Business Planning Manager

Company: Kia America, Inc. Location: Irvine, CA, US, 92606

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.

The Business Planning Manager leads North American business planning and operational coordination activities by overseeing production, shipment, allocation, performance management, and strategic planning processes across manufacturing plants, headquarters, and regional stakeholders. This role is responsible for driving short- to long-term planning alignment, managing operational issues and program-related actions, supporting executive decision-making through timely reporting and analysis, and providing market intelligence on competitors, production investments including EV/battery, and U.S. policy developments. The position also oversees planning master data/process management and supports system and reporting enhancements to improve planning accuracy, visibility, and business responsiveness.

Priority One 25% Business and Strategic Planning Support development of annual and mid-/long-term business plans for production and shipment. Consolidate and review production and shipment bound for North America market regions for domestic and overseas import volumes. Manage key planning events, milestone schedules, and planning input alignment across functions. Support monthly and rolling demand/order outlook reviews for North America, including 5-month order forecasts and production request volumes.

Priority Two 20% Production/Shipment Performance Management Oversee overall pipeline of production, shipment, wholesale, retail, and inventory performance for key models. Oversee North America logistics management. Identify operational issues, supply constraints and risks, and support issue resolution. Review monthly plant order status and coordinate with internal/external stakeholders on changes or variances. Prepare recurring management reports with accurate, timely performance updates.

Priority Three 20% Allocation and Operational Control Support planning and allocation across North American production volume (North America & Global plants). Oversee supply chain management (SCM). Conduct rundown simulations and supply scenario analysis for model/program planning. Manage new model initial option mix, critical parts constraints, and build-out plan. Drive cross-functional alignment on supply feasibility and operational priorities.

Priority Four 10% New Plant (HMGMA) Process Management Manage HMGMA-related meeting bodies, follow-up items, and issue tracking. Coordinate planning discussions and action items among HQ, plants, and related functions. Support launch readiness reviews and escalation of major concerns impacting operational execution.

Priority Five 10% Market / Industry / Policy Research Research and summarize North American competitor production strategies, EV programs, and battery investment trends. Monitor U.S. government tariffs, regulations, and policy developments that may impact business operations. Provide structured benchmarking materials for management reference.

Priority Six 10% Executive Reporting and Reference Support Prepare and support executive-level materials, including reference data for plant and business-related reviews. Respond to ad hoc data and analysis requests from leadership in a timely and accurate manner. Support preparation of presentation materials for executive management meetings and business reviews.

Priority Seven 5% Process / System / Data Management Improvement Maintain and improve performance management master files. Support IT/system enhancement initiatives related to business planning and reporting processes. Participate in SAP BW, GERP, and related reporting/process update activities, including validation and user support.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required. Master's degree preferred. Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in business administration, manufacturing, economics, statistics, supply chain, engineering, finance, or a related field, or equivalent work experience required. 5+ years of project management or high-level administrative experience required. Fluent in Korean/English (Bilingual) preferred. Intermediate-to-advanced proficiency in software such as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint. Strong analytical background with experience handling large data sets, forecasts, operational KPIs, and business reporting. Experience in preparing management-level reports and presentation materials. Strong time management and ability to collaborate with other departments. Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Excellent communication skills required (written and oral) Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word). Advanced programming languages preferred. Knowledge of big data, data analysis & visualizations preferred. Forecasting and scenario modeling preferred. SAP BW / ERP / reporting systems knowledge. Analytical and Strategic Thinking. Ability to maintain the utmost confidentiality on all matters. Attention to detail and accuracy. Time management and prioritization. Issue tracking and follow-through.

$89,936.24 - $121,409.23 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.

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.