Manager, Raw Material & Operations Planning

New Era Cap, LLC. is an international lifestyle brand headquartered in Buffalo, NY with an authentic sports heritage that dates back over 100 years. Best known for being the official on-field cap for MLB, official sideline cap for NFL, and official on-court cap for NBA, New Era Cap is the brand of choice not only for its headwear collection, but also for its accessories and apparel lines for men, women and youth. The brand is worn as a symbol of self-expression by athletes, artists and some of the most interesting people around the globe. New Era Cap encourages people to truly express their personal style and individuality through its products.

Since 1920, this family-owned business has hired employees who are masters of their craft. We are innovators, architects of culture, experts, and forward thinkers. We demand excellence because we pride ourselves on the quality of our products and the authenticity of our brand.

Interested in working with us? Check out this exciting opportunity at New Era Cap's Headquarters (HQ) building located in downtown Buffalo, NY. This role is 100% on-site, encouraging employees to collaborate and connect in person five days a week. HQ offers an inviting atmosphere, complete with an on-site cafe, fitness center, and Flagship store.

Apply to join New Era's team!

Position Summary
The Manager, Raw Material & Operations Planning is responsible for overseeing the raw material planning process for New Era globally and supporting the S&OP process by developing operational plans for North America. This role works cross-functionally with New Era's global offices, raw material suppliers, and other teams within New Era/47 Brand to gather insights about upcoming demand and develop plans for efficient operational execution.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Global Raw Material Planning process
  • Develop and manage execution of the raw material planning strategy across multiple suppliers
  • Analyze and create accurate fabric and component forecasts in Excel for Stock, Program, Hot Market and Custom needs globally by utilizing internal line level forecasts and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system, along with trend information
  • Work closely with Product and License Management leaders to assist in the development and evaluation of demand forecasts
  • Detailed raw material location planning: work with Production team to communicate fabric forecasts for specific styles being produced outside of China
  • Help vendors to identify inventory management options: safety stocks, reorder points, etc.
  • Partner with the Key Account leaders to plan out raw materials for custom exclusives that will drive fresh looks in the marketplace
  • Create Global Custom (GCP) fabric forecasts by approved vendor to ensure quick turn deliveries
  • Review global fabric and component inventory and evaluate slow moving or obsolete materials. Work with regional merchandising, design, and license management leaders to provide the details of the excess and develop a plan for use
  • Work closely with the raw material sourcing team and raw material suppliers to evaluate minimum order quantity issues and provide feedback on the most cost-effective actions while ensuring on time delivery
  • Lead Collaborative Planning Forecasting and Replenishment with key accounts and regional merchandising leaders to improve overall forecast accuracy
• Process Improvement and Cost Reduction
  • Evaluate raw material planning processes to determine best in class procedures
  • Track and evaluate forecast accuracy for raw materials (fabric and components) and develop action plans for improvement
  • Utilizing the PLM system, identify areas of opportunity for the forecast development process, create implementation plans, and manage change within the team
  • Identify and develop cost reduction opportunities for raw materials at suppliers and factories within New Era's network
  • Expand PLM utilization across all regions globally, training and educating teams on best practices
  • Review global fabric and component inventory and evaluate slow moving or obsolete materials
• Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
  • Support company inventory targets by identifying slow moving, obsolete inventory and work cross functionally on how to sell off, liquidate or scrap
  • Manage the slotting process by utilizing the slotting tool to drive distribution center storage efficiencies for both Ecom & Wholesale
  • Support the Ecom open to buy and end-of-life processes by working cross-functionally on execution while tracking SKU counts, velocity, and bin utilization
  • Oversee development of the global headwear and apparel production plans monthly
  • Develop inbound and outbound plans for New Era's distribution center including STOs
• Team Leadership
  • Mentor, coach and manage several Planners to meet company goals, department goals, individual goals and development plans
• Other duties or tasks as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Behaviors

• Strong computer skills: Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint and the ability to learn and utilize new systems
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools, such as Excel, Tableau, or Power BI, and experience working with large datasets
• Working knowledge of an MRP and ERP system (SAP, PeopleSoft, JD Edwards, etc.)
• Detail oriented; accomplishes tasks by considering all areas involved showing concern for all processes and tasks, no matter how small
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with various levels of staff and outside customers/suppliers
• Leadership skills including ability to select, motivate, inspire, coach and develop team members
• Enthusiastic positive person who embraces and facilitates change with a sense of urgency and persistence
• Must be responsive to the needs of internal and external customers, employ diplomacy and tact, and work well in a team environment
• Ability to establish relationships and interact with various levels within the organization
• Include: Problem solving, Analytical skills, interpreting data, make recommendations, critical thinking skills

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business or Supply Chain or related field preferred; relevant job experience in lieu of degree will be considered
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in a supply chain planning related role
• Experience working with data and providing accurate analysis and recommendations
• Experience getting results via successful collaboration and communication with others
• Experience leading a team of others
• APICS certification in CPIM or CSCP a plus

Travel Requirement

• Occasionally up to 10% domestic and global

New Era Cap, LLC is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer that believes in inclusion and does not discriminate against any candidate or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, genetics, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.

The salary range for this posted position is $75,000 - $100,000 (plus bonus & benefits) and pertains to candidates located in Western New York. Actual compensation is determined by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, education, essential job duties and requirements, and necessary experience.

Our casual work environment celebrates individuality and encourages employees to showcase their personal style. We pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote health, financial stability, and personal growth, along with a generous PTO policy.

As an employee, you'll enjoy a range of perks, including paid parking, exclusive discounts on apparel and headwear, and professional development opportunities right here on-site. We can't wait for you to experience all that our dynamic workplace has to offer!

#LI-Onsite #LIOnsite #LI Onsite