Demand Planning Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the demand planning and forecasting process to support business objectives and customer demand.
• Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts using historical sales data, market trends, seasonality, customer insights, and business intelligence.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Operations, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Finance to align demand plans with company goals.
• Facilitate monthly demand review and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) meetings.
• Analyze forecast accuracy and demand variability, identifying risks and opportunities while implementing corrective actions.
• Partner with supply planning and manufacturing teams to ensure appropriate inventory levels and product availability.
• Support product launches, product transitions, and inventory management initiatives.
• Monitor KPIs related to forecast accuracy, inventory turns, fill rates, and service levels.
• Drive continuous process improvements across demand planning, forecasting, and supply chain functions.
• Provide leadership and strategic recommendations to improve operational efficiency and supply chain performance on a global scale.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in demand planning, supply chain planning, inventory management, or forecasting.
• Experience working within a product-based manufacturing, consumer goods, distribution, industrial, or related environment; service-only industry experience is not sufficient.
• Demonstrated experience supporting global supply chain operations, including collaboration with international teams, suppliers, and manufacturing facilities.
• Strong understanding of forecasting methodologies, inventory management principles, and S&OP processes.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to leverage data to drive decision-making.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with ERP, MRP, and demand planning systems.

Preferred

• Professional certifications such as:APICS CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management)
• CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional)
• Lean Manufacturing Certification
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• Master's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business Administration, or related field.
• Experience with SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, Kinaxis, Blue Yonder, or similar planning systems.
• Experience utilizing Power BI, Tableau, or other business intelligence tools.

Key Success Factors

• Proven ability to improve forecast accuracy and inventory performance.
• Strong global supply chain and cross-functional leadership experience.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, data-driven environment.
• Continuous improvement mindset with Lean and Six Sigma principles.
• Strategic thinker who can balance customer demand, operational constraints, and business objectives.