Associate Director, Demand & Supply Planning

Overview

The Role Reporting to the Supply Chain Regional Sr Director, the Associate Director of Demand and Supply Planning leads the development of integrated strategies that maximize fill rates, optimize inventory, and drive supply chain efficiency. By fostering cross-functional alignment and championing continuous improvement, you will ensure seamless integration between commercial forecasts, operational capabilities, and strategic goals. Acting as a key connector across Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations teams, the Associate Director enables a responsive, agile, and cost-effective supply chain that meets evolving market demands.

• Demand Planning Leadership
  • Oversee the demand planning process to ensure the development of data-driven forecasts across all sectors.
  • Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, and Finance to resolve gaps between Consensus Forecast and Budget/LE, targeting "one number".
  • Drive continuous improvement in forecast accuracy (MAPE/BIAS/Outlier) through analytics, PDCA, and process refinement.
• Supply Planning and Inventory Optimization
  • Oversee the supply planning process to ensure optimal inventory levels, maximizing service levels, minimizing slow moving/obsolete, and driving cost efficiency across the network.
  • Drive efficient scheduling processes for in-house manufacturing, balancing capacity and efficiencies against supply planning objectives.
  • Ensure contingency planning and risk mitigation strategies are developed and implemented.
  • Initiate and support Total Cost Reduction (TCR) activities to improve Total Supply Chain Costs.
  • Partner with Procurement, Quality, Logistics and other SCM cross teams to deliver supply chain excellence and support business objectives.
  • Collaborate with Affiliates to ensure pan-regional and broader objectives are met on service and inventory.
• Data & Systems Development
  • Champion the use of advanced tools as well as simple visualization options to drive efficiencies and enhance responsiveness.
  • Ensure data integrity and support scenario planning for strategic initiatives.
• Team Leadership & Development
  • Manage and mentor the Demand & Supply Planning team, fostering a climate of accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Build team capabilities through coaching, training, and performance management.
  • Promote collaboration across broader SCM teams to drive operational excellence.
• Stakeholder Communication and Support
  • Communicate risks, opportunities, and mitigation strategies proactively across key business partners.
  • Support cross teams within and beyond supply chain and influence decisions that drive the business.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Data Analytics or related field (Master's Preferred).
• 8+ years progressive experience in supply chain, demand planning, or operations management.
• 5+ years in leadership or managerial roles (within Consumer Goods Industry preferred).
• Proven experience with S&OP/IBP processes, forecasting, and inventory optimization.
• Strong analytical, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence without direct authority.

A friendly and flexible work environment with competitive compensation packages, benefits, ongoing development and the opportunity to enhance your skills and deliver tangible results. Kao supports employee voice and values new ideas.

Kao embraces diversity and the individual personalities of its people and welcomes applications from all areas of the global community.

If you feel you are as unique as our products and want to find out why 33,000 people across the globe opted for a career with us, please visit our Americas website:

Kao USA is an equal opportunity employer, including disability/vets.

This is a hybrid remote/in-office role.