Supplier Planner – Food Manufacturing

Supplier Planner – Food Manufacturing

Dallas, TX | Temporary | Supply Chain – Branded SG&A

The Supplier Planner is responsible for ensuring uninterrupted product availability by managing production planning, inventory, and fulfillment activities across co-manufacturers and third-party logistics (3PL) partners. The role works closely with internal teams—Sales Planning, Marketing, Procurement, and Quality Assurance—to ensure reliable product availability, efficient logistics, and successful support of innovation and new product launches.

This is a temporary position that will conclude at the end of August 2026.

• Develop and manage weekly and monthly production plans with co-manufacturers to meet forecasted demand and service targets.
• Balance supply with demand to prevent both shortages and excess inventory, considering shelf life and seasonality.
• Monitor and analyze supplier performance, production capacity, and adherence to schedules.
• Partner with Procurement to ensure raw material and packaging availability to support co-manufacturing schedules.
• Address supply disruptions quickly, coordinating contingency plans and communication across stakeholders.

• Maintain accurate inventory levels of finished goods across co-manufacturer and 3PL locations.
• Work closely with 3PLs to coordinate inbound/outbound shipments, order fulfillment, and storage efficiency.
• Track inventory KPIs, including service levels, spoilage, obsolescence, and warehouse utilization.
• Optimize inventory parameters (safety stock, reorder points) to support service and cost objectives.

• Oversee import processes for ingredients or finished goods, ensuring timely customs clearance and delivery.
• Manage freight schedules and shipping documentation to minimize delays and costs.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, FDA, and USDA import regulations, where applicable.

• Support Marketing, R&D, and Operations in planning new product launches and transitions.
• Participate in feasibility reviews to ensure co-manufacturing partners can support new product requirements.
• Collaborate with Sales Planning to align supply plans with demand forecasts and promotional plans.
• Work with Quality Assurance to ensure all co-manufacturing partners meet safety and compliance standards before release.

• Identify process improvements to enhance forecast accuracy, production efficiency, and supplier reliability.
• Participate in S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) processes to balance supply and demand.
• Support ERP or planning system enhancements and data integrity improvements.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business Administration, Food Science, or related field.

• 3–5 years of experience in supply planning, production scheduling, or co-manufacturer management within the food manufacturing industry.
• Experience working with external manufacturing partners and 3PLs.
• Familiarity with FDA/USDA regulations, food safety (GMP, HACCP), and shelf-life management.
• Understanding of import/export logistics and documentation.
• Proficiency with ERP or MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, Net Suite, or similar).

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Advanced Excel and data management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills across internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and compliance.

• Collaboration: Works seamlessly with suppliers, co-manufacturers, and internal teams to achieve shared goals.
• Accountability: Owns supply reliability, accuracy, and inventory performance.
• Agility: Quickly adapts to changes in demand, supplier performance, and market dynamics.
• Continuous Improvement: Actively identifies and implements process and efficiency improvements.
• Quality Focus: Ensures all supply activities align with food safety and quality standards.