DEMAND PLANNING MANAGER

Y. Hata & Co., Limited•Honolulu, HI

15h•$76,100 - $102,700•Onsite

About The Position

The Demand Planning Manager is responsible for leading the demand forecasting and inventory planning function within Y. Hata. This role ensures optimal product availability while balancing inventory investment, warehouse and supplier constraints unique to the Hawaii market. The Demand Planning Manager develops and manages forecasting processes that account for extended supply lead times, tourism-driven demand variability, seasonal events, and supplier constraints. This role works cross-functionally with Sales, Purchasing, Logistics, and Warehouse Operations to maintain high service levels, minimize stockouts, and control excess inventory.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business, Analytics, Finance, or a related field required.
5+ years of demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain experience, preferably in foodservice distribution

Responsibilities

Balance service levels with inventory investment to prevent stock outs and reduce excess inventory risk.
Develop planning strategies with purchasing for long lead-time imports, container shipments and supplier production schedules.
Proactively identify potential stockouts or overstock situations.
Analyze service failures and identify root causes related to forecasting or supply planning.
Develop and maintain item-level demand forecasts using historical sales data, seasonality patterns, promotional activity, and market trends. Incorporating tourism trends, seasonal travel patterns and major local events into demand planning.
Translate macroeconomic and travel trends into demand forecast adjustments. Support planning for high-volume tourism periods, holidays, and large local events.
Continuously improve forecast accuracy through statistical modeling and root cause analysis.
Partner with Purchasing to align demand forecasts with purchasing strategies and supplier commitments.
Coordinate with Operations and Warehouse teams to ensure inbound product flow aligns with storage capacity and operational efficiency.
Work with Sales/Category Management leadership to capture demand signals related to new accounts, promotions, and hospitality sector activity.
Track key demand planning metrics including forecast accuracy, service levels, inventory turns and fill rate.
Develop dashboards and reports to provide visibility to leadership on demand trends and supply risks.
Establish standardized forecasting methodologies and best practices across the planning team. Provide training and guidance on forecasting tools, data analysis, and supply chain planning principles.
Lead and mentor Demand Planners responsible for item-level planning.
Manage and develop the Demand Planning team.
Provide coaching, performance management, and professional development.
Foster collaboration between Demand Planning, Purchasing, Warehouse/Operation and Sales functions.