Sales & Operations Planning Specialist

The S&OP Specialist, under the direction of Sr. Manager of Sales & Operations Planning, will execute the S&OP process for the Malteurop North America.  He/She will set monthly decision-making processes to balance demand and supply, to integrate demand planning, financial planning and operational planning, and to link high level strategic plans with day-to-day operations.  

He/She is responsible for leading analytics and reporting activities through the Sales & Operations Planning process. The role will be responsible for identifying and understanding data from various streams, developing robust storage and producing reports and metrics. The role will work closely with Sales, Customer Service, Transportation, Procurement and Operations.  The role is also responsible for establishing/reporting related business metrics and acting as a key contributor to procurement and sales plans. He/She has the ability to collaborate knowledgeably with the different departments and interpret information from many sources (customer forecasts, inventory, working capital, plant capacities, etc.) is essential.

Essentials Duties and Responsibilities: include the following (other duties may be assigned):

1. Manage S&OP process through collaboration with Sales, Customer Service, Transportation, Procurement and Operations.


2. Engage with Sales and Customer Service to evaluate forecasts vs. actual sales (volume, trends and mix).


3. Evaluate the best supply plan between the different plants in order to reduce the cost of sales and operations, recommending improvements to procedures, contracts and agreements.


4. Implement forecast accuracy measurement and reporting to drive improvements with key stakeholders.


5. Ensure alignment to demand and supply planning process.


6. Identify gaps and opportunities to the plan between current plans and financial commitments, derive possible gap closing initiatives and highlight the risks and opportunities.


7. Recommend and maintain optimal inventory levels at various stages in the supply chain in order to achieve customer satisfaction levels as well as mitigate costs.


8. Prepare the long term production, procurement and transportation plans to support inventory optimization through a flawless business execution.

 Safety:

• Provides assistance in support of the safety strategy to reduce work related injuries.


• Promotes a safe working environment.


• Performs all job functions in a safe manner and maintains safety awareness.


• Reports known accidents, injuries and unsafe practices or conditions to safety manager.

 Job Qualifications required:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Business Administration /Finance or related fields. A Master’s Degree is preferred.


• Minimum of 3 years of experience in demand planning or supply chain; preferably in the food processing industry


• Experience working with multiple levels of the functional organization to coordinate the synchronization of supply and demand.


• Experience working with S&OP, SAP or ERP based planning and forecasting systems.


• Understanding of the requirements of manufacturing, logistics, marketing, sales and finance.


• Ability to work with S&OP tools to recognize and interpret historical demand and forecasts


• Proven track record of developing and implementing process improvements.


• Strong conflict resolution and problem solving skills.


• Proficient computer skills including Word, Excel and PowerPoint;


• Advanced Excel skills (including pivot tables and VBA Programming) are required along with excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.


• APICS or equivalent trade certification is preferred.


• Able to travel up to 10% to other Company locations.

ANALYTICAL Skills:

This position requires a high level of analysis with the ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner, as well as gather and analyze information skillfully and maintain confidentiality

Mathematical Skills:

Requires ability to perform basic math functions as well as compute rates, ratios, and percentages. The ability to use statistical functions is also required.  Ability to perform general mathematical calculations for the purpose of creating business cases, budgets etc.

Language Skills:

Ability to read and write English correspondence on a professional level, ability to describe and discuss the above functions with employees, management, and customers, ability to correspond via e-mail, along with substantial experience working with Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point.

Other Skills and Abilities:

A high level of self-motivation and attention to detail is required.  Also must have the ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure international team-oriented environment while offering exceptional customer service.

Supervisory Duties:

This position does not have direct reports.

 Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.