Planning Solution Design Manager

Role Summary

Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of Kinaxis-based supply planning solutions as the Planning Solution Design Manager. This role requires deep expertise in supply network and production planning, hands-on Kinaxis Maestro experience, and the ability to lead technical teams and manage projects from conception through delivery. The ideal candidate will drive process excellence, system integration, and continuous improvement across the supply planning function, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver business value.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, configuration, and optimization of Kinaxis Supply Planning solutions, ensuring alignment with business objectives and supply chain best practices.
• Design and standardize end-to-end supply network and production planning processes, leveraging Kinaxis capabilities for demand-supply balancing, capacity planning, and scenario modeling.
• Develop and implement a roadmap for simplifying existing architecture, application design, integration, reinforcing operational execution of supply chain systems.
• Manage and mentor technical teams, providing guidance, training, and leadership to ensure high-quality solution delivery and operational excellence.
• Oversee project management activities, including planning, execution, stakeholder engagement, and delivery of multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Collaborate with supply chain, Digital, and business teams to identify process gaps, develop solutions, and drive adoption of integrated planning tools.
• Ensure data integrity, perform advanced analytics, and provide actionable insights to stakeholders using Kinaxis and related platforms.
• Lead change management and training efforts to upskill teams and foster a community of super users.
• Stay current with industry trends, Kinaxis product updates, and emerging supply chain technologies to drive innovation and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with at least 4 years of Kinaxis Supply Planning architecture experience; OR a master's degree with at least 2 years of experience; OR a PhD with 0+ years; OR an associate's degree with 8 years of experience; OR a high school diploma (or equivalent) and 10 years of relevant experience.
• Required: Proven expertise in end-to-end supply network and production planning.
• Required: Demonstrated project management experience, preferably with formal certification (e.g., PMP).
• Required: Strong technical team leadership skills, with experience mentoring and developing talent.
• Required: Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Preferred: Experience with data integration (ETL, APIs, ERP systems such as SAP or JDE).
• Preferred: Kinaxis certifications (Author, Contributor, Admin, Solution Architect).
• Required: Familiarity with Agile Development practices and methodologies.
• Preferred: Relevant pharmaceutical industry experience.
• Preferred: Relevant experience with ERP and other planning applications.
• Preferred: Management consulting experience.
• Preferred: Experience with Agile Software Delivery and/or Scrum Master Certification.
• Preferred: Ability to mentor and guide other colleagues.
• Preferred: Strong collaboration and team facilitation skills.
• Preferred: Ability to analyze support trends and lead process improvements.
• Preferred: Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and enhance productivity. Demonstrated curiosity for exploring how these tools can improve outcomes and understanding of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use.

Additional Requirements

• Solution deployments (Up to 25% Travel may be required)
• Non-Standard office hours to support deployments, upgrades or issue resolution.