General Manager – Planning

Department: Production Planning
Reporting To: Vice President – Operations / COO
Location: [To be specified based on the vacancy]

The General Manager – Planning leads end-to-end production planning for 20+ garment manufacturing units. This role ensures optimal resource utilization, production continuity, and on-time delivery by integrating merchandising, operations, and supply chain functions. The GM – Planning plays a pivotal role in aligning production with global customer demands and strategic business objectives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Production, or related fields; Postgraduate qualifications in Operations or Supply Chain Management preferred.

• Minimum 15–20 years of experience in production planning within garment manufacturing, with exposure to large-scale multi-unit operations.

• Proven track record in leading planning functions for global fashion/apparel brands.

• Proficiency in planning tools such as Fast React, ERP systems, WFX, or other production management platforms.

• Strong understanding of production metrics, capacity planning, and workflow optimization.

• Knowledge of garment manufacturing processes, from pre-production to shipment.

• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.

• Analytical mindset with problem-solving orientation.

• Excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage complex planning cycles.

• Excellent command of English; additional regional or international languages are an advantage.

• Design and implement production plans aligned with sales forecasts, factory capacity, and committed delivery schedules.

• Oversee centralized and factory-level planning across multiple sewing units catering to global apparel brands.

• Collaborate with senior leadership and functional heads (IE, ME, HR, Operations) to align strategic production objectives.

• Manage product flow, line loading, and shipment readiness across categories and customer accounts.

• Monitor and optimize manpower deployment, machine allocation, and line efficiency for maximum output and cost-effectiveness.

• Analyze actual vs. planned performance metrics and implement corrective actions to address variances.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using planning tools such as Fast React to boost forecast accuracy and reduce WIP/inventory holding.

• Supervise and mentor a team of 20+ planning professionals, fostering strategic thinking and operational discipline.

• Ensure alignment with raw material planning teams to maintain uninterrupted production flow and avoid delays.

• Coordinate closely with supply chain and logistics for inventory movement, order consolidation, and shipment planning.

• Drive adoption of system-based planning tools for order execution, pack optimization, and automation.

• Lead planning digitization and system integration across platforms such as ERP, WFX, or equivalent manufacturing software.

• Ensure compliance with workplace health, safety, and operational policies.

• Promote a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment.

• Uphold 5S, lean principles, and company discipline to foster a culture of operational excellence.

• Undertake additional responsibilities in line with evolving business needs and departmental leadership directives.