Planning Manager (Validation)

The Validation Operations Planning team owns the end-to-end process of demand planning for all testing & validation needs with Product and Engineering stakeholders, developing resource plans to meet those needs, and partnering with operational teams to deliver, track, and manage execution against aligned plans. 

• Own the testing & validation demand and supply plans and processes for your domain, working with key stakeholders to define objectives, priorities, requirements, and supply needs

• Drive comprehensive planning cycles with key stakeholders, understanding every working nuance of your domain to optimize operations across all intersecting areas of planning, product, and execution

• Build and manage models to accurately forecast, answer "what-if" scenarios, and extract operational insights that can only be gleaned through rigorous planning processes

• Lead cross-functional initiatives to transform operating models and drive efficiencies across teams involved in testing & validation

• Uplevel core planning software and methodologies, applying expertise in planning software and spreadsheet-driven models to ensure accurate forecasting and alignment with corporate financial strategy

• Experience owning end-to-end planning cycles and acting as a strategic, cross-functional partner to stakeholders and leadership

• Demonstrated strong business judgement, communication skills, and ability to distill complex data and analysis to develop and advocate for your own positions and recommendations to cross-functional partners and leaders

• Deep, hands-on expertise in navigating and building models within enterprise planning platforms and spreadsheets, including using data tools (SQL) 

• A proven track record of acting as an advocate and leader to drive cross-functional strategy, cost-down initiatives, and efficiency optimizations

• Bachelor's degree in Economics, Industrial Engineering, Finance, Business Analytics, Mathematics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience

• 5+ years of relevant professional experience in planning / supply chain, strategic operations, financial planning, management consulting, or an analytical business function

• Master's degree (MBA preferred) in Finance, Economics, Operations Research, or a related discipline

• 8+ years of strategic execution within high-velocity environments such as management consulting, private equity, investment banking, or hyper-growth tech

• Direct experience in resource planning and management for staff and/or vehicles

• Experience and technical knowledge of forecasting methodologies and forecast accuracy measurement 

• Demonstrated success operating within a highly matrixed organization, expertly driving alignment, negotiating priorities, and ensuring unified execution across operations, product, finance, and corporate strategy 

• Experience using Anaplan for demand and supply planning processes (planning software tool) 

• Occasional (every 1-2 quarters) team offsites; market/site visits more frequently as necessary.