Demand Planning Manager

Overview The Demand Planning Manager is responsible for leading the end-to-end Demand Planning process for the assigned region, driving continuous improvements in Forecast Accuracy and Forecast Bias to support informed business decisions. This role serves as the central point of coordination across Sales, Marketing, Finance, Global Supply, and Operations, ensuring alignment around a single, consensus demand plan. The Demand Planning Manager leads the Demand Review component of the Sales & Operations Planning process, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, identifying risks and opportunities, and translating market and business insights into actionable planning scenarios. Through strong commercial acumen and analytical expertise, this role provides strategic recommendations and decision support to senior leadership while continuously enhancing forecasting processes, tools, and capabilities. Key performance measures for the role include Forecast Accuracy and Forecast Bias. Responsibilities Lead Demand Planning for the Assigned Region Develop and manage the regional demand plan, driving continuous improvements in Forecast Accuracy and Forecast Bias. Partner with Sales, Marketing, Customer Teams, and other stakeholders to develop a robust, data-driven demand forecast. Facilitate alignment on the unconstrained demand plan and communicate supply-driven adjustments and impacts to key stakeholders. Lead the Regional S&OP Demand Review Process Coordinate and facilitate Demand Review activities within the Sales & Operations Planning process. Ensure timely collection, validation, and consolidation of demand inputs across assigned regions. Prepare, review, and publish materials supporting each phase of the S&OP process. Document and communicate key decisions, actions, risks, and opportunities arising from S&OP reviews. Deliver Business Insights and Executive Reporting Lead demand analytics and provide actionable insights to support strategic and operational decision-making. Develop executive summaries and management updates highlighting forecast performance, business drivers, risks, and opportunities. Support annual operating plans and long-range planning processes through demand forecasting, scenario analysis, and commercial insights. Advance analytical capabilities that improve forecast quality, business understanding, and decision support. Maintain Direct Forecast Ownership Serve as a hands-on leader with direct responsibility for forecasting and demand planning activities for designated customers, channels, or business segments. Perform in-depth demand analysis and develop forecast recommendations based on market trends, customer insights, and business drivers. Balance people leadership responsibilities with active participation in the forecasting process. Lead and Develop the Demand Planning Team Provide leadership, coaching, and development for assigned Demand Planning resources. Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, analytical excellence, and continuous improvement. Drive adoption, training, and effective utilization of planning platforms and analytics tools, including o9 and Domo. Drive Planning Process Excellence Identify, prioritize, and implement opportunities to improve forecasting methodologies, planning processes, and system capabilities. Lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance forecast quality, process efficiency, and organizational alignment. Serve as a process owner for demand planning systems, tools, parameters, and governance standards. Champion Industry Best Practices Stay informed on emerging forecasting methodologies, supply chain trends, and demand planning best practices. Apply leading practices and innovative approaches to strengthen planning capabilities and business performance. Additional Responsibilities Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Qualifications REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: Degree minimum: Bachelor’s Degree Specific concentration: Business, Engineering, Data Science Experience level: 8+ years in Supply Chain positions; minimum of 4 years of supply chain planning experience PREFERRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: Supply Chain Certification: APICS-ASCM CPIM/CSCP or IBF certification 3-5 years experience with retail forecasting Demonstrated experience using o9 Solutions planning software Prior experience with direct people leadership SPECIALIZED TRAINING OR SKILLS REQUIRED: This position requires the ability to manage the flow of data, perform analysis, generate summary reports, and communicate by voice or data while being connected in the office, at home or while travelling by laptop or mobile device regularly without regard to time zone or day of the week.