Strategic Planning Manager

Company Description ZOLTEK is a global leader in the production of low-cost, high-performance carbon fiber, using a proprietary continuous carbonization process to support large-scale commercialization. The company focuses on carbon fiber as a primary composite building material, enabling customers to achieve higher performance across diverse products and applications. ZOLTEK’s carbon fiber reinforced composites offer high strength, low weight, high stiffness, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and electrical conductivity. Due to its versatility with materials such as plastics, metals, wood, and concrete, ZOLTEK’s carbon fiber supports innovation across consumer, industrial, and construction markets. The organization is committed to expanding demand for carbon fiber solutions across a wide range of industries. Job Summary The Strategic Planning Manager reporting to the GM, Global Pultrusion & Strategic Planning, will support management of the Pultrusion P&L and analysis and execution of business-critical initiatives. The role will translate financial, commercial, operational, and market data into actionable decisions that improve sales, margin, and long-term competitiveness of the business. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Own analytics for the Pultrusion business, including revenue, cost and profitability drivers and variance explanations Build and communicate market, competitive and customer demand trends and insights concisely Analyze internal data to understand underlying drivers of performance and translate those into actionable insights Support commercial decision-making through fact-based analysis, and scenario modeling Lead analysis of business-critical projects by defining milestones, owners, financial impact, risks, and other project needs across cross-functional teams Construct forecasts, business cases, sensitivity analyses, investment cases, make vs. buy or tolling models, and other business-critical efforts to support executive decisions. Support in reviewing supply agreements and other commercial contract discussions Lead forecasting, annual budgeting, and long-range planning efforts and prepare concise executive-level materials for customer discussions, and executive updates Leverage key relationships across cross functional teams to connect commercial priorities with capacity, inventory, and capital needs Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or Engineering required. Master's degree in Business Administration strongly preferred. 4+ years of experience in finance, analytics, or strategy role in chemicals, materials, or related industry required. Problem-solving mindset with willingness and ability to roll up one's sleeves and "get things done" Strong critical thinking, analytical skills, and attention to detail needed. Strong modeling experience, analytic judgment and understanding of financial math Ability to manage multiple parallel tasks with fluid timelines and deal with situations that are complex and ambiguous Demonstrated ability to simplify and present complex ideas and communicate actionable insights to senior leadership. Strong Excel and PowerPoint skills Self-starter with high ownership, strong follow-through, and willingness to challenge assumptions constructively Comfort operating in a lean organization where the role requires both strategic thinking and hands-on execution 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 the job. Sitting at a desk and computer for extended periods of time. Intermittent physical activity including bending, reaching, and prolonged periods of sitting. Employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The work environments characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Zoltek is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr ZOLTEK