Manager, Planning Enablement

HAVI is a global, privately owned company focused on innovating, optimizing and managing the supply chains of leading brands. Offering services in marketing analytics, packaging, supply chain management and logistics, HAVI partners with companies to address challenges big and small across the supply chain, from commodity to customer. Founded in 1974, HAVI employs more than 10,000 people and serves customers in more than 100 countries. HAVI’s supply chain services are complemented by the customer engagement services offered by our affiliated company The Marketing Store.  For more information, please visit HAVI.com.

***This role is hybrid and is open to candidates residing in the Chicago metropolitan area only. NO Relocation is offered at this time*** 

This role provides essential value-added services to the largest Quick Service Restaurant (QSR), their restaurants, DCs, and Suppliers in the US market. The Manager of Planning Enablement plays a key role in overseeing the creation, accuracy, and management of supply plans that support the North American supply chain. Responsibilities encompass a broad spectrum of deliverables, from Restaurant Order Proposals to Supplier Demand Signal, DC Order Creation, and Constrained Planning. This position entails leading a global team of subject matter experts, guiding them in the development and execution of these supply plans. The Planning Enablement team is instrumental in ensuring the seamless operation of our planning systems, thereby significantly contributing to the organization's operational excellence and dedication to customer satisfaction.
 
The role calls for a balance of operational decision-making and team leadership. It involves maintaining accuracy and excellence in all aspects of planning while fostering a culture geared toward continuous improvement. Leading a diverse team of experts varying in seniority, the Manager is expected to drive guide team development, focusing on performance and customer satisfaction. The role is pivotal in cultivating strong relationships with stakeholders and setting the benchmark for operational excellence within Supply Chain.

Planning Enablement Excellence & Leadership:

• Drive operational excellence by ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of supply plans, including Restaurant Order Proposals, EAS, and ILC. 
• Oversee restaurant- and dc-level planning parameters with a focus on minimizing order change rates and enhancing order accuracy and sufficiency.
• Contribute to the promotion execution strategy, with emphasis on defining initial yield factor, safety stock, and controlled allocation settings to ensure accurate and successful promotions.
• Proactively monitor actual performance against the plan, taking necessary actions to minimize errors and optimize planning output.
• Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of Restaurant and DC Shipment plans, with a focus on detail-oriented planning and execution.
• Apply thought leadership and creative problem-solving to drive continuous improvement in operational aspects of planning.
• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, effectively navigating high-pressure customer interactions.

 
Measures, Strategy, & Continuous Improvement:

• Achieve and maintain no less than 95% of Promotional & Supply Chain Initiative (SCI) compensation measures and joint accountability metrics.
• Accountable for driving continuous improvements in customer satisfaction.
• Exhibit proficiency in HAVI planning and reporting systems (Horizon, ROP, EAS, Connect, etc.) to inform strategy and execution.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to perform root cause analyses and promote continuous improvement initiatives in our planning enablement processes.
• Maintain subject matter expertise to guide the planning process, promoting best in class processes.
•  

Team Development & Leadership:

• Cultivate leadership within the planning enablement team, encouraging the ongoing development of individual contributors.
• Drive talent development to build high-performing teams, fostering a positive, collaborative, and empowering work environment.
• Oversee hiring practices to ensure optimal team composition, and resource allocation, coupled with focused training and development.

Education, Work Experience & Skills

• University Degree (or equivalent) in Business, Supply Chain Management, Economics, Operations, or a relevant discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of Supply Chain Management experience, with a strong emphasis on planning processes.
• Prior leadership experience in managing subject matter experts a plus.
• Experience in a client-facing role, with a proven ability to manage stakeholder relationships and expectations.
•  Ability to present to and influence decision-makers across functional areas including Marketing, Analytics, and Supply Chain.
• Strong understanding of the inter-relationships between forecasting, demand planning, supply planning, analytics, and their impact on suppliers and QSR client operations.
• Experience with Inventory/Demand/ERP Applications & Reporting Tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, JDA, Kinaxis), with a capacity to drive system improvements and user adoption.
•  Ability to understand and navigate the food service or fast-moving consumer goods industry landscape.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint), with a focus on data analysis and presentation.

 
Key Competencies

• Strategic mindset with the ability to anticipate customer needs and drive the development of accurate forward-looking demand plans.
• A customer centric approach to managing both client expectations and service delivery.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to lead, engage, and influence teams and stakeholders across all levels within and outside the organization.
• The ability to direct and allocate resources effectively across diverse teams and projects.
• Strong organizational skills with the capability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
•  A track record of creative problem-solving and innovation in demand planning and supply chain management.
•  Leadership qualities that inspire team trust and confidence, with an emphasis on developing talent and promoting a collaborative team environment

TOTAL REWARDS

Our total rewards philosophy integrates programs for compensation, benefits, recognition, learning and development, corporate culture, corporate citizenship and work-life balance. While individual program components may differ by country, some things remain constant: Our commitment to rewarding results and opportunities to work with talented and driven individuals at every level of our company who respect each other, treat each other fairly and hold one another accountable for our customers’—and our company’s—success

There's more ...

Generous medical, dental, vision and other great benefits

Paid parental and medical leave programs

401(k) with a company match component and profit sharing

15 days of paid time off plus 15 company-paid holidays 

Hybrid work model

Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment assistance

Inclusive employee resource groups

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

We are an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

RECRUITING AGENCIES

HAVI does not accept agency resumes submitted by third-party vendors unless a valid agreement has been signed and the HAVI Talent Acquisition Team has granted authorization for submissions for a specified position. Please do not submit or forward resumes to our site, HAVI employees, or any other company location. HAVI is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

ARE YOU A GOOD MATCH FOR THIS ROLE?

Please submit an online application with your salary expectations and an indication of your earliest starting date.