Job Description
Role Overview: This position encompasses a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities tailored to the dynamic needs of the organization. Candidates must meet specified requirements to ensure optimal performance and alignment with team objectives. The role demands a proactive approach, strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments. Key responsibilities include managing projects, analyzing data, and driving strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency. Proficiency in industry-specific tools and technologies is essential, along with excellent communication and problem-solving abilities. The ideal candidate will demonstrate adaptability, leadership potential, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results in a fast-paced environment.
Head the planning function for Caraway Nigeria Biscuits, Confectionery, and Snacks operations, ensuring superior customer service levels and efficient stock optimization.
Caraway focuses on West Africa and operates seven manufacturing plants in Nigeria, spanning six product categories: Tomato Paste, Seasonings, Instant Noodles, Biscuits, Beverages, and Sweets & Candies.
The Planning Manager for Biscuits, Confectionery, and Snacks will oversee material planning, supply planning, and the coordination of the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process while facilitating demand planning across the relevant categories.
Developed key deliverables integral to achieving project objectives with precision and effectiveness are essential responsibilities of this role. These outcomes, meticulously crafted to meet or exceed established benchmarks, ensure alignment with strategic goals while addressing critical business needs. The incumbent will be tasked with producing high-impact deliverables that demonstrate measurable progress and foster tangible results across assigned initiatives.
Compliance with planning policies encompasses adherence to inventory guidelines and the proper categorization of finished goods, raw materials, and packaging materials, ensuring alignment with system integration requirements.
Oversee inventory quantities to ensure they align with established policy thresholds for both raw materials and completed products.
Facilitate the demand planning process across all relevant categories by applying data-driven methodologies to eliminate forecasting bias and enhance predictive accuracy.
Production planning involves integrating demand forecasting, supply chain guidelines, capacity constraints, and other operational limitations to develop efficient manufacturing schedules.
Materials requirement planning encompasses the creation and upkeep of comprehensive material plans. Establishing precise material safety stock levels and reorder points, along with accurate lead times, is critical to this role. Additionally, implementing strategic stock plans is essential to consistently meet predetermined targets for both material and finished goods inventory.
Accomplished production scheduling professionals are sought to oversee and optimize manufacturing workflows. The role demands expertise in developing and maintaining detailed production schedules that align with demand forecasts, resource availability, and operational constraints. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, advanced analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including procurement, logistics, and quality assurance. Strong problem-solving abilities and meticulous attention to detail are essential to ensure on-time delivery, minimize downtime, and maintain efficient production cycles. Prior experience in a manufacturing environment and familiarity with production planning software are highly preferred.
Efficient management of inventory replenishment and distribution requirements planning is essential to ensure optimal stock levels and timely order fulfillment across the supply chain. This role involves overseeing the replenishment process to maintain appropriate inventory balances, minimizing excess stock while preventing shortages. Responsibilities include analyzing demand trends, coordinating with procurement and logistics teams, and implementing strategies to streamline distribution flow. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in inventory management systems, and a keen understanding of supply chain dynamics are required to execute this function effectively.
Assess potential risks and opportunities, developing contingency plans and making informed decisions to mitigate threats and capitalize on advantageous circumstances.
Involves developing and implementing strategies to effectively manage and optimize resource utilization to align with organizational demands. Requires analyzing current and projected workloads, identifying potential bottlenecks, and ensuring adequate capacity to meet service level agreements. Demands proficiency in forecasting techniques, data analysis tools, and capacity modeling software. Responsibilities include monitoring system performance, adjusting resources dynamically, and collaborating with stakeholders to balance cost efficiency with performance requirements.
Lead the organization’s strategic planning initiatives, with a primary focus on the annual volume planning process, while collaborating closely with Sales, Marketing, and Finance teams to ensure timely execution.
Assist innovation teams throughout the product launch process to drive successful market introduction of new offerings.
Develop and deliver training programs to enhance the proficiency of demand planners and supply planners throughout all operational units.
Seeking a candidate with a minimum of five years of experience in project management or a related field, along with proficiency in relevant software tools. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, as is the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels. The ideal applicant must demonstrate a track record of delivering projects on time and within budget. Familiarity with industry standards and compliance regulations is also required. Additionally, the role demands adaptability to changing priorities and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Overseeing a portfolio of development initiatives, this role involves managing multiple projects concurrently to ensure timely and successful completion. Responsibilities include coordinating with stakeholders, tracking progress against milestones, and mitigating risks to maintain project momentum. The position requires a strategic approach to prioritize tasks, allocate resources efficiently, and deliver outcomes that align with organizational goals. Candidates must demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to changing project demands while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.
Lead ERP projects, integrating SAP MRP to establish robust MRP, MPS, and capacity planning processes, while ensuring seamless alignment with system integration.
S&OP coordination is led by the Planning Manager, who oversees the integration of sales, operations, and planning activities to align supply with demand. This role involves managing cross-functional collaboration, analyzing performance data, and ensuring efficient resource allocation to meet business objectives. The Planning Manager plays a key part in developing and executing strategies that enhance operational efficiency, mitigate risks, and drive continuous improvement across the organization.
Complexity management entails conducting routine evaluations of the stock keeping unit (SKU) portfolio to assess its composition and alignment with strategic objectives.
Education: Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field from an accredited institution. Candidates with advanced degrees or specialized certifications will be given preference. Relevant academic backgrounds include, but are not limited to, business administration, finance, economics, or related disciplines. Professional development courses or industry-specific training may also be considered advantageous.
A Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering is required, with a Master of Science or Master of Business Administration considered advantageous.
With extensive hands-on experience, you have honed your skills across a variety of challenging projects, demonstrating adaptability and technical proficiency. Your background includes successfully delivering solutions in dynamic environments, with a proven ability to troubleshoot complex issues and implement innovative approaches. Additionally, you bring a deep understanding of industry best practices, ensuring that your contributions align with organizational goals while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.
With a minimum of a decade of hands-on experience in supply chain management, preferably within leading global Agra-manufacturing, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), or related industries, candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of success in optimizing end-to-end supply chain operations.
Consumer goods organizations seeking professionals for Demand Planning, Supply Planning, Stock Management, and Primary Distribution roles will be prioritized. Candidates with expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and/or Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) methodologies will receive strong consideration.
Skills Required: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides). Strong written and verbal communication abilities. Experience with project management tools such as Asana or Trello. Knowledge of basic accounting principles and proficiency in QuickBooks or similar software. Familiarity with CRM systems, particularly Salesforce. Exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail. Capability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting. Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field preferred. Prior experience in a similar role is beneficial.
Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in both verbal and written communication, fostering clarity and collaboration across diverse teams and stakeholders.
Possesses advanced analytical capabilities, with a proven ability to dissect complex data, identify key patterns, and derive actionable insights. Demonstrates proficiency in evaluating multifaceted problems, synthesizing information from diverse sources, and applying logical reasoning to inform strategic decisions. Exhibits meticulous attention to detail while maintaining a systematic approach to problem-solving, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in all analytical processes.
Proficiency in SAP or another enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is a prerequisite for this role.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
10 years
