Head of Inventory & Operations Planning EMEA (m/f/d)

We are seeking a Head of Inventory & Operations Planning to lead our planning strategy for Molds, Hot Runners, and Aftermarket in the EMEA region, ensuring seamless alignment between demand, capacity, and resources. This role is central to driving efficiency, growth, and customer satisfaction through operational excellence and cross-functional collaboration.

Head of Inventory & Operations Planning EMEA (m/f/d)

WORKING MODEL

Hybrid

CONTRACT HOURS

Full time

FUNCTION

Production

TIME LIMIT

Unlimited

COMMENCES

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic, tactical, and operational Production Planning & Scheduling

• Define and oversee the production planning, integrating demand planning, procurement, and manufacturing
• Conduct long- and midterm capacity planning incl. CAPEX and OPEX planning
• Create master production schedules that balance demand, capacity, and inventory across short-, mid-, and long-term horizons
• Approve and oversee allocation of internal and external capacities, ensuring alignment with business objectives (profitability, on-time delivery, flexibility)
• Anticipate capacity bottlenecks and proactively design contingency and expansion plans

2. Inventory Planning

• Demand driven inventory planning for raw materials and semi-finished goods
• Define and develop inventory policies and appropriate safety stock for all product families
• Proactively monitor inventory levels across all sites and ensure faster turns
• Monitor slow-moving/dead stock and define counter measures

3. Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop the production planning team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Build strong planning capabilities by mentoring planners, introducing best practices, and supporting professional development
• Act as the primary escalation point for complex planning and scheduling issues

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Drive alignment with key stakeholders including production, procurement, project management, sales, and supply chain management
• Partner with senior leadership to ensure planning supports strategic objectives, new product launches, and market expansion
• Represent the planning function in executive meetings and strategic planning sessions

5. Process & Systems Excellence

• Drive a step-change in planning maturity
• Own and continuously improve planning processes and tools (ERP, advanced planning systems such as WayRTS)
• Implement advanced planning methodologies to optimize utilization, lead times, and throughput
• Champion digital transformation by leveraging analytics, scenario modeling, and automation

6. Performance Management & Continuous Improvement

• Define and track key planning KPIs (on-time delivery, forecast accuracy, inventory levels, lead times, adherence rates)
• Lead root-cause analyses and implement corrective measures to address deviations
• Drive strategic improvement initiatives to increase resilience, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering or Business Management, ideally with a strong focus on Supply Chain Management; Master’s degree preferred
• 7+ years of experience in inventory, operations, and production planning in complex, multi-site manufacturing or automotive environments
• Motivated to work in a high-pace environment, transforming current planning organization
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems (SAP preferred) and advanced planning systems; WayRTS is a plus
• Proven leadership skills with ability to develop and inspire high-performing teams
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills at all organizational levels
• Strong analytical mindset with ability to solve complex operational challenges
• Advanced MS Excel skills; PowerBI is a plus
• Fluent in English and German; Italian is an advantage
• Adaptable to dynamic market, production, and supply chain environments

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