Senior Demand & Supply Planner

About the Role

Join a dynamic industrial components group serving heavy-manufacturing clients as a Senior Demand & Supply Planner. This role offers the unique opportunity to lead and transform the planning function from a reactive, manual model to a proactive, well-structured process. You will spearhead the activation and optimization of MRP within a tier-one ERP system and establish a robust Sales & Operations Planning (SI&OP) framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary planner ensuring optimal material availability—delivering the right components at the right time and location while minimizing inventory costs.
• Activate and fine-tune MRP parameters including safety stock levels and reorder points, going beyond simple maintenance to create optimized materials planning.
• Develop and drive a monthly SI&OP process from inception, including building forecasting models and collaborating closely with sales teams.
• Manage long lead-time global procurement by coordinating overseas supply delivery against limited forecasting signals to exert control over key variables.
• Design and improve planning processes by identifying operational gaps, proposing solutions, obtaining approvals, and implementing changes.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 7 years experience in materials, demand, or supply chain planning with direct ownership of SI&OP processes.
• Proven success in implementing or advancing planning systems including MRP setup, safety stock optimization, reorder point adjustments, and ABC classification.
• Proficiency with ERP systems that include MRP modules such as SAP, Oracle, Infor, or equivalents.
• Experience managing global inbound supply chains involving long lead times.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing and production planning environments with the ability to communicate effectively with manufacturing stakeholders.
• Relevant certifications such as APICS CPIM or CSCP are advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in small, diverse teams with a flexible and cooperative approach.

Role Highlight

• This is a hands-on, creation-focused role offering a real building challenge rather than simply maintaining existing systems.
• The company values and actively supports work-life balance.
• The leadership team prioritizes open communication with regular town halls and an accessible management style.
• The organization is expanding globally with a strong presence in North America and recognized industry achievements.
• Based in the thriving O'Hare corridor, a prime location for supply chain professionals.

Additional Details

• This is a fully onsite position located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.
• The role functions as an individual contributor with influence driven by process improvements and partnership rather than direct reports.
• Competitive compensation is offered in the six-figure range.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The employer is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates.