Manager of Demand Planning
About The Position
The Manager of Demand Planning is the strategic and operational leader responsible for building and executing a best-in-class demand planning function. This role is critical in driving forecast accuracy, improving customer service levels, and enabling efficient inventory and supply chain execution. The Manager will oversee all aspects of the demand planning process, including statistical forecasting, sales collaboration, and integration with the S&OP process (Steps 2 and 3). The role requires strong cross-functional leadership and deep analytical capability. This position is responsible for creating a reliable and unbiased demand signal across time horizons, identifying and quantifying risks and opportunities, and ensuring alignment across sales, marketing, finance, and operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong command of forecasting tools, planning systems, and customer and market dynamics that drive demand.
Requirements
- B.S. or BA in supply chain management, science and/or engineering.
- 5+ years of supply chain experience for a global or multi-plant consumer packaged goods company.
- Proven Demand Planning experience is required, including forecasting, inventory management, or collaborative planning.
- Experience with ERP and Advanced Planning Systems (preferably Blue Yonder, Kinaxis).
- Experience in developing and implementing supply chain planning processes and managing them through deployment of an APS system.
Nice To Haves
- Master or advanced degree (sciences or business) preferred.
Responsibilities
- Lead ownership of the demand planning process for Nature’s Bakery, with accountability for forecast accuracy and bias targets.
- Serve as process owner for driving disciplined and structured demand consensus reviews.
- Manage all forecast handoffs and alignment with supply planning and execution teams.
- Provide Step 2 and Step 3 S&OP inputs, ensuring data integrity and actionable insights at the account/channel and SKU level.
- Drive collaboration with sales, marketing, and customers via the 30/60/90 forecasting process.
- Deliver account-level reporting and insights, including risks, gaps to plan, and forecast opportunities.
- Partner with key account managers to support VIP account planning and alignment.
- Champion continuous improvement (CI) initiatives within the demand planning function to enhance forecasting processes and tools.
- Apply strong analytical and numerical skills to synthesize multiple demand inputs into one reliable demand signal.
- Identify and correct inconsistencies or biases in forecasting data and methodologies.
- Translate customer and market dynamics into accurate forecasts that support business objectives.
- In the event of demand/supply misalignment or constrained supply, provide clear prioritization based on customer and business impact.
- Navigate complex demand scenarios, promotional plans, and new product launches with confidence and clarity.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance offered for eligible employees
- 401(k) plan with a company match that vest on day 1 of eligibility
- Paid vacation
- Paid time off
- Holiday pay (11 days)
- Paid short-term disability
- Paid life insurance
- Banfield Pet Insurance Discounts
- Wellness Benefits and Discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
