Sr. Production Planner

At Ghirardelli, we honor tradition and drive innovation, aiming to be the top choice for premium chocolate. Our commitment to Making Life A Bite Better inspires both our products and the way we do business. We support personal and professional growth, recognizing that each employee's contribution directly impacts Ghirardelli's growth and success. Join our dynamic team and help shape Ghirardelli's future.

The Sr. Production Planner is responsible for managing the Master Planning and the detailed Scheduling for a share of the Ghirardelli's portfolio of items. The role can also be specific to the planning and optimization of production assets within the Ghirardelli Manufacturing network (Chocolate Manufacturing / packaging / co packing) Responsible to lead the process of detailed scheduling and planning monthly production of finished goods and use our planning and ERP systems (SAP based) to confirm that the proper quantity and quality of raw materials and packaging are available for use in advance of production.

You will ensure compliance with company policies, practices, and procedures to contribute to operational efficiency and cost effectiveness through the scheduling of the production lines. You will be working cross functionally with internal stakeholders and/or external third party co packers. Through all of this you will recommend, develop, implement, and manage safety, quality, and food safety on all product lines.

Requires problem solving mindset with ability to break down production challenges into actionable solutions. Uses data-driven decision making while balancing intuition and experience. Anticipates bottlenecks and proactively develops alternatives. Needs to collaborate effectively with procurement, supply chain, operations, sales, and finance by developing strong working relationships. Listens actively and adapts communication style to different audiences. Uses storytelling with data (dashboards, KPIs) to gain alignment.

Influences peers and leaders without relying on authority. Explains the "why" behind the planning choices. Seeks opportunities to streamline planning processes.

Number of direct reports:
None

• Take the lead and drive the process of planning and scheduling of seasonal and new product launches
• Accountable for planning and maintaining weekly detailed production schedules for assigned production lines and products portfolio and communicate the plan to manufacturing.
• Accountable for the maintenance of specific planning parameters within the planning integrated tool (SAP IBP) in accordance with Policies agreed with management (inventory, service and changeover targets)
• Accountable for developing / maintaining a longer-term Master plan (12 month) using the planning system
• Work with the Detailed Scheduling system (SAP PPDS) to incorporate known constraints to maximize throughput through process bottlenecks
• Leads the Rough Cut Capacity (RCCP) process and prepares supply scenarios for full year and year to go capacity and inventory projection, in preparation for the Monthly Supply Review with Operations senior management.
• Lead S&OE discussions and action plans. Example:
  Supply & Demand reviews, action plans, and risk assessments. Review capacity plan constraints and full year projection. Develop options to prebuild inventory and level load production plans

• Plan production volume in supply network (multiple sites – GCC/Lindt) based on available capacity and East Coast/West Coast distribution requirements
• Communicate production plan to Lindt subsidiaries (if applicable).
• Update plans in APO as needed.
• Collaborate with Deployment team on Network inventory balancing, WIP inventory…