Plant Operating Planning Manager

We are looking for a highly driven and collaborative Plant Operating Planning Manager to join our team at the Ferrero Plant in Arlon (Belgium), one of the Group’s largest and most diverse production sites. With the support of more than 1,200 dedicated employees, our plant proudly manufactures iconic products such as Kinder Schokobons, Raffaello, and Kinder Surprise, combining technology with Ferrero’s longstanding tradition of quality.

Reporting directly to the Plant Manager and to the Europe Area Operating Planning Manager, you will play a pivotal role in steering the endtoend operating planning cycle. You will translate demand into optimized production plans, orchestrate shortterm scheduling, ensure seamless material availability, and act as the strategic link between the plant, logistics, suppliers, and central functions.

This role gives you a unique opportunity to gain deep exposure to Ferrero’s Operations ecosystem, influence key decision making processes, and contribute directly to the success and efficiency of our plant.

Join us in Arlon and take an active part in shaping the future of Ferrero’s production excellence.

• Define medium-term production plans (W2–W16) for all categories manufactured in the plant.
• Allocate production volumes per SKU, week, and line, across plant-managed co-manufacturing and copacking activities.
• Monitor and communicate projected stock levels to Area Operating Planning.

• Build short-term scheduling (W0–W1) down to day/shift/SKU/line level.
• Guarantee schedule execution by ensuring the right alignment of people, materials, and equipment.
• Optimize plant capacity, line utilization, and staffing in line with budget and costflexibility targets.
• Manage shift patterns for the plant and ensure full scheduling alignment with copackers.

• Oversee stock levels of raw materials, packaging, surprises and semi-finished goods.
• Manage inbound flows, call-offs, and supplier interactions.
• Anticipate and solve material or stock constraints affecting the production plan.
• Guide obsolescence actions in line with Group standards.
• Lead regular planning updates and plant capacity review processes.
• Perform root cause analyses for planning-related issues and implement corrective actions.
• Report KPIs and trends to both local and central stakeholders.
• Act as primary point of reference for central planning functions.

• Ensure product master data accuracy and full compliance with Group documentation standards.
• Validate technical attachments, workflows, and material documentation in coordination with IT and Packaging Development.
• Assess feasibility of Product Documentation Requests with Production teams.

• Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in production planning, supply chain, or industrial operations—ideally in FMCG or high complexity manufacturing.
• Solid credibility in planning, scheduling, and material management processes, with a strong understanding of manufacturing dynamics.
• Proven experience in coordinating planning cycles, managing constraints, and optimizing production capacity.
• Strong analytical capabilities and familiarity with planning KPIs, rootcause analysis, and continuous improvement tools.
• Excellent problem solving attitude, with the ability to manage critical situations under tight timelines.
• Strategic thinker able to translate data into actionable plans, while keeping a global perspective on plant and supply chain interdependencies.
• Highly organized, detail oriented, and proactive in anticipating risks and proposing solutions.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence cross functional teams.
• Willingness to grow within the Operations area, with potential future mobility within Ferrero.

• Strong command of Microsoft Office (especially Excel and PowerPoint).
• Experience with SAP (PP/MM or similar planning modules) is a strong plus.
• Familiarity with planning or scheduling tools/systems is considered an asset.

• Fluency in French and English.
• Knowledge of additional languages is a strong advantage in an international environment.