Planner

Welcome to VVF Illinois Services, LLC! We're part of VVF Group, a world leader in manufacturing of Oleo Chemicals and Personal Care products founded in 1939. We are one of the largest contract manufacturers of personal care products in the world. Here in Montgomery, Illinois, we focus on the manufacturing and distribution of Personal Care Products - we manufacture bar soaps, deodorants, antiperspirants and gels. At VVF, it's not about the job, it's about the experience. We strive to create an exceptional environment for our employees, shaped by fair practices and excellent opportunities for career growth and a working culture that embraces diversity.

Role Description:

The Planner is responsible for driving an integrated planning process across demand forecasting, supply planning, and inventory optimization to ensure high service levels, optimal working capital, and efficient plant utilization. The role acts as a key link between Sales, Operations, Procurement and Finance.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Demand Planning

• Develop and maintain statistical and consensus forecasts (monthly/weekly) at SKU-location level
• Collaborate with Sales & Marketing to incorporate:
• Promotions
• New product launches
• Customer-specific intelligence
• Monitor forecast accuracy (MAPE, Bias) and drive continuous improvement
• Conduct demand review meetings as part of the S&OP / IBP process

2. Supply Planning

• Convert demand plans into feasible supply and production plans
• Optimize plant capacity utilization across multiple product lines
• Ensure alignment with:
• Raw material availability
• Manufacturing constraints
• Lead times
• Coordinate with Procurement for material readiness

3. Inventory & Service Optimization

• Manage inventory levels across raw materials, WIP, and finished goods
• Define and monitor safety stock and reorder policies
• Balance service levels versus working capital targets
• Identify slow-moving or obsolete inventory and recommend corrective actions

4. S&OP Process Ownership

• Lead or support the monthly S&OP cycle, including:
• Demand Review
• Supply Review
• Executive S&OP
• Highlight risks and opportunities (capacity, supply disruptions, demand volatility)
• Prepare scenario analysis (Base / Bull / Bear cases)

5. Analytics & Reporting

• Track and report key KPIs, including:
• Forecast Accuracy & Bias
• OTIF (On Time In Full)
• Inventory Turns
• Fill Rate
• Build dashboards and planning reports (Excel / Power BI / ERP tools)
• Perform root cause analysis for variances

6. Cross-functional Coordination

• Act as a bridge between:
• Sales
• Manufacturing
• Procurement
• Logistics
• Ensure alignment on priorities and constraints
• Support customer service teams in order fulfillment planning

Key KPIs:

• Forecast Accuracy (MAPE, Bias)
• Service Level / OTIF
• Inventory Turns & DOH
• Plan Adherence
• Working Capital Efficiency

Work Experience Requirements:

• 5–10 years in Demand Planning / Supply Planning / S&OP
• Experience in oleochemicals, FMCG, chemicals, or process manufacturing preferred
• Exposure to multi-plant or global supply chains is a plus

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field
• MBA / APICS (CPIM / CSCP) preferred

Technical Skills:

• Strong expertise in:
• Forecasting techniques (statistical collaborative)
• Supply planning & inventory optimization
• Hands-on experience with:
• ERP systems (SAP/APO, SAP IBP, Oracle, etc.)
• Advanced Excel (mandatory)
• Power BI / Tableau (preferred)

Behavioral Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage ambiguity and dynamic demand environments
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication
• High ownership and execution focus

Physical Requirements:

• Able to stand for long periods of time on the shop floor.
• Able to sit for long periods of time utilizing a computer.

Working Hours:

40 Hours a week

Location:

Montgomery, Illinois

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Relocation assistance

Experience:

• Demand or Supply Planning or S&OP: 5 years (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $85,000