Overview
Our client is seeking an experienced Production Planning Manager to lead capacity management and production planning for the apparel sourcing and trading operations in Hong Kong. The role will drive end‑to‑end planning excellence across a complex supplier and vendor network to support on‑time delivery, capacity optimization, and sustainable business growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of mid‑ to long‑term production and capacity plans across multiple apparel vendors and sourcing countries, aligned with business and merchandising strategies.
- Own factory capacity management: consolidate vendor capacity data, analyse constraints, balance workloads, and recommend allocation decisions to maximize utilization while protecting service levels.
- Translate seasonal buy plans and rolling forecasts into vendor production plans, time-and-action calendars, and line loading plans to ensure on‑time ex‑factory and shipment.
- Monitor WIP, lead times, and production KPIs (OTIF, capacity utilization, efficiency) and drive corrective actions with vendors and internal teams when performance deviates from targets.
- Partner closely with merchandising, sourcing, logistics, and quality teams, ensuring clear visibility of risks (capacity, material, lead‑time) and jointly driving solutions.
- Lead or support scenario planning (e.g., surge demand, style mix changes, new vendor onboarding, country shift) using data models and capacity simulation tools.
- Champion continuous improvement in planning processes, data accuracy, and reporting, leveraging ERP/PLM and planning systems to enhance transparency and decision quality.
- Manage, coach, and develop a small team of planners, building strong planning discipline and analytical capability within the function.
Requirements
- 10-15 years of progressive experience in production planning and capacity management, with at least several years in a leadership or managerial role.
- Strong background in apparel sourcing, trading offices, or apparel brand/retail head office environments, with hands‑on experience managing factory capacity across multiple vendors and regions.
- Proven expertise in translating demand and buy plans into executable factory production plans, including line loading, critical path management, and WIP control.
- Solid understanding of apparel manufacturing processes (knits, wovens, cut‑and‑sew) and key drivers of factory capacity and efficiency.
- Excellent data and analytical mindset: advanced Excel skills, experience with ERP/MRP or planning tools, and strong ability to build and interpret reports, dashboards, and models for decision‑making.
- Demonstrated experience using performance metrics (OTIF, capacity utilization, inventory, lead time, productivity) to identify issues and drive structured continuous improvement.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, capable of influencing senior leadership, vendors, and cross‑functional partners in a fast‑moving environment.
- Proven people leadership experience: coaching, performance management, and developing high‑performing planning teams.
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related discipline preferred.
