Production Planning Manager

At Virbac, we are dedicated exclusively to animal health. Driven by innovation and a passion for making a difference, our Australian Industrial Operations team develops and manufactures high-quality pharmaceutical and health products for animals across the region. We foster a collaborative, continuous-improvement culture where people are supported to lead, innovate, and grow.

We are seeking an experienced Production Planning Manager to lead our Planning functions across Virbac Australia’s Industrial Operations. Reporting directly to the Head of Industrial Supply Chain, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring "the right product at the right time."

In this high-impact leadership role, you will oversee production planning across key sites enabling optimal capacity, drive inventory efficiency, and efficient and effective supply for our customers.

• People Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing planning team. Foster an inclusive, motivating environment aligned with Virbac’s core values and vision.

• Production Planning & Execution: Direct the planning functions across multiple site operations to align directly with supply requirements. Ensure stable planning, optimal scheduling, and active participation in weekly Production and monthly S&OP meetings.

• Inventory & Working Capital Optimization: Monitor safety stocks, MOQs, and seasonal trends to minimize working capital while proactively managing back-orders and short-dated stock.

• ERP & Systems Subject Matter Expert: Act as the primary Subject Matter Expert for planning parameters within the enterprise ERP platform. Drive system process improvements, support upgrades, and maintain robust standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training materials.

• Operational Alignment & Prioritisation: Act as the central link between Planning, Production, and Quality teams to expedite critical requests, resolve bottlenecks, and ensure smooth operational flow across departments.

• Continuous Improvement: Cultivate a culture that minimizes stock write-offs, reduces back-orders, and improves cross-functional communication between Planning, Demand, and Commercial teams.

• Education: Tertiary qualifications in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or a related discipline (or equivalent practical experience).

• Experience: Minimum 5+ years in Planning or Inventory Management in a manufacturing environment, with proven people management experience. Experience in pharmaceutical, life sciences, or regulated manufacturing environments is strongly preferred.

• Technical Expertise: Advanced expertise in MRP, Production Planning, and Inventory Management. Strong knowledge of ERP systems in a manufacturing environment.

• Analytical Mindset: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex data, capacity constraints, and production scenarios to make sound decisions.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to build strong working relationships with QA/QC, Procurement, Production, Finance, and Demand teams.

• Execution & Drive: Results-oriented leadership style with a focus on problem-solving, project management, and continuous improvement concepts.

• Influence & Stakeholder Management: Proven capability to negotiate priorities, align competing cross-functional interests, and influence outcomes across Production, Quality, and Commercial teams without direct authority. 

• Communication: Clear, effective verbal and written communication skills to articulate supply chain status to internal stakeholders, 3PLs, and external partners.

• Meaningful Impact: Play a vital role in keeping animal health manufacturing moving smoothly across Australia and abroad.

• Growth & Culture: Join an environment that values continuous learning, innovation, safety, and employee well-being.

• Competitive Package: Competitive salary package aligned with experience.

If you are a proactive supply chain leader ready to drive operational excellence, we’d love to hear from you.

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience.