Manager, Demand Planning

KARL STORZ•Auburn, MA

22d•Hybrid

About The Position

As the Manager, Demand Planning, you'll play a critical role in ensuring the right products are available at the right time to support our customers and business objectives. You'll lead the development of short- and long-term demand forecasts while partnering cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Purchasing, Supply Planning, Manufacturing, and Quality/Regulatory Affairs to drive forecast accuracy and optimize inventory performance. In this highly collaborative role, you'll lead the monthly demand planning process, support Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), and provide strategic insights that influence inventory investment, customer service levels, and supply chain performance. You'll also oversee the Demand Planning & New Products Planning Analyst while driving continuous improvements across forecasting methodologies, reporting, and planning processes. This role has a hybrid work schedule – 2 days from home and 3 days in our Auburn, MA office.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in Demand Planning, Supply Chain Planning, Inventory Planning, or a related discipline, including at least 1 year of leadership or supervisory experience.
Strong knowledge of demand forecasting, inventory management, and supply chain planning principles.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with ERP systems and demand planning software.
Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and presentation skills.
Ability to influence cross-functional teams and effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Willingness to travel up to 10% as business needs require.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) or Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes.
Proficiency with SAP, Forecast Pro, Salesforce, Qlik, or similar forecasting and planning platforms.
APICS/ASCM certification or equivalent supply chain certification.
Strong understanding of statistical forecasting techniques, inventory optimization, and Forecast Value Add (FVA) methodologies.
Ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable business recommendations.
Proven ability to manage competing priorities while driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Collaborative leadership style with a passion for developing people, building partnerships, and improving supply chain performance.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain accurate monthly demand forecasts for products sold and distributed across North America.
Lead the monthly demand review process and support the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process through analysis, reporting, and cross-functional collaboration.
Partner with Marketing, Sales, Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Quality/Regulatory Affairs to develop consensus demand plans and improve forecast accuracy.
Support new product launches, promotions, commercialization activities, product transitions, and product discontinuations through effective demand planning.
Monitor demand trends, identify inventory risks, and provide recommendations to optimize inventory levels, safety stock, and customer service.
Develop and publish key performance metrics including forecast accuracy, launch performance, inventory risk analysis, and product lifecycle reporting.
Utilize forecasting tools and statistical models to generate baseline forecasts and recommend forecast adjustments.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance forecasting methodologies, reporting capabilities, and planning processes.
Lead and develop the Demand Planning & New Products Planning Analyst while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.