JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, high-growth manufacturing organization in their search for a visionary and strategic Vice President of Supply Chain Planning. This executive leadership role, based at their corporate headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a critical component of the company’s operational backbone. We are seeking a transformative leader who can orchestrate a world-class planning function that is both resilient and responsive to the dynamic demands of the modern marketplace. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of end-to-end supply chain mechanics within a complex manufacturing environment, coupled with a demonstrated ability to lead large-scale teams and drive significant process improvements. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a thriving company, influence key business outcomes, and build a lasting legacy of operational excellence. You will be the central architect of the planning strategies that directly impact customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and profitability.
Role Overview for VP of Supply Chain Planning – Manufacturing (Grand Rapids, MI)
The Vice President of Supply Chain Planning is a senior executive responsible for the strategic direction and tactical execution of all aspects of demand planning, supply planning, inventory management, and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP). Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will lead a multi-tiered organization of planning professionals and be accountable for ensuring product availability while optimizing working capital. This role requires a leader who can balance strategic, long-range planning with the immediate needs of a fast-paced manufacturing operation. You will be the key integrator between the commercial teams (Sales and Marketing) and the operational teams (Manufacturing, Procurement, and Logistics), ensuring that the entire organization is aligned around a single, consensus-based operational plan. Your leadership will be instrumental in developing a sophisticated planning infrastructure, leveraging advanced systems and analytics to enhance forecast accuracy, improve production scheduling, and minimize costs across the supply chain network. You will champion a culture of continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, and proactive problem-solving, ultimately ensuring the company’s supply chain is a key competitive advantage.
Key Responsibilities of VP of Supply Chain Planning – Manufacturing (Grand Rapids, MI)
Strategic Leadership & S&OP Ownership
Spearhead the development and maturation of the company’s advanced Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes. Lead the monthly executive S&OP cycle to align demand, supply, and financial plans, ensuring consensus and accountability across all functions. Translate business strategy into actionable supply chain planning initiatives.
Demand Planning & Forecasting
Oversee the demand planning team to create accurate, statistically-driven forecasts. Implement best practices for collaborative planning with sales, marketing, and key customers to incorporate market intelligence and promotional activity into the forecast. Drive continuous improvement in forecast accuracy (MAPE, WAPE) and bias metrics.
Supply & Production Planning
Direct the supply and production planning teams to develop robust master production schedules (MPS) and material requirements plans (MRP) that align with demand while respecting manufacturing capacities and constraints. Ensure effective capacity planning and utilization across all manufacturing sites.
Inventory Strategy & Management
Design and implement a comprehensive inventory strategy to optimize levels of raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods. Establish clear inventory targets, safety stock policies, and replenishment strategies to maximize service levels (OTIF) while minimizing working capital investment and obsolescence risk.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of supply chain planning professionals. Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning. Set clear objectives, provide regular feedback, and manage performance to build organizational capability.
Technology & Systems Enhancement
Champion the selection, implementation, and optimization of advanced planning systems (APS), ERP modules, and business intelligence tools. Leverage technology to automate processes, improve data visibility, and enable advanced analytics for better decision-making.
Performance Management & KPIs
Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for the planning function, including forecast accuracy, inventory turns, on-time in-full (OTIF) delivery, schedule adherence, and total cost to serve. Use data analytics to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Act as a key partner to leaders in Manufacturing, Procurement, Logistics, Finance, and Sales. Build strong, collaborative relationships to ensure seamless execution and alignment of supply chain activities with overall business goals. Proactively communicate potential risks and opportunities to stakeholders.
Risk Management & Resiliency
Develop and implement strategies to mitigate supply chain risks, including supplier disruptions, demand volatility, and geopolitical uncertainty. Build a resilient and agile planning process that can adapt quickly to changing market conditions.
Requirements for the VP of Supply Chain Planning – Manufacturing (Grand Rapids, MI)
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership role overseeing planning functions (demand planning, supply planning, S&OP) within a complex, multi-site manufacturing environment.
Industry Expertise
Deep experience in a discrete or process manufacturing industry is essential. Experience with CPG, automotive, industrial goods, or similar sectors is highly advantageous.
S&OP Mastery
Demonstrated expertise in designing, implementing, and leading a mature, best-in-class Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) or Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process is a non-negotiable requirement.
Technical Proficiency
Advanced proficiency with Tier 1 ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and specialized Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) software is required. Strong analytical skills and experience with business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) are critical.
Leadership Acumen
Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop large, geographically dispersed teams. A track record of successful change management and building a high-performance culture.
Strategic Mindset
Ability to think strategically and translate high-level corporate objectives into tactical, executable plans. Must be able to operate at both the 30,000-foot strategic level and the detailed, operational level.
Certifications
Professional certifications such as APICS (ASCM) Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), or Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt are highly desirable.
Communication Skills
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills. The ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and persuasively to a wide range of audiences, from the shop floor to the executive boardroom.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a comprehensive and competitive executive compensation package, including:
- Highly competitive base salary and annual performance-based bonus
- Long-term incentive plan (Equity/Stock Options)
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
- Robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match
- Significant paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick days, and paid holidays
- Relocation assistance package for qualified candidates
- Company-sponsored professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement
- Executive wellness programs and resources
- An inclusive, dynamic, and collaborative company culture focused on growth and innovation
How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively managing this confidential search. To be considered for this career-defining opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. We invite you to learn more about our expertise in this area by visiting our Supply Chain and Operations Practice Area. Qualified candidates will be contacted directly by a JRG Partners recruiter for an initial discussion. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
