Planning Manager- Rocher & Rocher Squares

About the Role:

We have a current opening for a Planning Manager - Rocher & Rocher Squares and are actively reviewing applications.

The Planning Manager - Rocher & Rocher Squares is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing production planning operations for the Rocher and new Rocher Squares business units. The role focuses on ensuring efficient plant operations, resource coordination, production scheduling, and long-term operational planning while leading a team of Plant Operating Planners.

This is described as a transformational and strategic role, moving beyond day-to-day operational planning into leadership, escalation management, process improvement, and cross-functional decision-making. The role also carries accountability for the overall performance of the brands and planning team.

Main Responsibilities:

Production & Operational Planning
• Oversee production scheduling to align with demand forecasts, inventory levels, and plant capacity.
• Manage planning operations for Rocher and Rocher Squares.
• Coordinate manpower, machinery, materials, and frozen inventory capacity.
• Support long-term capacity planning and S&OP processes.

Team Leadership
• Supervise and develop Plant Operating Planners.
• Act as the first escalation point for operational planning issues.
• Lead and support the team in problem-solving and strategic execution.

Strategic & Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with:
o Production teams
o Industrial Supply Chain
o Procurement
o Finance
o Supply Planning
o Category Planning
• Collaborate on strategic projects, warehouse capacity, frozen inventory management, and product launches.

Process Improvement & Problem Solving
• Troubleshoot production issues and supply chain disruptions.
• Analyze KPIs and operational data to identify inefficiencies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and Lean Manufacturing practices.
• Implement contingency plans for operational disruptions.

Reporting & Decision-Making
• Monitor operational KPIs related to efficiency, quality, and delivery performance.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for senior leadership.
• Make autonomous operational and strategic decisions to support plant success.

About You:

Education & Experience
• College diploma or bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum 6 years of planning experience in an industrial/manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 3 years of people leadership experience.

Technical & Business Skills
• Strong knowledge of:
o Production planning
o S&OP / IBP processes
o Capacity planning
o Lean Manufacturing
• Advanced Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Leadership & Soft Skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead teams through change and growth.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strategic mindset with strong operational understanding.
• Ability to work autonomously and make decisions independently.

Ideal Profile will have experience with:
• Leading a complex planning operation
• Supporting a new product launch/business expansion
• Navigating ambiguity and operational pressure
• Influence stakeholders across departments
• Transition from tactical execution into strategic leadership

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
As part of our recruitment process, Ferrero may use artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tools to assist with reviewing candidate applications. These tools are used solely to support recruiters by summarizing application information and identifying potential alignment with job requirements. AI does not independently screen out or select candidates, and it does not replace human judgment. Final decisions regarding candidate progression are always made by Ferrero recruiters and hiring managers.

Our Benefits & Perks:

Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here.

The base salary range for this position is $93,000 - $125,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time.

In addition to base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits.

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 environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding.
Find out more here.

Ferrero is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable human rights laws. Ferrero will recruit, hire, train, and promote all persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, or history of disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement and the individual is not able to perform the essential functions of the position even with reasonable accommodations), citizenship, or any other protected characteristic.

Ferrero will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the People & Organization (HR) Representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.