Planning Manager

We are Generac, a leading energy technology company committed to powering a smarter world.

Over the 60 plus years of Generac’s history, we’ve been dedicated to energy innovation. From creating the home standby generator market category, to our current evolution into an energy technology solutions company, we continue to push new boundaries.

The Planning Manager is an integral part of the Sales, Inventory and Operations Planning process. This role is responsible for working with Corporate Forecasting and translating forecasts for the planning and execution of production, inventory, distribution and financial requirements. This role is responsible for significant step function changes in improvements in customer service levels. This role is responsible for working with Corporate Forecasting and translating forecasts for the planning and execution of production, inventory, distribution and financial requirements.

- Collaborate with corporate forecasting and business units’ cross-functional teams (supply chain, production execution and operational excellence) to develop and improve strategies and processes that drive on time delivery while optimizing working capital.

- Provide recommendations on inventory strategies that will support upside revenue opportunities and fluctuations in model/mix by product line.

- Use capacity analysis, historical data, sales forecasts and product life cycle roadmaps as input to develop unit volume requirements.

- Develop and maintain product configuration assumptions to help calculate units.

- Lead and represent business unit in weekly SIOP and schedule attainment meetings.

- Work with product management to understand New Product Introduction (NPI) and end of sale product transitions to seamlessly phase-in or phase-out within operations with minimal risk (e.g., resource, inventory, and capacity).

- Clearly communicate and explain assumptions, inputs, analyses and outputs at monthly SIOP meetings on behalf of business unit.

- Report forecast accuracy and related performance metrics on monthly/quarterly basis to management.

- Lead improvement of customer service levels and working capital (Inventory Turns) by developing and maintaining the forecast for assigned products.

- Ensure planning capabilities support maximum efficiency and lowest cost of operation through systems utilization and process improvements.

- Coach and mentor team to improve engagement with local technical/commercial stakeholders and to establish communication channels between the cross functional teams.

- Accountable for defining resource needs and works within budget and staffing parameters to accomplish objectives for area of responsibility.

- Act as SAP Super User within functional area as assigned.

Minimal Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Mathematics, Statistics, or Supply Chain Management OR equivalent experience in the Supply Chain function within a similar working environment;

- 3 years demand planning experience;

- 5 years of progressive Operations management experience in similar work environment

Preferred Qualifications:

- ERP/MRP user (SAP/Oracle);

- Knowledge of Demand Drive Principles;

- Strong background in configure-to-order (CTO) and make-to-order (MTO) models;

- Experience in high mix / low volume manufacturing;

- Familiarity with sheet metal manufacturing

Knowledge/Skills:

- Experience leading a major cross-functional project that included managing resources, implementing project plans and timelines, identifying and removing roadblocks, implementation of improved product lines;

- Previous experience working in a manufacturing environment;

- Demonstrated understanding and application of lean manufacturing principles;

- Effective verbal and written communication skills;

- Demonstrated problem-solving ability, including the ability to identify creative and effective solutions and the ability to ask the right questions, help frame logical conclusions

Physical Demands

: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 - 50 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision and ability to adjust focus. Occasional travel.