Corporate Director of Sales & Operations Planning

Corporate Director of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) Position Summary

The Corporate Director of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) is responsible for leading the organization's integrated business planning process, aligning sales forecasts, demand planning, supply chain operations, inventory management, and financial objectives. This strategic leadership role drives cross-functional collaboration to optimize operational performance, improve forecast accuracy, maximize customer satisfaction, and support profitable growth.

The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical capabilities, executive-level communication skills, and a proven track record of leading S&OP processes within a complex manufacturing, distribution, or consumer products environment.

• Lead and continuously improve the company's Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process across all business units.
• Develop and execute integrated business planning strategies that align operational capabilities with corporate growth objectives.
• Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership regarding demand, supply, inventory, capacity, and business performance.
• Drive organizational alignment between Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Product Management, and Customer Service teams.

• Oversee demand forecasting processes, ensuring forecast accuracy and alignment with market trends, sales initiatives, and business objectives.
• Partner with Sales and Marketing teams to evaluate promotional plans, new product launches, and market opportunities.
• Collaborate with Operations and Supply Chain leaders to balance customer demand with production capacity and inventory targets.
• Identify risks and opportunities within demand and supply plans and develop mitigation strategies.

• Establish inventory strategies that support customer service goals while optimizing working capital.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including forecast accuracy, inventory turns, service levels, fill rates, and capacity utilization.
• Lead scenario planning and business modeling to support strategic decision-making.
• Develop actionable recommendations based on data analysis and operational performance trends.

• Partner closely with Finance to align operational plans with revenue, margin, and profitability goals.
• Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range strategic planning processes.
• Ensure alignment between operational plans and financial commitments.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance planning effectiveness and organizational efficiency.
• Champion the use of technology, ERP systems, and planning tools to improve visibility, reporting, and decision-making.
• Establish standardized planning processes, governance structures, and best practices across the organization.
• Lead organizational change management efforts related to planning and operational excellence.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Finance, or related field.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in Sales & Operations Planning, Supply Chain, Demand Planning, Operations, or Integrated Business Planning.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and enterprise-wide planning processes.
• Strong understanding of forecasting methodologies, inventory management, supply chain operations, and financial planning.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as Net Suite, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar platforms.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, business intelligence tools, and data analytics.
• Proven ability to influence executive stakeholders and drive organizational alignment.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and leadership skills.

• Experience in manufacturing, consumer products, distribution, automotive, industrial, or durable goods industries.
• APICS/ASCM certifications (CPIM, CSCP, IBF, or equivalent) preferred.
• Experience leading Integrated Business Planning (IBP) transformations.
• Expertise in demand planning, inventory optimization, and operational strategy.

• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
• Integrated Business Planning (IBP)
• Forecasting & Demand Planning
• Supply Chain Management
• Inventory Optimization
• Financial Acumen
• Data Analytics & Reporting
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Process Improvement
• Change Management
• Executive Communication
• Team Development & Coaching

• Forecast Accuracy Improvement
• Inventory Optimization
• Customer Service Level Achievement
• Working Capital Reduction Revenue and Margin Attainment
• S&OP Process Maturity
• Cross-Functional Alignment
• Operational Efficiency Improvements