[US DC] Senior Manager, Planning Excellence

About the role

The Senior Manager, Planning Excellence is accountable for elevating planning capabilities across the Factor network through scalable data solutions and rigorous process optimization. This role owns the definition and leadership of the long-term vision for planning analytics, tools, and reporting infrastructure. The hire will provide and manage cross-functional roadmaps in close partnership with technology teams to guarantee alignment with overarching business goals and measurable impacts. A core responsibility involves establishing scalable frameworks for planning metrics and standardizing reporting cadences throughout the network. The individual will translate highly complex business requirements into tangible, scalable solutions that influence senior stakeholders. This position drives data-driven decision making by overseeing the development of reporting and analytical outputs that create real-time visibility. The role will proactively identify trends, risks, and opportunities hidden within planning metrics to guide strategic business decisions regarding waste, throughput, and cooking trends.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Define and drive the long-term vision for Planning Excellence, including tools, reporting infrastructure, and process optimization initiatives across the Factor network.
• Translate complex data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations for senior and executive leadership to enable real-time visibility and proactive decision-making.
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities through planning metrics to influence business decisions related to waste, throughput, cooking trends, and operational efficiency.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of critical planning tools, datasets, and systems to evolve from static reporting to dynamic, user-friendly platforms and interfaces.
• Partner with technology teams to advance automation, advanced analytics, and machine learning applications specifically within the planning domain.
• Act as the primary lead for Planning Excellence across Planning, Operations, Supply Chain, and Technology functions to ensure alignment on data definitions and processes.
• Manage and develop a high-performing team of analysts and managers, setting clear expectations and fostering ownership, accountability, and professional growth.
• Ensure effective distribution of work across tool ownership, project evaluation, and strategic initiatives to maximize team efficiency and impact.
• Establish scalable frameworks for planning metrics and reporting cadences that maintain consistency and integrity across the entire network.
• Champion data-driven innovation by collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams to communicate complex data findings in both written and visual formats.
• Generate insights that directly impact throughput optimization, reduce waste, and improve overall cooking trends and operational excellence.
• Elevate team capabilities in analytics, problem-solving, and stakeholder communication to raise the standard for planning excellence.

Requirements

• Demonstrate a strong entrepreneurial spirit and intellectual curiosity when utilizing data analysis skills to solve complex problems.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment with a self-starting and adaptable approach while managing multiple priorities efficiently.
• Show an ambitious mindset and a passion for teamwork, embracing continuous learning and contributing to a positive work environment.
• Translate complex data and insights into clear, concise communication for both technical and non-technical audiences with meticulous organization.
• Leverage analytical skills to proactively troubleshoot issues and generate data-driven solutions for operational excellence.
• Clearly communicate complex data findings to champion data-driven innovation across cross-functional teams.
• Bring a strong blend of analytical expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership capability to influence senior stakeholders effectively.
• Prove a proven ability to translate complex business needs into scalable solutions that deliver measurable impacts.
• Ensure data integrity and consistency by aligning on data definitions, processes, and expectations across the network.
• Manage priorities with a strong sense of urgency to achieve positive outcomes in a dynamic planning landscape.

Nice to have

• Preferred items are not specified for this role.

Practical notes

• This is a full-time position with a competitive hourly rate.
• The role offers 401K company match that vests immediately upon participation, along with team bonus opportunities.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and a flexible attendance policy are provided to support work-life balance.
• The position requires adherence to standard US working hours and may involve travel between the Aurora, IL, and Goodyear, AZ locations as needed.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship for this role.
• The engagement is full-time, and successful candidates are expected to commit to the long-term vision and strategic goals of the Planning Excellence function.