AI-Augmented APS Functional Consultant

Are you a Business and functional analyst expert in APS & AI for Manufacturing? Join Reply WHO WE ARE Reply is a network of highly specialized companies which support leading industrial groups in defining and developing business models using new technology and communication paradigms, such as Big Data, Cloud Computing, Digital Communication, Internet of Things, Mobile and Social Networking. Reply focuses on Consultancy, System Integration and Application Management, covering three areas of competence: Processes, Applications and Technologies. WHAT YOU WILL FIND
• Core activities. You will analyze production planning and detailed scheduling processes, facilitate workshops with business and plant stakeholders, gather and structure requirements, and translate them into functional specifications and solution designs. You will model production resources, calendars, capacities, materials, routings, setup rules, priorities, and hard/soft constraints; define KPIs and objective functions; and support what-if scenarios, testing, user acceptance, training, rollout, and adoption. You will also contribute to AI-augmented planning initiatives, helping identify practical use cases where optimization, predictive analytics, and intelligent decision support can improve schedule quality, responsiveness, and explainability.
• Tech & tools stack. The role involves APS platforms and optimization engines for finite-capacity planning, production scheduling, sequencing, and dynamic rescheduling. You should understand integration scenarios across APS, ERP, MES/MOM, WMS, and shop-floor data sources, together with master and transactional data such as demand, orders, BOMs, routings, resources, calendars, inventory, and work-in-progress.
• Mentoring, collaboration, and continuous growth. You will join a multidisciplinary consulting team working on complex manufacturing transformation programs across sectors such as automotive and components, electronics, glass, beverages, footwear, and other discrete or process industries. You will collaborate with planners, production managers, IT teams, data/AI specialists, developers, and solution architects in an international and customer-facing environment.

WHAT WE OFFER
• An offer tailored to your experience. This position is open to people with varying levels of expertise and seniority. The compensation package will be determined based on your professional background, technical skills, expertise, and the level of responsibility associated with the role. The collective labour agreement (CCNL) mainly applied within Reply is the Italian Metalworking Industry Agreement. The job classification will be assessed starting from level B2, and the gross annual salary (RAL) will range from €36,000 to €45,000.
• A structured career path. Our Career Path offers opportunities to grow both as a technical specialist and as a future leader. Your ambitions, the skills you develop, and the results you achieve will shape your professional journey.
• Continuous learning. Technology evolves rapidly
- and so do we. You will join an environment that encourages curiosity, continuous learning, and the exploration of new ideas and emerging technologies.
• The benefits of being a Replyer. You will also have access to the benefits and initiatives dedicated to our community. WHAT WE NEED
• Academic background. A degree in Management/Industrial Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation, Operations Research, Supply Chain Management, Computer Science, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Technical & strategic skills. 3–5 years of experience as a Functional Consultant, Business Analyst, Production Planner, or similar role on APS, supply chain planning, production planning, or manufacturing digitalization initiatives Strong understanding of production planning and scheduling processes, including finite capacity, sequencing, setup/changeover rules, materials availability, priorities, and resource constraints. Ability to run workshops, gather requirements, map AS-IS/TO-BE processes, write functional specifications and user stories, and support solution design. Experience with test scenarios, UAT, issue analysis, user training, go-live, and post-go-live support. Ability to work with production data and KPIs and to communicate effectively with both business and technical stakeholders. Good command of MS Office 365, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, and fluent English (B2+).
• Soft skills. Structured and analytical approach, strong communication, facilitation, and stakeholder-management skills and curiosity about AI and optimization, with a pragmatic focus on business value. Problem-solving mindset and attention to data quality and detail. Ability to work autonomously while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team.
• Nice to have. Hands-on experience with APS platforms such as DELMIA Ortems, Siemens Opcenter APS/Preactor, SAP PP-DS, or equivalent solutions will be considered a plus. Exposure to optimization, simulation, or AI-enabled planning applications in manufacturing environments is also appreciated. WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS The first step of our recruiting process will be the meetings with the technical referents and then a face to face interview with the HR team. We care about an equal recruiting process. Feel interested? Reply is committed to embracing diversity and creating an inclusive work environment by valuing the uniqueness of people regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, or disabilities as protected by Italian Law (L.68/99). Furthermore, Reply is committed to ensuring a fair and accessible selection process: to help you during the recruitment process, please let us know of any kind of support you may need.