Overview

Manager – Strategic Planning & Materials will lead the end-to-end materials planning, inventory management, and reporting analytics function. This role will be responsible for managing a team of analysts, ensuring accurate planning execution, enabling data-driven decision-making, and driving continuous improvement across materials and inventory processes.

The role partners closely with procurement, operations, finance, and IT to ensure efficient inventory flow, data accuracy, and alignment with organizational objectives.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Team Leadership & People Management
Lead, mentor, and manage a team of planning, reporting, and data analysts
Drive performance management, goal setting, and capability development
Provide coaching on analytics, planning processes, and ERP usage
Ensure workload prioritization and effective task allocation
Inventory Planning & Execution Oversight
Oversee production planning, order management, and inventory movements through cross functional partnerships
Ensure optimal inventory levels across distribution and production locations
Monitor demand planning and supply alignment to meet business requirements
Data Analytics & Reporting Governance
Ensure accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of reports
Translate business requirements into actionable analytics and insights
Drive insight-based decision-making across functions through demonstrated reporting best practices including adhoc, PoC, and pilot reporting activities
Collaborate with IT and Business Intelligence teams to standardize reporting frameworks to support long term organizational needs standardizing reporting frameworks, dashboards and actionable KPIs.
ERP & Master Data Management
Act as functional lead for ERP systems (SAP S/4HANA, ECC, etc.)
Collaborates with the Master Data team to drive governance best practices in operational data domains (item master, MRP settings, inventory data)




Ensure data integrity and alignment with planning and reporting processes
Process Excellence & Continuous Improvement
Drive standardization of inventory planning and reporting processes
Implement Lean / Six Sigma practices to improve efficiency and accuracy
Lead initiatives to improve inventory accuracy, cycle counts, and reporting quality
Identify and implement automation opportunities
Cross-functional Collaboration
Partner with procurement, operations, finance, and customer service teams
Align planning strategies with business goals and customer demand
Act as a key escalation point for planning and data-related issues
Strategic Planning & Decision Support
Provide strategic insights based on inventory, demand, and data trends
Support forecasting, capacity planning, and long-term supply chain strategy
Identify risks and opportunities in inventory and supply chain performance

Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business administration, or other relevant field of study.
7-12+ years of experience in inventory management, supply chain, or strategic planning role.
2–5 years of team management experience required.
Proven track record in demand forecasting, inventory analysis, process optimization, and master data management, and SIOP workflows.
Familiarity with lean inventory principles and methodologies.
Strong Analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex data and make strategic recommendations.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
Advanced Excel skills, BI platforms (e.g., Power BI).
Experience in SAP - ECC ERP subject matter expertise Required.
Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite of Products.
Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
Ability to multitask while maintain strong attention to detail and technicalities.
Proven experience in data-driven decision-making and process improvement
Experience with Lean / Six Sigma methodologies is an advantage

📌 Manager Strategic Planning Materials (Pune)
🏢 Sonny's Enterprises Inc. - Conveyorized Car Wash Equipment Leader
📍 Pune