Central Planning Manager

About ForterraAt Forterra, we are unleashing autonomy at scale to transform the battlefield. Our mission is to build the foundational platforms that enable an intelligent ecosystem to coordinate, adapt, and execute with speed and precision even in the uncertainty and disruption of modern conflict. In an era marked by rapid technological change and evolving threats, we design for flexibility, survivability, and operational dominance.Forterra delivers weapons, sensors, and battlefield effects through integrated autonomous networks reaching operational areas faster, safer, and without placing human lives at risk. Our systems operate with distributed control, dynamic routing, and real-time responsiveness, enabling sustained advantage across complex mission environments.

About the role

The Central Planning Manager is responsible for building and operating Forterra’s centralized planning capability, connecting strategy, demand, capacity, and execution across the company. This role ensures that leadership decisions are grounded in clear assumptions, integrated plans, and operational reality. 

This is a high-ownership, cross-functional role designed to bring structure to ambiguity, anticipate constraints, and drive alignment across engineering, operations, supply chain, finance, and growth teams in a defense-relevant, hardware-software environment. 

The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, is deeply analytical, comfortable with systems and data, and equally effective at executive communication and hands-on execution. 

What you'll do

Central Planning & Strategy Execution 

Own and evolve Forterra’s central planning cadence, translating company strategy, customer demand, and growth forecasts into integrated operational plans. Partner with senior leadership to frame decisions, evaluate tradeoffs, and provide clear recommendations grounded in data and operational constraints. Develop scenario analyses and risk assessments to support long-range planning, program ramps, and major investments. 

Demand, Capacity & Operating Planning 

Translate demand signals (customer programs, pipeline, deployments, product launches) into short- and long-term planning assumptions across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, facilities, and finance. Monitor supply-demand balance, identify risks or constraints, and drive mitigation plans. Support new product introductions and major program ramps by aligning demand, capacity, and execution plans end-to-end. 

Data, Systems & Analytics 

Work deeply within Forterra’s business systems (ERP, planning tools, CRM, financial systems) to understand how data flows across the organization. Build and own analytical models, dashboards, and reporting used for executive reviews and operational decision-making. Develop executive-level reporting and strategic narratives that clearly communicate insights, risks, and recommended actions. 

Cross-Functional Leadership & Execution 

Lead complex, cross-functional initiatives involving engineering, operations, supply chain, finance, business development, and corporate functions. Project manage across large stakeholder groups, driving accountability, alignment, and execution against milestones. Identify recurring process gaps or planning breakdowns and design sustainable solutions rather than one-off fixes.

 

Minimum Qualifications

5+ years of experience in business operations, strategy, planning, consulting, finance, product/program management, or a similar role in a high-growth or technically complex environment. Proven experience leading cross-functional initiatives with significant executive visibility. Strong analytical skills with advanced proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; comfort working directly with large, imperfect data sets. Experience working across hardware, software, manufacturing, supply chain, or operationally complex organizations. 

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with ERP, planning, or analytics systems; SQL or similar data tools a plus. Background in engineering, supply chain, operations, or a technical field. Experience in defense, robotics, autonomous systems, or other regulated or mission-critical industries. Exposure to S&OP, demand planning, capacity planning, or new product introduction planning. 

US Salary Range $130,000 - $170,000

Location

On-Site in Clarksburg, MD

 

The salary range for this role is an estimate and is based on a wide variety of compensation factors. The salary offered to candidates will vary based on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) relevant work experience, education, specialized training, critical expertise, training, and more. Equity in Forterra is included in most of our full-time, high-demand roles and is therefore considered part of Forterra’s overall compensation package. In addition to base salary and equity, Forterra offers competitive benefits for full-time employees including:

Premium Healthcare Benefits: Three plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of the plan premium for you and your dependents.  Basic Life/AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance plans 100% covered by Forterra, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year.A minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption. A $9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.Fully stocked beverage refrigerators with all the Celsius your little heart desires. 401(k) retirement savings plan, including traditional, Roth 401(k), and after-tax deferral with company match up to 4%.

Your recruiter will be able to share more information about our salary and benefits offering during the hiring process.

CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY - This position may require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. For more information about U.S. Security Clearances: click here.   

Forterra is an equal-opportunity employer, providing and promoting equal employment opportunity in all personnel practices. Forterrans are unique, talented individuals who are united through a shared passion to deliver autonomous systems that enable national resilience and a robust supply chain.  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any factor, including veteran and disability status, and criminal history, in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Forterra is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.

To see Forterra’s candidate data privacy policy, please visit Forterra Legal | Job Applicant Privacy Notice.