Director, Supply & Demand Planning

Albert Uster Imports•Gaithersburg, MD

1d•$135,000 - $165,000•Hybrid

About The Position

AUI Fine Foods is seeking a strategic and analytical Director, Supply & Demand Planning to lead our supply & demand planning, inventory management, and global logistics functions. This role ensures consistent product availability across a diverse, multi-category food portfolio while maintaining efficient inventory levels across multiple U.S. distribution centers. The Director will oversee a team comprising Buyers, an Inventory Manager, and a Global Logistics Manager, aligning purchasing, inventory, and logistics operations under a single cohesive strategy. The ideal candidate will have a food industry background (preferably food distribution or multi-category), with strong experience in demand planning, multi-location distribution, and supplier management. This leader must be data-driven, highly analytical, and a strong problem solver who can translate complex supply chain dynamics into actionable insights and clear communication for executive leadership. As a response to the pandemic, Albert Uster Imports office employees have transitioned to a hybrid working schedule, requiring employees to report in-person Monday through Wednesday, with the option to telework on Thursday and Friday each week. Due to the collaborative, cross-functional nature of the organization, employees at the Gaithersburg office are required to work in-person for the abovementioned days, outside of any People & Culture-approved disability accommodation request.

Requirements

8+ years of progressive supply chain, purchasing, or demand planning leadership experience
Proven success in the food industry (preferred: food distribution, multi-category, or multi-location distribution)
Strong analytical, forecasting, and reporting skills with a focus on data accuracy and decision support
Demonstrated leadership experience managing buyers, inventory, and logistics teams
Excellent problem-solving and cross-functional communication abilities
Highly organized, precise, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Strategic thinking supported by strong analytical capability and attention to detail
A collaborative, data-driven approach to solving complex operational challenges
Leadership that combines accountability, clear communication, and team development
Deep understanding of the food industry’s unique supply and demand dynamics

Nice To Haves

Experience with ERP systems and demand planning software
Knowledge of import logistics, customs, and international shipping
Proficiency with advanced forecasting or analytics tools
Ability to build cross-functional partnerships, and engage in and lead cross-functional teams and initiatives
Strong ability to develop and deploy quantitative analysis for business improvement; record of accomplishment of KPI-driven and data-driven leadership

Responsibilities

Lead and continuously improve the company’s supply and demand planning process to ensure product availability across all categories and U.S. distribution centers
Partner with Sales, Logistics, and Finance to translate forecasts into purchasing and replenishment strategies
Analyze demand patterns, seasonality, pricing and lead times to adjust plans and prevent out-of-stock or excess inventory proactively
Develop reporting tools and dashboards to monitor forecast accuracy, inventory turns, and service levels
Oversee all purchasing activities, including domestic and import procurement, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and alignment with business needs
Manage and develop a team of Buyers responsible for replenishment and product transfers between multiple distribution centers
Partner with the Innovation team to build supplier relationships to ensure reliability, quality, and consistency across a diverse food product portfolio
Direct and support the Inventory Manager to maintain optimal stock levels and minimize waste or obsolescence
Establish and track KPIs around inventory health, fill rates, and forecast performance
Drive cross-functional coordination to improve visibility, planning accuracy, and service performance
Directly manage the Global Logistics Manager, who oversees international container shipments, import compliance, and customs clearance
Provide strategic guidance and oversight of inbound freight, import documentation, and delivery timelines
Maintain a strong working knowledge of global logistics processes to support decision-making and problem resolution
Ensure alignment between logistics, purchasing, and inventory to maintain product flow and service reliability
Lead, mentor, and develop the purchasing, inventory, and logistics teams to foster accountability, accuracy, and professional growth
Serve as the organization’s primary problem solver for supply continuity, supplier performance, and planning issues
Develop and present clear, data-driven reports and insights to executive leadership to guide business decisions
Identify process improvement opportunities and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and communication across functions