Associate Director, Demand & Supply Planning

KAO Corp.•Cincinnati, OH

54d•$150,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao is passionate about making a difference in people's lives with our high quality products and services to create a Kirei Life for all - a beautiful life that respects the needs of our consumers and customers as well as the planet. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. As a company driven by purpose and strong corporate values we pride ourselves to be listed among the World's Most Ethical Companies since 19 consecutive years. Our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, guides us in everything we do - acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation and treating each other with trust and respect. The Role: Reporting to the Supply Chain Regional Sr Director, The Associate Director of Demand and Supply Planning leads the development of integrated strategies that maximize fill rates, optimize inventory, and drive supply chain efficiency. By fostering cross-functional alignment and championing continuous improvement, you will ensure seamless integration between commercial forecasts, operational capabilities, and strategic goals. Acting as a key connector across Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations teams, the Associate Director enables a responsive, agile, and cost-effective supply chain that meets evolving market demands. At Kao, we offer amazing benefits that are available to you on your first day of employment (healthcare, 401(k) plus company match), 36 total days off (vacation + holidays + sick) and a reasonable salary range of $150,000 - $180,000. What you will do: Demand Planning Leadership Oversee the demand planning process to ensure the development of data-driven forecasts across all sectors. Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, and Finance to resolve Gaps between Consensus Forecast and Budget/LE, targeting "one number". Drive continuous improvement in forecast accuracy (MAPE/BIAS/Outlier) through analytics, PDCA, and process refinement. Supply Planning and Inventory Optimization. Oversee the supply planning process to ensure optimal inventory levels, maximizing service levels, minimizing slow moving/obsolete, and driving cost efficiency across the network. Drive efficient scheduling processes for In-house manufacturing, balancing capacity and efficiencies against supply planning objectives. Ensure contingency planning and risk mitigation strategies are developed and implemented. Initiate and support TCR activities to improve Total Supply Chain Costs. Partner with Procurement, Quality, Logistics and other SCM cross teams to give supply chain excellence and support business objectives. Collaborate with Affiliates to ensure pan-regional and broader objectives are met on service and inventory. Data & Systems Development. Champion the use of both advanced tools as well as simple quick win-visualization options to drive efficiencies and enhance responsiveness. Ensure data integrity and support scenario planning for strategic initiatives. Team Leadership & Development. Manage and mentor the Demand & Supply Planning team, fostering a climate of accountability and continuous improvement. Build team capabilities through coaching, training, and performance management. Promote collaboration across broader SCM teams to drive operational excellence. Stakeholder Communication and Support. Communicate risks, opportunities, and mitigation strategies proactively across key business partners. Support cross teams within and beyond supply chain and influence decisions that drive the business.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Data Analytics or related field (Master's Preferred).
8+ years progressive experience in supply chain, demand planning, or operations management.
5+ years in leadership or managerial roles (within Consumer Goods Industry preferred).
Proven experience with S&OP/IBP processes, forecasting, and inventory optimization
Strong analytical, project management, and communication skills.
Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence without direct authority.

Responsibilities

Oversee the demand planning process to ensure the development of data-driven forecasts across all sectors.
Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, and Finance to resolve Gaps between Consensus Forecast and Budget/LE, targeting "one number".
Drive continuous improvement in forecast accuracy (MAPE/BIAS/Outlier) through analytics, PDCA, and process refinement.
Oversee the supply planning process to ensure optimal inventory levels, maximizing service levels, minimizing slow moving/obsolete, and driving cost efficiency across the network.
Drive efficient scheduling processes for In-house manufacturing, balancing capacity and efficiencies against supply planning objectives.
Ensure contingency planning and risk mitigation strategies are developed and implemented.
Initiate and support TCR activities to improve Total Supply Chain Costs.
Partner with Procurement, Quality, Logistics and other SCM cross teams to give supply chain excellence and support business objectives.
Collaborate with Affiliates to ensure pan-regional and broader objectives are met on service and inventory.
Champion the use of both advanced tools as well as simple quick win-visualization options to drive efficiencies and enhance responsiveness.
Ensure data integrity and support scenario planning for strategic initiatives.
Manage and mentor the Demand & Supply Planning team, fostering a climate of accountability and continuous improvement.
Build team capabilities through coaching, training, and performance management.
Promote collaboration across broader SCM teams to drive operational excellence.
Communicate risks, opportunities, and mitigation strategies proactively across key business partners.
Support cross teams within and beyond supply chain and influence decisions that drive the business.

Benefits

At Kao, we offer amazing benefits that are available to you on your first day of employment (healthcare, 401(k) plus company match), 36 total days off (vacation + holidays + sick) and a reasonable salary range of $150,000 - $180,000.
A friendly and flexible work environment with great compensation packages, benefits package, ongoing development and the opportunity to enhance your skills and deliver tangible results.
At Kao your voice will be heard. Your opinion really counts. We believe that change comes from taking opportunities into your own hands, so we value and reward thinking and new ideas.

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