Global Planning Manager

**Kō wai mātou? Who are we?**:
Zespri is more than just the world’s single-largest marketer of kiwifruit. We like to think of ourselves as fruit on a mission: to help people, communities and the environment around the world thrive through the goodness of kiwifruit. We are proudly the world’s largest marketer of kiwifruit and 100 percent grower-owned, selling our premium, healthy, delicious Zespri Kiwifruit in more than 50 countries. We work with around 2,800 New Zealand and 1,500 international growers and post-harvest companies to source the best-quality Zespri Kiwifruit which we supply through our distribution partners to wholesale and retail customers. We are one of New Zealand’s best-known international brands, dedicated to creating sustainable long-term value for growers.

**He aha te mahi? What's the role?**:
Join us as a key member of our team, reporting directly to the Head of Global Optimisation. In this newly created role, you'll play a key role in overseeing our global in-season planning activities and execution of Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes within our Integrated Business Planning Function. With a focus on season planning and responsibility for our global monthly planning process, you’ll ensure market sales plans are feasible within our seasonal supply constraints. You'll also play a crucial role supporting in-season tactical planning and execution, as well as supporting continuous improvement and excellence in demand planning at Zespri.

As the bridge between market planning teams (representing the Demand side of our business) and our supply/operations teams in NZ and ZGS (non-NZ supply), you'll ensure seamless coordination and alignment of plans within SAP IBP throughout the season.

Your responsibilities will include:

- Leadership by influence as a key global market demand representative.
- Ownership of the global demand Forecast planning function working in conjunction with the Supply Network Planning team to ensure strong alignment across supply plans and overall plan feasibility
- Acts as a demand planning super user within SAP IBP, and advocates for best practices within Zespri, along with the Global Demand Planner.
- Responsible for top-down global annualisation and formal release of the 10-Year Plan's first and second-year market volume projections and phased sales plans.
- Ensures clear alignment between markets and supply teams on annual special programs, non-standard supply procurement, and trial volumes.
- Manages formal monthly plan release communications to the executive team.
- Ensures global SAP IBP plans are maintained by relevant teams on an ongoing basis, driving corrective actions across global teams as needed.
- Resolves market access and inventory issues between markets and supply teams.
- Provides input into weekly tactical IBP meetings with markets and supply operations teams.
- Executes market prioritisation decisions and oversees management of early season ordering when supply constrained especially at season start.
- Manages season data in SAP IBP for completeness and reconciliation at season-end, ensuring alignment and accuracy for reporting and finance.
- Identifying and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives in planning and demand servicing arenas aligned with our Global IBP centre of excellence initiatives.

**Ko wai koe? Who are you?**:
You will have a results-driven mindset with a focus on quality and meeting customer requirements. You will also meet the following selection criteria:

- Possession of tertiary qualifications in Finance, Business, or a related field.
- Professional certifications in demand forecasting, S&OP, or Integrated Business Planning are highly valued.
- Proven experience in sales forecasting, demand planning, S&OP, or IBP processes and methodologies.
- Proficiency in utilising end-to-end IBP systems and technical solutions such as SAP-IBP and advanced planning tools.
- Ability to effectively persuade, negotiate, and gain commitment from stakeholders.
- Demonstrated capability in building influential networks with commercial, sales, and supply chain partners.
- Strong communication skills and adept at making clear, decisive decisions.
- Familiarity with the Kiwifruit Industry is advantageous.

**He aha e tika ai a Zespri? Why Zespri?**:
Our people are what makes our culture so irresistible and uniquely Zespri. We are a passionate and mighty team of 900+ employees in 23 different locations globally. Working at Zespri is an opportunity to join a fast-paced, culture-driven environment unlike any other. We want people who share our values of being personally connected, results-driven and committed to guardianship. Join us in shaping our future and be part of a truly unique organisation.
- Competitive overall remuneration package, including a short-term incentive scheme opportunity
- FlexWELL flexible work ethos: WFH and the office
- Additional paid annual leave day each year (Zespri Day)
- Additional paid d