Associate Manager, Planning Excellence

Job ID: 12297 

Alternate Locations:  

Newell Brands is a leading consumer products company with a portfolio of iconic brands like Graco®, Coleman®, Oster®, Rubbermaid®, Sharpie® and Yankee Candle® - and 24,000 talented teammates around the world. Our culture is built on values in action: Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Winning, Ownership, and Leadership. We work together to win, grow, and make a real impact—supported by a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative environment where you can be your best, every day.

Position Overview

The Associate Manager, Planning Excellence with a focus in Supply Planning and Inventory Management will play a critical role in enabling Newell’s strategic imperatives by advancing end-to-end planning capabilities. This role is dedicated to leading change by optimizing processes, leveraging technology, and implementing AI-driven solutions to enhance inventory, service quality, forecasting accuracy, and overall operational efficiency.  

The Associate Manager, Planning Excellence will be working on the Global Supply Chain Process Team, partnering closely with Delivery Teams, IT teams, and cross-functional teams to champion best practices, build capabilities, and drive continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Inventory Optimization :
• Analyze data to identify planning and inventory management opportunities to optimize inventory positions, focusing on reduction of above operating & excess inventory buckets through systematic planning parameter alignment
• Develop recommendations and provide insights to leadership and cross-functional partners
• Inventory Management:
• Assist in Subject Matter Expertise regarding key Supply & Inventory Management concepts such as sku classification, sku count optimization, long and short range planning, DIO, DOS, Demand To Capacity, Annual Operating Plans, etc.
• Inventory Flow:
• Support the Inventory Flow processes between Segment planning and the NA Distribution network to optimize space planning and manage constraints.
• Capability Building:
• Assist the design and delivery training programs focused on AI-driven planning and inventory management.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within planning teams.
• Process Standardization & Best Practices:
• Define, improve and sustain repeatable planning processes and methodologies across businesses.
• Maintain a playbook for supply planning & inventory management processes, including AI-enabled tools and templates.
• Technology Enablement:
• Champion the implementation or refinement of SAP IBP, Power BI, and other advanced supply chain technologies, including AI agents.
• Ensure ongoing enhancement of data visualization and diagnostic tools for KPI tracking and decision support.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Act as the point of contact for IT and data science for some of the initiatives.
• Partner with S&OP Leadership, Delivery teams and businesses to shape the end-to-end planning processes to become a best-in-class supply chain organization.
• Project Management:
• Document deliverables, create training materials, and ensure successful project milestones.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is an influential, analytically strong supply chain professional, with deep expertise in planning and inventory management, and a proven ability to execute complex initiatives. This person thrives in a collaborative environment, balancing strategic priorities with tactical execution, and adapting within a fast-moving environment.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in supply chain or operations management, with a focus on supply planning and inventory management.
• Strong business process knowledge in distribution and manufacturing environments. Prior experience with other large CPG companies preferred.
• Experience with SAP APO - SNP (Supply Network Planning), experience with SAP IBP and statistical safety stock solutions.
• Experience with AI, advanced analytics, and digital supply chain tools.
• Ability to turn data into actionable insights and communicate recommendations across functions and levels.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in MS Office applications, especially Power BI and Excel.
• Demonstrated expertise in process design, standards development, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to champion change, build buy-in, and influence across functions and levels.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.

Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Graco, Coleman, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Yankee Candle, Paper Mate, FoodSaver, Dymo, EXPO, Elmer’s, Oster, NUK, Spontex and Campingaz. We are focused on delighting consumers by lighting up everyday moments. Newell Brands and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and comply with applicable employment laws. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled are encouraged to apply.