Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Vehicle Planner

💰 $75,000 - $115,000

Supply ChainLogisticsAutomotivePlanning

🎯 Role Definition

As a Vehicle Planner, you are the strategic linchpin of our automotive supply chain, orchestrating the seamless flow of vehicles from the factory floor to the dealership. You will be responsible for balancing production capacity with market demand, optimizing vehicle inventory across the network, and ensuring that the right car is in the right place at the right time. This role requires a highly analytical and forward-thinking individual who can navigate complex logistics, collaborate with multiple departments, and make data-driven decisions that directly impact our company's profitability and customer satisfaction. You will be at the heart of our operations, turning sales forecasts into tangible production and distribution plans.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Production Scheduler

Advancement To:

  • Senior Vehicle Planner / Team Lead
  • Supply Chain Manager
  • Logistics & Distribution Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Demand Planner
  • Sales Operations Manager
  • Procurement Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop and execute comprehensive vehicle production plans based on sales forecasts, market demand, and available manufacturing capacity.
  • Strategically manage and optimize finished vehicle inventory levels at plants, ports, and distribution centers to align with sales targets while minimizing carrying costs and vehicle aging.
  • Analyze and interpret market trends, sales data, and competitor activity to provide critical input for short-term and long-term volume forecasting.
  • Coordinate the entire order-to-delivery cycle, monitoring vehicle progress through production, transportation, and final processing to ensure on-time delivery to dealers.
  • Act as the central point of communication between Sales, Marketing, Production Control, and Logistics departments to ensure alignment on vehicle supply and demand.
  • Manage the vehicle allocation process, distributing inventory to regional sales networks and dealerships based on sales performance, demand signals, and strategic objectives.
  • Oversee and manage model year build-out and new model year start-up activities, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal production disruption or obsolete inventory.
  • Generate and present detailed reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as inventory turnover, vehicle aging, order fulfillment rates, and logistics costs.
  • Utilize and maintain the Vehicle Management System (VMS) and ERP systems (like SAP) to ensure data accuracy for all planning, tracking, and reporting activities.
  • Identify potential risks and bottlenecks in the vehicle supply chain and proactively develop contingency plans to mitigate disruptions.
  • Lead weekly planning meetings with cross-functional stakeholders to review performance, address challenges, and adjust plans as necessary.
  • Conduct root cause analysis for any deviations from the plan, such as production shortfalls or logistics delays, and implement corrective actions.
  • Collaborate with the logistics team to optimize transportation routes and methods, balancing cost, speed, and quality of vehicle handling.
  • Manage the planning and distribution of special-edition vehicles, press fleets, and company cars in line with marketing and corporate requirements.
  • Support the monthly and quarterly S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning) process by providing accurate data and insights on vehicle supply.
  • Continuously evaluate and improve vehicle planning processes and systems to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and overall supply chain performance.
  • Reconcile vehicle wholesale and production plans, ensuring financial and operational targets are synchronized and achievable.
  • Monitor and manage constraints within the supply chain, including component shortages or transportation capacity, and adjust vehicle mix accordingly.
  • Develop allocation strategies that support specific sales programs, regional initiatives, and corporate sales objectives.
  • Interface directly with port processors and logistics providers to resolve any issues related to vehicle quality, processing, or transportation.
  • Ensure all planning activities are compliant with internal policies and external regulations governing vehicle distribution and sales.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to inform strategic business decisions.
  • Contribute to the organization's supply chain strategy and long-term roadmap development.
  • Collaborate with IT and business units to translate data needs into engineering and system enhancement requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies for projects related to supply chain systems improvement.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced ERP Proficiency: Deep experience with ERP systems, particularly SAP (APO/IBP) or other major platforms like Oracle or JDE, for production and supply planning.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel: Mastery of Excel, including complex formulas, pivot tables, macros, and data modeling for analysis and reporting.
  • Data Analysis & Visualization: Proficiency in using SQL to query databases and experience with data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI to create insightful dashboards.
  • Supply Chain Knowledge: Strong understanding of core supply chain principles, including inventory management, demand forecasting, S&OP, and JIT/JIS methodologies.
  • Vehicle Management Systems (VMS): Hands-on experience with automotive-specific VMS for tracking vehicle lifecycle from order to delivery.
  • Statistical Forecasting: Ability to apply statistical models and methods to improve the accuracy of vehicle demand forecasts.

Soft Skills

  • Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Exceptional ability to analyze complex datasets, identify trends, and develop effective solutions to logistical challenges.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with diverse teams, including sales, marketing, finance, and manufacturing, to achieve common goals.
  • Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the confidence to present complex information clearly to stakeholders at all levels.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and highly organized, with a commitment to accuracy in planning and data management.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and adapt quickly to changing market conditions and priorities.
  • Strategic Thinking: Capacity to see the bigger picture and make planning decisions that align with long-term business objectives.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree or relevant professional certification (e.g., APICS, CSCP, CLTD).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Business Administration
  • Logistics
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Economics or a related quantitative field

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5 years of experience in a related role, such as supply chain analysis, production planning, or automotive logistics.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of direct experience in vehicle planning, production control, or distribution management within an automotive OEM or a major logistics provider. Proven track record of managing a complex vehicle supply chain.
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