Manager, Demand Planning

Position Summary

The Senior Manager, Demand Planning is responsible for developing and managing short- and long-term demand forecasts for products distributed across North America. This strategic leadership role partners closely with Sales, Marketing, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Supply Planning, and Quality/Regulatory Affairs to ensure forecast accuracy, optimize inventory investments, support customer service objectives, and enable supplier capacity planning.

The role leads the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, drives continuous improvement in forecasting and inventory management, and oversees demand planning activities related to new product launches, promotions, product transitions, and discontinuations.

• Lead demand planning activities supporting businesses sourcing inventory through the North American Logistics Center in Auburn, MA, including KSUS, KSEC, KSEM, KSVEA, and the U.S. OR1 Division.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and lead Demand Planning team members.
• Facilitate cross-functional forecasting reviews and develop consensus demand plans with Sales, Marketing, and Purchasing.
• Maintain and communicate short- and long-range demand forecasts to Global Demand Planning.
• Lead the monthly S&OP process to align demand, supply, inventory, and business objectives.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support new product launches, commercialization activities, promotions, and product transitions.
• Establish processes to proactively identify supply risks, inventory challenges, and forecast gaps.
• Develop and enhance reporting and performance metrics, including forecast accuracy, new product launch performance, and product discontinuation results.
• Utilize forecasting tools, predictive analytics, and Forecast Value Add (FVA) methodologies to improve forecast performance and business outcomes.
• Review and update SKU classifications and continuously evaluate forecasting technologies, systems, and best practices to drive improvement.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of Demand Planning and/or Supply Chain experience.
• 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong Excel skills and knowledge of forecasting methodologies.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills.

• APICS certification.
• Experience with SAP/ERP systems.
• Knowledge of Forecast Pro, Salesforce, Qlik View, and IBP.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Travel:
  Up to 10%
• Direct Reports:
  Demand Planning & New Products Planning Analyst
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Ability to sit for extended periods.
• Key Stakeholders:
  Sales, Marketing, Purchasing, Supply Planning, Manufacturing, QM/RA, Sample Operations, and third-party suppliers.

This is a high-impact leadership role that directly influences inventory performance, customer service levels, supply chain efficiency, and overall business success.