Senior Planning Specialist

Lead the monthly Sales & Operations Planning process for assigned product families.

Facilitate demand-supply reconciliation meetings and escalate risks to leadership.Develop statistical baseline forecasts using tools like time-series analysis, machine learning (where applicable), or promotional modeling.

Analyze demand variability and adjust safety stock strategies.Set and monitor inventory targets (DSI – Days Sales of Inventory).

Lead initiatives to reduce E&O, write-off risk, and improve inventory turns without compromising patient access.Identify potential supply disruptions (e.g., raw material shortages, capacity constraints, regulatory holds) and create contingency plans (alternative suppliers, re-routing, air freight).Lead planning for new product launches, product transfers, site changes, and lifecycle management (e.g., line extensions, discontinuations).

Coordinate with RA for submission timelines and launch quantities.Drive continuous improvement projects (e.g., lead time reduction, batch size optimization, ERP automation).

Implement best practices in planning (e.g., Kanban, VMI for packaging).Train and guide junior planners and specialists on planning tools, SOPs, and supply chain KPIs.

Review their work for accuracy.Represent planning function in internal/external audits (FDA, EMA, MHRA).

Ensure planning records and justifications are inspection-ready.

Bachelor’s degree required in Supply Chain, Engineering, Pharmacy, Economics, or related.

Master’s degree (MBA or MS in Supply Chain) preferred.APICS CPIM, CSCP, or IBF certification strongly preferred.3 years of progressive supply chain planning experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device industry.Proven experience with pharmaceutical serialization, expiry management, and cold chain planning (for biologics/temperature-sensitive products) is a plus.Advanced proficiency in ERP systems.Expert in Microsoft office.Deep understanding of supply chain metrics: service level, bias, forecast accuracy, inventory turnover, cash-to-cash cycle.Strong leadership and stakeholder management.Excellent communication and presentation skills.Proactive, resilient, and able to manage ambiguity in a regulated environment.Project management skills (Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt a plus).