Category Planning Manager

FleetPride•Irving, TX

30d•Onsite

About The Position

FleetPride is the largest after-market distributor of heavy-duty truck and trailer parts in the U.S. with some of the best and brightest people in the business! Partner with the best in the heavy-duty industry and apply today! The Category Planning Manager is responsible for leading the development, execution, and continuous improvement of demand forecasting processes across the organization. This role leverages ERP Systems and advanced analytics to drive forecast accuracy, optimize inventory levels, and support business growth. The position partners cross-functionally with Merchandising, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations to align demand plans with strategic business objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field
5+ years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain analytics
Hands-on experience with Blue Yonder (JDA) Demand Planning
Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI)
Experience leading or participating in S&OP / IBP processes
Proven ability to manage cross-functional stakeholders and drive alignment

Nice To Haves

Experience in multi-channel environments (retail, wholesale, eCommerce, DTC)
Knowledge of inventory optimization, replenishment strategies, and supply planning integration
Experience with large datasets, automation, and process improvement initiatives
Lean / Six Sigma or continuous improvement background

Responsibilities

Lead the monthly demand planning cycle, including statistical forecasting, consensus planning, and executive S&OP alignment
Develop and maintain accurate forecasts at multiple levels (SKU, location, channel) using Demand Planning tools
Monitor and improve forecast accuracy, bias, and key KPIs across product categories
Manage short-term and long-term demand signals, including seasonality, promotions, and market trends
Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for Demand Planning
Configure, optimize, and maintain forecasting models, parameters, and exception management workflows
Analyze system outputs (e.g., exception graphs, projected stockouts) to proactively mitigate risks
Partner with IT and data teams to enhance system capabilities, integrations, and automation
Partner with Merchandising, Sales, and Marketing to incorporate promotional and business insights into forecasts
Collaborate with Supply Planning and Inventory teams to align demand and replenishment strategies
Facilitate demand review meetings and drive alignment across stakeholders
Communicate risks, opportunities, and actionable insights to leadership
Develop and maintain KPI dashboards (forecast accuracy, service levels, inventory turns, bias)
Identify root causes of forecast variances and implement corrective actions
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to drive efficiency and accuracy in planning processes
Utilize Power BI, Excel, and other tools to present insights and trends
Manage and develop a team of demand planners (where applicable)
Establish standardized processes, documentation, and training programs
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Drive adoption of best practices in demand planning and system utilization