Global Planner (Memphis, TN)

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.

About Us

At Smith+Nephew, we design and manufacture technology that helps people live without limits. Our global supply chain is at the heart of delivering life-changing products to customers and patients around the world. As we continue to evolve and modernize our planning ecosystem, we are looking for a Global Planner who thrives in complexity, leads with insight, and collaborates deeply with our manufacturing partners.

About the Role

The Global Planner is the primary point of contact between Global Supply Planning and the manufacturing site, responsible for generating the production build plan (via Maestro level loading) and ensuring operational stability through strong S&OE leadership.

In this role, you will oversee planning for an assigned product portfolio-balancing inventory, capacity, and customer service objectives. You will manage constraints, analyze changes, drive continuous improvement, and support the end-to-end supply chain from upstream manufacturing to downstream global distribution centers.

This is a highly visible position that influences decision-making vertically (from operations to executives) and horizontally across a global, cross-functional network.

U.S. Sponsorship or H1B transfer is not available for this role.

What will you be doing?

• Serve as the main planning interface to the manufacturing site, owning site communication, priorities, and alignment.

• Generate the build plan through Maestro level loading; validate supply plans and resolve exceptions in Maestro and SAP.

• Lead and continuously improve S&OE (Sales & Operations Execution) meetings with the manufacturing site to ensure schedule adherence, service levels, and inventory targets.

• Conduct Period-over-Period build plan variance analysis and clearly explain key drivers and changes.

• Perform Rough Cut Capacity Planning (RCCP) and evaluate site capacity, value streams, bottlenecks, and constraints.

• Review and optimize planning parameters (lead times, safety stock, lot sizing, etc.) to drive accurate planning behavior.

• Monitor and manage backorders, spike demands and provide proper root cause analysis for them

• Ensure data integrity across planning systems

• Prepare analyses, scenario plans, and executive-ready presentations for decision-making.

• Coach and support junior planners; may lead projects or process improvements.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with Demand Planning, Marketing, Customer Service, Engineering, Finance, Purchasing, Product Development, and Global Distribution.

• Work closely with optimization and analytics teams to improve planning processes and KPIs.

• Lead content preparation and participate in SIOP/Supply Review meetings.

What will you need to be successful?

• Travel Domestic - up to 10%

• BS/BA degree with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; or an MBA/MS in a related discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Licenses/Certifications APICs certifications a plus

• Excellent analytical and communication skills.

• Good interpersonal skills.

• Solid understanding of forecasting, inventory management, and capacity planning.

• Proactive, independent, and comfortable working in a fast-moving global environment.

• Must have advanced software skills. We will test for proficiency. Expert-level knowledge of advanced planning systems (APS) and ERP.

• Direct experience with SAP is a plus.

You. Unlimited.

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.

• Inclusion and Belonging- Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (https://www.smith-nephew.com/).

• Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement

• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day

• Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program

• Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles)

• Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship

• Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!

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Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.