Head of Planning - Global Planning & Deployments Team

The Head of Planning at Anduril Industries is responsible for overseeing all demand, material, and supply planning activities across the organization. This includes leading the planning team into a phase of hypergrowth, managing the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process, enhancing reporting and insights for better performance, and fostering collaboration across various departments such as Growth, Engineering, and Finance.

Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years in a Planning or Operations leadership role within a hardware development industry. A strong track record of managing scaling products from prototype to full production is essential, along with experience in deeply technical industries. Strong leadership skills, strategic thinking abilities, and problem-solving capabilities are also crucial for success in this position.

As a vital role within the Global Planning & Deployments Team, the Head of Planning contributes to operational excellence by refining processes, developing a center of excellence, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This ensures that planning not only reacts to customer needs but anticipates them, making informed strategies that enhance system availability and customer satisfaction.

The team culture at Anduril is mission-focused, collaborative, and driven by innovation. As the Head of Planning, you will foster a supportive environment that encourages professional growth, embraces continuous improvement, and values input from all team members, creating a high-performing community dedicated to achieving organizational goals.

At Anduril Industries, the Head of Planning will find numerous growth opportunities, including leading significant operational changes, mentoring a dynamic team, and influencing strategic decisions across the organization. The role also offers the chance to shape the direction of new manufacturing facilities and innovative planning practices, ultimately impacting national security and technology development.

To tackle demand and supply planning in a fast-paced setting, I ensure a deep understanding of market trends and customer needs. I utilize forecasting techniques and adapt strategies that allow for flexibility, enabling us to adjust quickly to changes while maintaining operational efficiency.

Absolutely! My experience with S&OP includes executing monthly processes that harmonize sales forecasts with production plans, which helps in maximizing sales growth while minimizing costs. I've optimized reporting templates and collaborated with various stakeholders to keep everyone aligned on goals and performance metrics.

I believe a strong leader in cross-functional environments prioritizes open communication and teamwork. I always aim to build robust relationships across departments, ensuring clarity of objectives and creating a collaborative atmosphere where everyone's skills and insights are utilized effectively to achieve common goals.

To keep team morale high during heavy workloads, I prioritize recognition and open dialogue. I ensure each team member feels valued by highlighting individual contributions and fostering an environment where they can share challenges. Flexibility and support are key, along with ensuring that workloads are manageable whenever possible.

I advocate for establishing clear KPIs and regular assessments of our processes. By actively seeking feedback from the team and utilizing data analytics, I help identify areas for improvement and implement best practices that lead to increased efficiency and effectiveness across operations.

I have experience with several ERP systems and planning software, such as SAP and Oracle, which aid in demand forecasting and supply chain optimization. Utilizing these tools effectively helps in data driven decision-making and enhances visibility throughout the supply chain.

When conflicts occur, I approach them with a focus on resolution and understanding. I encourage open communication and mediate discussions to identify concerns. I work diligently to find common ground and solutions that satisfy all parties involved, promoting an atmosphere of collaboration.

In a previous role, I successfully led a project for launching a new product line that involved coordinating across multiple departments. By establishing clear objectives, timelines, and communication strategies, I ensured all teams were aligned and committed, ultimately delivering ahead of schedule and under budget.

My approach to mentoring involves setting clear expectations, providing support, and promoting growth opportunities. I focus on understanding each team member's strengths and weaknesses and tailor my guidance accordingly, ensuring I empower them to achieve their potential and contribute positively to the team.

I forecast challenges by analyzing market trends, historical data, and customer feedback to identify potential risks early. My strategy includes developing contingency plans and fostering a proactive culture where the team is prepared and can adapt swiftly to unexpected circumstances.