21st August, 2026
Supply Planner - Own Inventory Strategy in a High-SKU Manufacturing Environment
This role may also be known as: Inventory Planner, Supply Chain Planner, Materials & Supply Planner, S&OP Planner
Most planning roles ask you to react. This one asks you to think. You will assess demand forecasts, translate SKU-level trends into real supply requirements, and decide how inventory gets positioned across a network that customers are actively counting on. When shortages, excess stock, or capacity constraints show up, you are the person diagnosing the root cause and building the fix, not just flagging the problem and waiting for direction.
This is a seat at the table where supply chain decisions actually get made. You will walk into the monthly S&OP process with real analysis in hand, and walk out having shaped the manufacturing priorities that Plant Scheduling acts on. It is planning work with visible, measurable impact: the OTIF numbers, the inventory turns, the days of supply, all of it traces back to the calls you make.
Why This Opportunity Is Different
This is not a narrow, single-lane planning job. You get end-to-end exposure across demand translation, inventory strategy, raw material and MRP signaling, S&OP participation, and manufacturing prioritization, all in one seat, which builds a far stronger resume than a role that keeps you boxed into one piece of the chain. You will have direct visibility with cross-functional leadership across Demand Planning, Procurement, Operations, and Commercial, not just your immediate manager. The environment is high-SKU and fast-moving, which means real variety and real problem-solving rather than repetitive, static planning cycles. For someone who wants to grow toward a senior planning, S&OP, or supply chain leadership track, this role builds exactly the breadth that track requires.
What You'll Be Doing
- Build and maintain supply plans that hit customer service targets and OTIF performance across distribution channels
- Translate unconstrained and constrained demand forecasts into real, executable supply requirements
- Set inventory targets, safety stock levels, and replenishment strategies that balance availability, freshness, and working capital
- Monitor inventory health and get ahead of shortages, excess stock, slow movers, and obsolescence risk before they become problems
- Generate raw material, packaging, and component requirements through MRP and planning systems
- Manage purchasing signals and partner with Procurement on supplier lead times, risks, and constraints
- Show up prepared to the monthly S&OP process with inventory, supply, service level, and risk analysis in hand
- Translate demand and inventory needs into manufacturing priorities and give Plant Scheduling clear direction
- Track the metrics that matter, including OTIF, inventory turns, days of supply, and forecast attainment, and run root cause analysis when something slips
- Lead continuous improvement work that makes the whole planning process sharper over time
What We're Looking For - 3 to 5+ years of experience in Supply Planning, Inventory Planning, Production Planning, Materials Planning, Demand Planning, or a related supply chain function
- Experience in a manufacturing environment with real ownership of finished goods and raw material planning
- Hands-on participation in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) or Integrated Business Planning (IBP)
- Comfort operating in a high-SKU, fast-paced environment where demand patterns shift often
- Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and analytical modeling, plus experience with ERP or planning systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, JDE, Kinaxis, or similar
- A bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Logistics, or a related field
- APICS/ASCM certification such as CPIM, CSCP, or CLTD is a strong plus
- Prior experience in Cannabis, CPG, Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, or another regulated manufacturing industry is a plus
- Strong analytical instincts, clear communication, and the ability to hold your own with stakeholders across every level of the business
Compensation & Work Model Compensation is competitive and will be discussed during the screening process.
Location & Travel Location details and any travel expectations will be shared and confirmed during the screening conversation.
How to Apply To apply or learn more, contact: dudu.ndlela@tappwfs.com
About TAPP Workforce Solutions TAPP Workforce Solutions is a specialized recruitment and workforce solutions firm supporting organizations across skilled trades, engineering, manufacturing, and professional services. We act as an extension of our clients' teams, delivering thoughtful, relationship-driven hiring solutions focused on long-term fit, performance, and retention.
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