Sales & Operations Planning Lead

CREGG Recruitment is currently hiring a Sales & Operations Planning Lead on behalf of our client who are a leading manufacturing company specialising in the production of electronics and medical components based at their offices in Galway.

Position Overview:
Reporting to the Materials & Purchasing Manager, the Sales & Operations Planning lead will create and manage rolling demand forecasts (typically 3–18 months), driving the S&OP process to align Sales, Operations, and Finance. The role holder will deliver the capacity resource plan by key process, product family by Product grouping. They will analyse trends, manage forecast accuracy (KPIs), and optimize inventory levels using statistical tools (e.g., SAP, Blue Yonder, Anaplan, Syspro).

Key Responsibilities:

• Forecasting & Analysis: Generate and refine statistical forecasts for SKU/customer levels, analysing trends and market intelligence to minimize error.

• S&OP Leadership: Lead monthly demand review meetings, ensuring alignment between commercial plans and operational capability. Present the MPS (Master Production Schedule) that supports EOQ for both Purchasing and Operations. Schedule orders to WIP in line with product lead times.

• Inventory Optimization: Manage inventory drivers to support target stock levels and ensure product availability.

• Stakeholder Management: Collaborate across departments (Sales, Operations, Supply Chain) to integrate business intelligence into the forecast.  Provide professional communications to all stakeholders internally and externally.

• Process Improvement: 
  • Drive improvements in forecasting methodology and system capabilities. 
  • Support the Head of Materials in developing and improving planning processes across the organisation.
• Collaboration
  • Promote best practices in forecasting, inventory planning, and use of ERP systems.
  • Work closely with Sales, Operations, and Finance to ensure a collaborative planning environment.
• Support the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) function and agenda within the business.
• Participate in improvement projects and other reasonable tasks as outlined by the manager.

Skills & Qualification:

• You will have 5+ years in demand planning, supply chain, or analytics, preferably in FMCG, manufacturing, or pharma.
• Level 7/8 in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or relevant field.
• Advanced Excel skills, experience with ERP systems (SAP4/Hana), and planning tools like Blue Yonder, JDA, or Oracle.
• Strong analytical skills, ability to lead without authority, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• APICS/CPIM is often an advantage. 
• Enthusiastic problem-solving mentality, willing to grow/develop the role.
• Contribute to a positive team environment and maintain a high level of engagement within the team.

Offer:

• Attractive salary
• Pension, Health Insurance, onsite parking and other benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement.

INDPERM