Distribution Strategy & Production Planning Manager
Irvine, CA, US, 92606
At Kia, we’re creating award-winning products and redefining what value means in the automotive industry. It takes a special group of individuals to do what we do, and we do it together. Our culture is fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative. Our people thrive on thinking differently and challenging the status quo. We are creating something special here, a culture of learning and opportunity, where you can help Kia achieve big things and most importantly, feel passionate and connected to your work every day.
Kia provides team members with competitive benefits including premium paid medical, dental and vision coverage for you and your dependents, 401(k) plan matching of 100% up to 6% of the salary deferral, and paid time off. Kia also offers company lease and purchase programs, company-wide holiday shutdown, paid volunteer hours, and premium lifestyle amenities at our corporate campus in Irvine, California.
Status
Exempt
General Summary
This position is responsible for leading strategic data analysis and production planning across multiple vehicle lines, with a key focus on supporting new plant operations for the Meta Plant. The role will develop and present actionable recommendations based on sales performance, inventory levels, marketing initiatives, and incentive programs.
The position will manage production order submissions and adjustments in collaboration with internal stakeholders and manufacturing partners, including ongoing analysis of production orders for Meta Plant–produced vehicles.
Additionally, this role will serve as a primary liaison with plant teams, drive process improvements to enhance ordering efficiency, and partner with cross‑functional groups to ensure alignment between regional practices and national strategies.
Overall, this position plays a critical role in balancing vehicle supply with market demand, minimizing pipeline imbalances, and improving reporting tools to strengthen Distribution operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Priority One – 25%
- Review sales, inventory, and market drivers (such as incentives and marketing activity) to develop monthly production volume and vehicle specification recommendations across all vehicle lines. This includes pulling and analyzing data, partnering with internal teams to align on future plans, and preparing recommendations for leadership review. Partner closely with senior production leaders and executives to refine and finalize production decisions.
Priority Two – 20%
- Oversee production order submissions for select vehicle lines, providing recommendations to management and senior distribution leaders of all vehicle lines.
- Ensure approved orders align with executive direction by coordinating with regional distribution teams and finalize and submit production orders to the factory.
Priority Three – 20%
- Collaborate with factories and internal teams to manage ongoing production adjustments and ensure alignment with market and compliance needs.
Priority Four – 15%
- Track KUS and dealer inventories; work with Regional Distribution Managers (RDMs) to address pipeline imbalances, optimize inventory flow & minimize aging port inventory.
Priority Five – 10%
- Lead development, enhancement, and distribution of key distribution-related reports and dashboards.
Priority Six – 10%
- Meet regularly with departments such as Sales & Incentive Planning, Kia North America, Product Planning & Design, Marketing, and Field Operations to align future enhancements impacting vehicle demand.
Qualifications/Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, supply chain, or related field.
- Master’s degree preferred.
Job Requirement
- Minimum 5-8 years in automotive distribution, sales planning, or production planning.
- Minimum 5 years in a supervisory or strategic planning role.
- Field sales or regional distribution experience, including dealer operations and inventory flow optimization.
- Experience collaborating with manufacturing or plant operations teams is a plus.
- 15% of (domestic and/or international) travel.
Specialized Skills and Knowledge Required
- Advanced analytical and forecasting skills.
- Strong organizational and planning capabilities.
- Proficiency in SAP and APS II systems.
- High-level Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and data visualization tools.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work cross-functionally and influence decision-making.
Competencies
- Care for People
- Chase Excellence Every Day
- Dare to Push Boundaries
- Empower People to Act
- Move Further Together
Pay Range
$96,015.00 ~ $133,393.00
Pay will be based on several variables that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to, job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, etc.
Equal Employment Opportunities
KUS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, including pregnancy and childbirth and related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, legally protected physical disability or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. KUS complies with applicable law governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which KUS has offices. The KUS EEO policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.
Disclaimer: The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and for this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Nearest Major Market: Irvine California
Nearest Secondary Market: Los Angeles