Planning Manager

Job Description

About the role

We are looking for a Planning Manager to lead the Planning function in Syngenta Crop Protection unit in Ukraine, ensuring alignment between market demand, supply capabilities and business financial targets.

You will report to Supply Chain Head and lead the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, develop the team and improve planning processes in line with Syngenta’s global and regional standards. The role also includes responsibility for managing import and export operations for the Crop Protection business.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the S&OP process in Ukraine, implementing best practices and systems to align commercial, financial and operational plans in close partnership with business leaders.
• Balance market demand and supply to support financial targets, deliver a strong customer experience, optimise inventory investment and improve responsiveness to market changes.
• Improve forecast quality together with commercial teams by reviewing forecast accuracy, strengthening methodologies and translating data into actionable business insights.
• Contribute to Supply Chain priorities in line with the Ukrainian business unit’s strategy and lead their implementation within your area of responsibility.
• Deliver agreed performance targets and ensure planning processes comply with global and regional Supply Chain standards, corporate policies and local requirements.
• Partner with EAME Demand Management and Supply Planning teams to align demand and supply decisions and share best practices across business units.
• Lead and develop a team of 4–7 direct reports, building capabilities, supporting professional growth and driving continuous improvement.
• Ensure effective management of Crop Protection import and export operations in compliance with Ukrainian legislation and corporate requirements.

Qualifications

What you bring

Experience and education

• A university degree, preferably in Economics, Logistics or Supply Chain Management.
• Experience in demand and supply planning within an international business environment, ideally in agricultural sector
• A thorough understanding of S&OP, with practical experience in its implementation and development.
• Experience in people management, team development and change management.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and aligning decisions across multiple stakeholders.

Professional knowledge

• Strong knowledge of forecasting, planning and end-to-end supply chain processes.
• Sound commercial and financial understanding, including how operational decisions affect business performance.
• Knowledge of planning information systems and their integration with finance and business processes.
• General understanding of agriculture and Syngenta products.
• Advanced Excel skills are preferred.
• APICS certification would be an advantage.
• Fluency in English

Personal capabilities

• Strong analytical thinking and the ability to turn data into practical recommendations.
• The ability to anticipate challenges, prioritise effectively and make timely decisions in a changing environment.
• Customer focus and a clear understanding of business needs.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• A structured approach to problem-solving and the ability to perform under pressure.

Additional Information

Opportunities in this role

• Influence the performance of the Ukrainian business through effective planning and supply management.
• Lead and develop a team while introducing best practices and improving processes.
• Work closely with local business leaders and regional teams in an international environment.
• Broaden your experience across commercial, marketing, regulatory and international trade operations.

Join Syngenta to strengthen our Planning function and help the business respond effectively to the needs of Ukraine’s agricultural market.