Demand Planning Manager

Kinder's•Walnut Creek, CA

10d•$130,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Kinder’s is expanding rapidly, and we are looking for a dynamic and experienced Manager of Demand Planning to lead our channel and category demand activities. The ideal candidate is not only skilled in demand forecasting but also embodies a growth mindset, balancing today’s demands with building systems for tomorrow. This role requires a strong collaborator who can work cross-functionally to align demand plans with our rapid market expansion and product innovation cycles. The Manager of Demand Planning will own category-based forecasting across all geographies, ensuring agility in our short-term operations while aligning long-term business strategy. This position requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment and can innovate within ambiguity, embracing our core value of “Fail Forward.” You will be the bridge between Sales and Operations Execution (S&OE) and Integrated Business Planning (IBP), playing a pivotal role in connecting tactical execution with strategic growth initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Economics, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in demand planning, preferably within the food and beverage industry.
Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a focus on innovation and process improvement.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience using demand forecasting tools (e.g., Anaplan, SAP IBP) and analyzing POS data (Nielsen, IRI, or similar).
Demonstrated track record of successfully leading demand planning initiatives that improve forecasting accuracy and drive business growth.
Collaboration & Communication: Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders. Capable of building genuine, non transactional partnerships to achieve shared goals.
Experience with S&OP processes, integrating commercial, marketing, and supply chain inputs into robust demand plans.
Passion for continuous improvement, embodying a growth mindset that values learning agility and adaptability in a rapidly evolving environment.
Strong attention to detail with a proactive, results-oriented approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and build strong partnerships.
Proficiency in demand planning software and tools, with a focus on leveraging data for strategic decision-making.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and work effectively as part of a cross functional team.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with a passion for delivering results.

Responsibilities

Demand Forecasting: Develop and maintain accurate, data-driven demand forecasts for the Grocery channel using historical shipment and POS data, market trends, and sales input. Continuously analyze Point of Sale (POS) data to identify growth drivers and optimize forecasts, ensuring alignment with marketing spend and promotional activities.
Collaboration & Partnership: Build strong, collaborative relationships across internal teams (Sales, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain) and key external partners. Foster a culture of open communication, ensuring alignment on demand expectations, opportunities, and risks.
Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP): Lead the S&OP process for your channels and categories, ensuring that demand plans align with company goals. Act as a change agent who brings diverse perspectives together to drive clear, actionable plans.
New Product Introductions: Partner with Product Development, Marketing, and Sales teams to integrate new product launches into demand forecasts. Ensure smooth market entry by driving alignment across functions and forecasting channels.
Data-Driven Analysis: Leverage sales data, market trends, and other relevant insights to improve demand forecasting accuracy. Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance distribution efficiency and streamline operations.
Performance Metrics & Accountability: Develop and monitor KPIs that track the effectiveness of demand planning. Own the results, ensuring the right stock levels to minimize overstock or stockouts while maintaining high service levels. Take ownership of reporting and presenting key insights to senior leadership.
Process Improvement & Innovation: Proactively identify and implement process improvements. Drive efficiency and embrace innovation by rethinking traditional demand planning methods, asking insightful questions, and exploring new approaches to achieve better outcomes.
Leadership & Ownership: Act as a key player in bridging short-term tactical planning with long-term strategic growth. Demonstrate leadership by fostering collaboration, taking ownership of the demand planning function, and being a role model for integrity and results.