Demand Planning Manager

Midea•Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ

About The Position

The Demand Planning Manager leads the end-to-end demand planning function for a global home appliance business with a complex, import-driven supply chain. The role develops accurate, data-driven forecasts aligned with business objectives and supports appropriate inventory levels despite extended overseas production and transit lead times. It integrates market intelligence, sales insights, and historical data, and uses scenario planning, risk mitigation, and cross-functional collaboration to balance service levels, inventory investment, and supply constraints. The Manager partners with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Supply Planning, and overseas sourcing teams to synchronize demand and supply plans. The role leads the monthly S&OP/IBP demand review, improves forecast accuracy, and implements planning tools and processes. It manages forecast models and planning KPIs, identifies demand variability risks, and leads a team of planners. The role also supports new product launches, promotional planning, and lifecycle management in alignment with global supply capabilities. Success requires strong analytical skills, understanding of supply chain dynamics, strategic thinking, operational rigor, and the ability to influence stakeholders across regions and functions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
At least 6 years of supply chain management experience in PSI, production planning, demand planning, or supply chain management.
Ability to analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Knowledge of industry legal rules and guidelines.
In-depth knowledge of diverse business functions and principles, such as supply chain, finance, and customer service.
Leadership and organizational skills.
Microsoft Office and Oracle skills.
Problem-solving ability to address complex business and technical challenges and identify process-efficiency opportunities.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain complex situations to different organizational levels, gain buy-in, and develop consensus.
Ability to manage multiple projects with tight timelines and deliver results.
Ability to understand priorities and influence and engage diverse professionals to drive change.
Ability to travel 10%.

Nice To Haves

Advanced proficiency in supply chain software and platforms, including ERP systems and demand forecasting tools.
APICS certification.
Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
Experience managing large or complex supply chain projects, including project management with global partners.
Strong data analytical skills and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Collaborative problem-solving, effective communication, and strong presentation skills.
Ability to forecast, analyze, and prepare statistical data and metrics.
Ability to handle and mine data from multiple sources to create reports and databases.
Organization, responsibility, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

Lead the end-to-end demand planning process, including statistical forecasting, consensus demand planning, and demand review cycles within S&OP/IBP.
Develop and maintain accurate short-, mid-, and long-term rolling forecasts that account for long overseas production and transit lead times.
Improve forecast accuracy, bias, and demand signal quality across product categories and channels.
Partner with Sales, Marketing, and Product teams to incorporate promotions, product launches, and lifecycle events into demand plans.
Collaborate with Supply Planning and Sourcing teams to align demand with constrained supply capacity and long lead-time procurement windows.
Use scenario modeling and what-if analyses to manage risks from demand volatility, supply disruptions, and inventory imbalances.
Establish inventory strategies, including safety stock, forward buy, and pre-build, to mitigate extended replenishment-cycle risks.
Lead the monthly demand review process and ensure alignment among commercial and operational stakeholders.
Monitor and report KPIs, including forecast accuracy, forecast bias, service levels, inventory turns, and excess and obsolete inventory.
Drive adoption and optimization of demand planning systems, tools, and advanced analytics capabilities.
Partner with Finance to align demand plans with revenue and margin expectations.
Ensure data integrity, master data governance, and process discipline across planning systems.
Support executive decision-making with insights, risks, and trade-off recommendations concerning demand and supply balance.
Lead a team of planners.
Travel to overseas factories when business needs require.