Manager, Planning Operations

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Vestas is the world's largest wind turbine manufacturing company with significant operations in the United States.

Job Description

The Planning Operations Manager reports directly to the Senior Manager, Planning Operations and is responsible for leading a cross-functional team to optimize resource planning, work order execution, and scheduling across service projects. The role ensures the efficient allocation of resources, monitors capacity forecasts, and facilitates process improvements to enhance operational performance and meet service goals. By collaborating with internal teams and providing strategic oversight, the Manager, Planning Operations supports the seamless delivery of projects while ensuring operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Leadership and Team Management
  • Supervise and mentor a team of 10-12 service operations agents and schedulers to meet operational goals, safety standards, and financial performance.
  • Develop a high-performing team that exemplifies company values and works collaboratively across departments to optimize service delivery and resource utilization.
  • Provide ongoing performance management, coaching, and development opportunities for direct reports.
• Resource and Capacity Planning
  • Oversee the development and maintenance of capacity plans for assigned regions, ensuring alignment with operational needs and available resources.
  • Monitor and adjust resource forecasts and capacity plans based on project demand, service requirements, and availability.
  • Work with resource managers to identify staffing needs and ensure the timely fulfillment of technician resources for both service and construction projects.
  • Balance work orders and service demands within sub-regions, ensuring that dispatchers and technicians have the necessary resources to perform their tasks.
• Work Order and Technical Planning
  • Ensure that work orders are technically planned with all required elements, including task lists, materials, resources, and customer-specific information.
  • Manage the verification and technical planning of work orders to ensure all service and technical specifications are met.
  • Coordinate with technical support teams to address complex or non-standard work orders and ensure that all tasks are adequately resourced.
• Process Improvement and Optimization
  • Identify opportunities for process improvements related to planning, scheduling, and resource management.
  • Manage initiatives to streamline planning processes, reduce bottlenecks, and improve overall operational efficiency.
  • Implement continuous improvements in work order execution, material and resource management, and dispatch coordination.
• Performance Reporting and Analytics
  • Generate regular performance reports for management, highlighting key metrics, resource utilization, and operational efficiency.
  • Utilize data analytics to assess the performance of service operations and identify areas for improvement.
  • Provide actionable insights to senior management to help guide decision-making and resource allocation.
• Cross-functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate with dispatchers, capacity planners, and technical teams to ensure the seamless execution of service and construction projects.
  • Act as the main point of contact between operations and other departments (e.g., commercial, technical support) to ensure alignment on project timelines, resource needs, and technical requirements.
  • Support the sales and quoting teams by providing technical and financial validation for work orders and ensuring proper documentation is in place for service entitlement and billing.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business Analytics, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Data Analytics).
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations management, resource planning, or technical service planning.
  • Experience in leading or managing cross-functional teams in a technical service or construction environment.
  • Extensive background in capacity planning, work order management, and resource optimization.
  • Familiarity with project management and process improvement methodologies.
  • Experience working with planning and resource management tools (e.g., SAP, Salesforce, Excel) and ability to manage and manipulate large datasets.
  • Experience with technical services related to industrial equipment (e.g., wind turbines).
• Skills & Competencies
  • Experienced leadership and team-building skills with the ability to motivate and manage remote teams.
  • Effective communication skills, with the ability to facilitate discussions and present to senior management.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word).
  • Experienced analytical skills with a data-driven approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Ability to balance competing priorities in a challenging environment with variable workloads.
  • Ability to work proficiently and lead initiatives across various departments.
  • Familiarity with technical documentation and the ability to interpret and apply complex customer-specific requirements.
  • Individuals with a blend of the required education, experience, skills and competencies will be evaluated.

Competencies

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of planners and agents in a high-demand operational environment.
• Ensure the accurate and timely creation and scheduling of work orders for field technicians.
• Assess resource gaps and coordinate with internal teams to fulfill resource needs.
• Boost operational efficiency and improvements through data analysis and process optimization.
• Manage relationships with internal stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment on project timelines and priorities.

Physical Demands

• This is a sedentary/office-based position, with about 30% travel required for meetings or site visits.
• Consistently required to remain seated, engage in manual tasks for handling objects, and communicate through speaking or listening.
• The work environment is an open office setting with moderate noise levels.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

What We Offer

We offer an exciting position with great development opportunities in an inspiring environment at the world's number one wind turbine producer. We value initiative, accountability, and accuracy. You will become part of an international environment with a commitment to sustainability and safety and you will work among colleagues who support each other.

• Attractive salary and one of the most comprehensive benefits plans in the industry
• Great benefits coverage that includes dental and vision
• Generous Paid Time Off policies
• Great 401(k) plan (with employer match)
• Tuition assistance

CCPA Notice for California Applicants

BEWARE – RECRUITMENT FRAUD

It has come to our attention that there are a number of fraudulent emails from people pretending to work for Vestas. Read more via this link, https://www.vestas.com/en/careers/our-recruitment-process

DEIB Statement

At Vestas, we recognise the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in driving innovation and success. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, particularly those who may hesitate due to their identity or feel they do not meet every criterion. As our CEO states, "Expertise and talent come in many forms, and a diverse workforce enhances our ability to think differently and solve the complex challenges of our industry". Your unique perspective is what will help us powering the solution for a sustainable, green energy future.