Capacity Planning Manager

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled Capacity Planning Manager based in the United Arab Emirates providing remote full-time work. The role entails leading enterprise-wide capacity planning, demand forecasting, and resource optimization efforts to support sustainable growth and operational efficiency. The successful candidate will formulate short- and long-term capacity plans, analyze demand patterns, and ensure resources meet the evolving business needs while maintaining optimal service levels and cost effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute enterprise capacity planning strategies, governance policies, forecasting approaches, and operational standards aligned with business objectives.
• Oversee capacity planning initiatives across workforce, operations, production, technology, facilities, and service delivery units to ensure resource sufficiency for current and future demands.
• Collaborate closely with multiple departments including operations, finance, supply chain, IT, project management, customer service, procurement, and leadership to align capacity plans with organizational goals.
• Develop demand forecasts leveraging historical data, market trends, seasonal effects, growth projections, predictive analytics, and scenario planning.
• Track KPIs such as capacity utilization, forecast accuracy, resource availability, efficiency, service quality, throughput, operational costs, and customer satisfaction.
• Identify capacity constraints, workload trends, bottlenecks, and risks; provide recommendations to optimize performance and maintain business continuity.
• Create capacity models, resource allocation frameworks, contingency plans, and scaling strategies to enhance operational resilience and growth readiness.
• Conduct scenario analyses, business impact assessments, and investment evaluations to inform strategic decision-making.
• Promote continuous improvements through workflow optimization, automation, AI-driven forecasting, process enhancement, and data-centric planning.
• Utilize technology tools including ERP systems, Workforce Management platforms, Manufacturing Execution Systems, Project Portfolio Management software, Microsoft Office, Power BI, BI platforms, and advanced analytics to monitor and report capacity metrics.
• Deliver reports, dashboards, forecasts, business cases, and strategic advice to senior management.
• Lead and mentor a team of capacity planners, workforce analysts, operations planners, and cross-functional collaborators to foster excellence, innovation, and accountability.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Project Management, IT, Finance, or related discipline preferred.
• Advanced degree or professional certifications such as APICS CPIM, CSCP, Lean Six Sigma, PMP, Certified Analytics Professional, or equivalents are highly valued.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in capacity, demand, workforce, operations, or production planning roles.
• At least 2 years managing enterprise capacity planning or leading cross-functional forecasting teams is preferred.
• Comprehensive understanding of capacity planning, forecasting methods, resource and workforce optimization, production and operations management, and business analytics.
• Proficiency with ERP, Workforce Management, MES, Project Portfolio tools, Microsoft Excel, Power BI, business intelligence software, and predictive analytics tools.
• Knowledge of AI-driven forecasting, machine learning, digital twins, robotic process automation, cloud-based platforms, and digital transformation initiatives is an advantage.
• Strong leadership, analytical thinking, strategic planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, presentation, negotiation, facilitation, and collaboration capabilities.
• Capability to manage enterprise capacity planning balancing efficiency, service quality, financial aims, customer needs, and long-term strategic goals.
• Ability to work autonomously in remote or hybrid settings.

Benefits and Opportunities

• Flexible remote or hybrid working options within the UAE.
• Attractive and competitive compensation package.
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth in operations.
• Experience with enterprise planning, AI forecasting, digital transformation, and operational excellence projects.
• Collaborative, high-performance, and innovation-focused workplace culture.
• Supportive environment fostering continuous improvement and data-driven decisions.
• Influence over capacity strategies enhancing agility, scalability, and long-term success.
• Clear pathways for career progression in capacity planning, operations, supply chain leadership, business transformation, and executive roles.