About the Role:

The Plant Operating Planning Manager is responsible for leading plant operating planning activities across manufacturing operations, ensuring the effective translation of demand requirements into optimized production plans and schedules. The role oversees production planning, scheduling, and material management processes to support service, inventory, cost, and operational performance objectives.

Acting as a key interface between manufacturing, supply chain, and central planning functions, the Plant Operating Planning Manager ensures the efficient utilization of production capacity, materials, and workforce resources while maintaining alignment with business priorities. The position plays a critical role in driving planning excellence, mitigating operational risks, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the plant environment.

Main Responsibilities:

Develop and manage production plans across assigned planning horizons, ensuring optimal allocation of production volumes by SKU, line, and weekMonitor inventory levels and provide visibility on stock projections and potential supply risksCollaborate with regional and local planning teams to align production plans with business demand and capacity constraintsCreate and maintain detailed production schedules by SKU, line, day, and shiftEnsure the execution of agreed production schedules while balancing service, efficiency, and cost objectivesOptimize the utilization of manufacturing assets, including production lines, machinery, materials,



and workforce resourcesSupport workforce planning and shift pattern management to meet operational requirementsCoordinate production scheduling activities with external co-manufacturing and co-packing partners where applicableEnsure the availability of raw materials, packaging materials, semi-finished goods, and other production inputs required to support manufacturing plansManage material call-offs and coordinate closely with suppliers and procurement teamsMonitor inventory levels and proactively address material shortages or excess stock situationsDrive actions to reduce material obsolescence in line with company guidelines and inventory management targetsServe as the key planning representative for the plant and the main point of contact with central planning teamsLead planning performance reviews and provide regular updates on planning activities, risks, and opportunitiesConduct root cause analyses on planning and supply issues, identifying and implementing corrective actionsMonitor and report key planning KPIs, ensuring continuous improvement of planning processes and performanceEscalate critical issues that may impact production schedule fulfilment and propose mitigation plans

About You:

University degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related disciplineRelevant experience in production planning, supply planning, operations planning, manufacturing,



or supply chain managementExperience working within a manufacturing workplace, preferably in FMCG, food, consumer goods, or related industriesProven experience in production scheduling, inventory management, and materials planningStrong understanding of manufacturing planning processes and supply chain operationsExcellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities, sttrong cross-functional collaboration skillsStrong communication skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at different organizational levelsAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environmentProficiency in ERP and planning systems (e.g., SAP APO, SAP IBP, SAP ECC, or similar tools)Advanced Microsoft Excel skills

What We Offer:

Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here.

About Ferrero:

Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.

DE&I; at Ferrero:

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work workplace multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding.

Find out more here.

📌 Plant Operating Planning Manager (Bathurst)
🏢 Ferrero
📍 Bathurst