What are the responsibilities and job description for the Master Planner position at MacDonald Search Group?
Manager, Master Planning
Fort Smith, Arkansas (Hybrid)
MacDonald Search Group has been asked by our global consumer packaged goods client to recruit a Manager, Master Planning to lead integrated production and materials planning for a large-scale manufacturing operation. This role sits at the intersection of supply chain, operations, procurement, and commercial teams, ensuring demand, capacity, inventory, and customer service objectives are aligned and achieved.
Some of what you will do in this role includes:
- Own the master production plan, balancing demand forecasts, inventory targets, labor, materials, and manufacturing capacity
- Develop and maintain short-, medium-, and long-range production plans across weekly, monthly, and annual horizons
- Evaluate capacity constraints and develop mitigation strategies to support service and operational goals
- Lead scenario planning related to new product launches, line expansions, seasonal demand fluctuations, and operational changes
- Oversee materials planning activities, ensuring raw materials and packaging components are available to support production requirements
- Partner with procurement and suppliers to manage lead times, shortages, and supply chain risks
- Drive inventory optimization initiatives, including inventory turns, aging inventory, and excess & obsolete reduction
- Oversee production scheduling and partner closely with operations to improve schedule adherence and execution performance
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of planners and schedulers while establishing best practices and standard work processes
- Support S&OP / IBP processes by translating demand forecasts into feasible supply plans and communicating risks, constraints, and recommendations
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to planning systems, ERP utilization, data quality, and planning processes
You should have the following:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related discipline
- 7 years of production planning, supply planning, or master planning experience within a manufacturing environment
- Experience within beverage, food, CPG, consumer goods, or other complex manufacturing operations strongly preferred
- Prior leadership experience managing or mentoring planners, schedulers, or supply chain professionals
- Strong understanding of MRP, capacity planning, inventory management, and production scheduling principles
- Advanced ERP experience (SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, or similar) and strong Excel capabilities
- Experience supporting S&OP / IBP processes and cross-functional supply chain decision making
- APICS / ASCM certifications (CPIM, CSCP) considered an asset
- Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills
What's in it for you:
- Opportunity to join a globally recognized consumer products organization with iconic brands and strong market presence
- High-impact leadership role with visibility across supply chain, operations, and commercial functions
- Exposure to sophisticated S&OP, manufacturing, and planning processes within a world-class organization
- Competitive compensation package, bonus opportunity, benefits, and flexible work arrangements
- Long-term career growth opportunities within a global business
If this role sounds like one where you can make a difference, apply today! MacDonald Search Group and our client are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law. All applications are considered and reviewed by a human.