Planning Manager (Validation)

The Validation Operations Planning team owns the end-to-end process of demand planning for all testing & validation needs with Product and Engineering stakeholders, developing resource plans to meet those needs, and partnering with operational teams to deliver, track, and manage execution against aligned plans. 

This role follows a hybrid work schedule and reports to the Supply and Demand Planning Manager.

You will:

• Own the testing & validation demand and supply plans and processes for your domain, working with key stakeholders to define objectives, priorities, requirements, and supply needs

• Drive comprehensive planning cycles with key stakeholders, understanding every working nuance of your domain to optimize operations across all intersecting areas of planning, product, and execution

• Build and manage models to accurately forecast, answer "what-if" scenarios, and extract operational insights that can only be gleaned through rigorous planning processes

• Lead cross-functional initiatives to transform operating models and drive efficiencies across teams involved in testing & validation

• Uplevel core planning software and methodologies, applying expertise in planning software and spreadsheet-driven models to ensure accurate forecasting and alignment with corporate financial strategy

You have:

• Experience owning end-to-end planning cycles and acting as a strategic, cross-functional partner to stakeholders and leadership

• Demonstrated strong business judgement, communication skills, and ability to distill complex data and analysis to develop and advocate for your own positions and recommendations to cross-functional partners and leaders

• Deep, hands-on expertise in navigating and building models within enterprise planning platforms and spreadsheets, including using data tools (SQL) 

• A proven track record of acting as an advocate and leader to drive cross-functional strategy, cost-down initiatives, and efficiency optimizations

• Bachelor's degree in Economics, Industrial Engineering, Finance, Business Analytics, Mathematics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience

• 5+ years of relevant professional experience in planning / supply chain, strategic operations, financial planning, management consulting, or an analytical business function

We prefer:

• Master's degree (MBA preferred) in Finance, Economics, Operations Research, or a related discipline

• 8+ years of strategic execution within high-velocity environments such as management consulting, private equity, investment banking, or hyper-growth tech

• Direct experience in resource planning and management for staff and/or vehicles

• Experience and technical knowledge of forecasting methodologies and forecast accuracy measurement 

• Demonstrated success operating within a highly matrixed organization, expertly driving alignment, negotiating priorities, and ensuring unified execution across operations, product, finance, and corporate strategy 

• Experience using Anaplan for demand and supply planning processes (planning software tool) 

Travel requirements:

• Occasional (every 1-2 quarters) team offsites; market/site visits more frequently as necessary.