meet sales projections and standards for cost and quality. 5%

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science or Engineering or a related area. Requires valid driver's license in state of employment.

Experience:

15 years of progressively responsible food processing management experience in a complex food-manufacturing environment, including significant experience managing large groups of operations employees

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of (B/basic; J/journey; E/expert):

• Food processing concepts, principals and practices (E)
• Issues and concepts pertinent to a complex food manufacturing environment (E)
• Strategic planning and forecasting concepts and approaches (E)
• Project management concepts and techniques (E)
• Management/supervisory concepts and techniques (E)
• Budgetary concepts and procedures (E)
• Concepts and techniques related to a highly-developed team-based culture (E)

Skill and ability to:

• Serve as a respected strategic and management leader in the company

• Develop and implement successful liquid products operations strategic plans

• Achieve targeted cost, safety, quality results

• Recruit, lead and retain a diverse and highly effective operations workforce

• Direct and motivate employees in a team-based organization

• Prepare and deliver presentations to the highest-level management, customers, and other representatives of external organizations

• Use and direct the use of various PC-based word-processing, spreadsheet, analytical programs

• Work effectively in a general business environment, with a focus on high levels of quality and customer service

• Travel via airplane and drive an automobile

• Act in accordance with GSF Values and Creed

LEADERSHIP/MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

Direct, through subordinate management, operations staff of approximately 300 to 500 associates. Direct projects with significant financial and strategic impact. Manage critical, highly sensitive external relationships.

KEY PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Meets or exceeds quality performance by managing waste/loss according to plan, with no product recoveries and with a high level of attention to sanitation

• Execute MAP plan, improving survey scores in Trust and Treating People Properly categories

• Control labor costs according to plan/budget (direct, indirect, overtime, temps)

• Achieve targeted KPI performance in yield, case output, and labor efficiency

• Improve recordable incident report

• Manage capital projects within approved budget

• Achieve EBITDA annual objectives in accordance with corporate guidelines and Conyers LP budget