Demand Planning & Inventory Strategy Manager

Demand Planning & Inventory Strategy Manager

Location: based full-time on-site in Aurora, IL, a hub of industrial and logistical activity in the Midwest.

Work Environment: The role requires regular interaction with various internal departments and may involve occasional travel to supplier or partner locations.

A leading innovator in high-tech communications and network infrastructure solutions is seeking a Demand Planning & Inventory Strategy Manager to lead and optimize the company’s demand planning and S&OP strategy. This is a critical, high-impact role that directly influences supply chain efficiency and customer satisfaction, offering a strong opportunity for career growth within a dynamic manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate thrives in cross-functional collaboration, is data-driven, and excels in aligning stakeholders toward a unified supply chain vision. If you're passionate about forecasting, operations planning, and working with teams to solve complex supply and demand challenges, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

• Lead S&OP Process – Spearhead monthly Sales & Operations Planning meetings, driving alignment across operations, sales, engineering, product, and supply chain functions.
• Strategic Demand Forecasting – Develop, maintain, and enhance forecasts across a diversified product portfolio, using historical data, customer insights, and market trends.
• Order-to-Production Optimization – Ensure alignment of build-to-order and buy-to-order products with the MRP system and production plans.
• Collaborative Planning – Work cross-functionally with product management, purchasing, and production teams to ensure production readiness and material availability.
• Sales Order Oversight – Monitor daily sales orders for alignment with forecast and capacity plans, proactively resolving discrepancies or constraints.
• Forecast Model Development – Use statistical models and demand drivers to assess and improve forecast accuracy and performance.
• Inventory & Capacity Alignment – Partner with internal stakeholders to balance material lead times, production capacity, and demand needs for on-time delivery.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• 3+ years of experience in demand planning, production planning, or supply chain operations within a manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Proven experience leading or significantly contributing to a Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning software (SAP a bonus) and forecasting tools a definite plus
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a strategic mindset.
• Effective communicator with a collaborative leadership style.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

• Opportunity to lead planning initiatives at a company focused on innovation and operational excellence.
• Highly visible role that interacts directly with leadership and shapes supply chain outcomes.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• A collaborative, values-driven company culture built on accountability and empowerment.

If you’re ready to take your supply chain planning career to the next level and lead impactful, data-informed decision-making, apply today to learn more.

Blue Signal is a leading executive search firm, specializing in logistics & supply chain recruitment. Our logistics & supply chain recruiting team has a proven track record of finding top-performing talent in areas such as logistics leadership, supply chain technology, and operations. Lean more /44lDv L4