Category Master Planner

WHAT DOES A CATEGORY PLANNER DO?

Owner of production & network supply plans for their categories, the Category Master Planner partners with Regional Supply teams, markets & global brand teams to translate distribution requirements into realistic production plans, optimising for service, cost & cash. The role serves as the key interface for the supply centre to markets / regions, ensuring robust & aligned plans. It requires strong stakeholder management, communication, constructive challenge, technical proficiency in planning systems and big‑data analysis, and a high degree of flexibility to respond to changing situations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Production & Supply Planning – Mid Term (S&OE) & Long Term (S&OP)
  • Translate distribution requirements into achievable production plans.
  • Assess capacity constraints across sites.
  • Develop production sequence and monitor feasibility.
  • Make data‑driven decisions to optimise service, cost & cash.
  • Partner with regional supply teams to align interregional flows with demand and capacity.
  • Model interregional flows and optimise network.
  • Acquire medium and long‑term demand forecasts for all FG inventory consuming events, controlling their translation into a network supply plan in collaboration with cross‑functional partners.
  • Manage allocations with regional supply teams, optimising total network and handling constraints in line with business strategy.
  • Ensure transparency & clarity of volumes with associated assumptions, aligning key stakeholders within categories.
  • Lead & influence internal stakeholders to deliver service & cost performance that supports successful delivery of strategies.
  • Provide analysis & facilitate actions to optimise capacity, labour, inventory (incl. obsolete & slow‑moving) & supplier requirements.
  • Support & enable the long‑term demand planning process for categories under responsibility.
• Digital & Analytical Tools for Planning Optimization
  • Ensure robust planning master data with markets & regions in relation to replenishment signals.
  • Optimise inventory across the global Bacardi network.
  • Guardian of SAP set‑up, ensuring the perfect heuristic signal with all regional supply teams.
  • Leverage digital & analytical tools to refine planning models, improve replenishment accuracy & drive efficient decision‑making.
• Product Lifecycle Management & Portfolio Optimisation
  • Production planning regarding product lifecycle & SKU optimisation with NPD & marketing teams.
  • Representative for finished goods NPD projects within assigned category/categories.
  • Ensure timely planning & decision‑making to achieve successful product launches in collaboration with the innovation team.
  • Monitor execution of aligned plans, including depletion plans to limit write‑off exposure.
  • Custodian of plant SKU master data, ensuring effective management of products.
• Leadership & Personal Attributes
  • Strong proactive communicator, delivering concise, clear messaging to influence and drive decisions.
  • Self‑starter with a strong sense of urgency.
  • Relationship builder with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Customer‑service mindset, delivering service and results.
  • Quick to identify trends, interpret data and draw actionable insights.
  • Sound operational, commercial & financial awareness, understanding implications of data results.
  • Technically proficient with strong analytic competence; Expert in Microsoft Excel, SAP ECC; Power BI a plus.
  • Data‑driven skills & mindset for problem‑solving.
  • Strong organisational & planning skills.
  • Experience in End‑to‑End Planning & S&OP within an FMCG company required.

LEADERSHIP AGILITY – PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Belonging: Create a culture of belonging where people feel appreciated.
• Self‑Awareness: High self‐awareness, reflective, understands strengths and impact on others.
• People Agility: Understand and relate to people, navigate tough situations to harness collective performance.
• Results Agility: Consistent delivery of results in first‑time situations, inspiring teams.
• Mental Agility: Think critically to penetrate complex problems, expand possibilities with fresh connections.
• Strategic & Execution Focus: Think strategically while being execution focused and creative.
• Change Agility: Natural curiosity, desire to experiment, effectively cope with heat of change.
• Growth Mindset: Ready to test, stumble, learn and apply from experience.

DISCLAIMER

Bacardi seeks talent from all backgrounds to bring diversity of thought, agility and capability to our organization across the globe. We promote a working environment where all employees are treated and rewarded fairly. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination that adversely affects individuals or groups on the basis of national origin, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, and any other legally protected aspect of a person’s identity. U.S. applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.

PERKS OF WORKING FOR US

• Competitive pay package linked to performance.
• Paid time off, additional days (e.g., volunteer day), holiday & paid time off.
• Retirement/pension plan.
• Health & wellness benefits: medical, critical illness, life insurance, employee assistance programs.
• Best‑in‑class, family‑friendly & inclusive leave policies.
• Incentive plans tied to company and individual performance, varying by region, market, function or brand.
• Additional benefits may vary by location and are subject to change.