Manager, Supply & Allocation Planning

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Purpose of Job:

The Manager, Supply & Allocation Planning contributes to enterprise supply chain success by providing strategic direction and leadership for all supply planning and inventory strategy activities. This role leads a team of Planners and is accountable for supply plan forecasting and execution with suppliers, long-range inventory strategies, and enterprise-wide allocation decisions.

Job Components:

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Supply Planners and Allocation Planners
• Set clear performance expectations, priorities, and development plans for the team
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Ensure consistent planning methodologies and standard work across the team

Supply Planning & Execution

• Own end-to-end supply planning and inventory policy across the 0-18 month horizon on a monthly basis in addition to longer range planning at least yearly
• Translate demand forecasts into feasible supply plans incorporating capacity, materials, and supplier constraints
• Manage inventory flow and planning processes to maximize inventory productivity and service levels
• Develop and maintain inventory policies, safety stock strategies, and long-range inventory plans aligned with fulfillment strategy
• Coordinate SKU-level unit forecasts with key suppliers and manage forecast attainment and accuracy

Inventory Allocation & Customer Prioritization

• Oversee enterprise-wide inventory allocation strategy across all customer segments (large and small)
• Ensure consistent, value-based allocation execution during constrained supply situations
• Identify current and potential product shortages; develop and execute recovery plans and communicate status to stakeholders
• Partner with Sales and Customer Service to manage escalations and allocation exceptions

S&OP & Cross-Functional Alignment

• Serve as the Supply Planning lead in the S&OP process
• Collaborate with Demand Planning to validate and influence demand and inventory plans supporting promotions, projects, and growth initiatives
• Achieve consensus on operating plans, inventory targets, and service objectives
• Communicate inventory position, financial impacts, and re-forecast updates to Supply Chain leadership and Finance

Analytics, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain standard KPIs to drive results and provide early warning signals (e.g., inventory health, service level, plan adherence, inventory turns)
• Provide timely reporting and analysis to leadership as required
• Lead implementation of lean supply chain and continuous improvement initiatives
• Drive development of systems, tools, and procedures to improve scalability, automation, and planning effectiveness
• Ensure master data accuracy related to lead times, capacities, and inventory policies

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or equivalent education and experience
• 4+ years of progressive leadership experience with at least 1 year in supply planning, product planning, or inventory management
• People leadership experience with a track record of developing and motivating teams
• Strong business acumen with hands-on experience in operational and financial planning
• Demonstrated success driving process improvements from concept through implementation and results measurement
• Experience leveraging technology and planning systems to improve scale, automation, and decision-making
• Experience with SAP IBP, APO, or similar planning tools preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and drive cross-functional alignment.
• Strategic thinker with strong operational execution skills
• Effective cross-functional influencer and communicator
• Analytical, data-driven problem solver
• Continuous improvement and results-oriented mindset

Preferred

• Advanced degree (MBA or Master's)
• Experience in manufacturing, CPG, retail, or distribution environments
• APICS / ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP)
• Experience with SAP IBP, APO, or similar planning tools preferred.
• Proven experience managing product transitions in a manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Experience with budget ownership or P&L management preferred.

Scope Data:

• Partner cross-functionally with Demand Planning, Procurement, Sales, Suppliers, Logistics, and Finance to optimize service, inventory productivity, and overall financial performance.
• Lead a team of direct reports.
• Make trusted, transparent inventory allocation decisions
• Create stable, executable supply plans aligned to demand and capacity
• Achieve high service levels with disciplined inventory investment
• Build a strong, scalable planning organization focused on continuous improvement
• Model Interstate's Purpose and Values

Work Environment:

• Ability to use a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to sustain posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time.
• Regularly required to use hands to grasp or handle and talk and hear.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Hybrid / Remote / On-site (as applicable)

Note: We do not accept resumes from headhunters, placement agencies, or other suppliers that have not signed a formal agreement with us.

Interstate Batteries provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Interstate Batteries complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Interstate Batteries expressly prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental and physical), marital status, military status, veteran status, citizenship or any other characteristic protected under applicable local, state or federal law.