Demand Planning Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Demand Planning Manager

Location: Carlsbad, CA (Onsite)

Company Overview

Our client is a growing manufacturer of industrial automation products, operator interface technologies, control systems, and electronic switching solutions serving customers across multiple markets worldwide. They are seeking an experienced Demand Planning Manager to lead forecasting, inventory planning, production planning alignment, and S&OP initiatives for a complex, high-mix product environment.

Position Summary

The Demand Planning Manager is responsible for driving forecast accuracy, inventory optimization, and cross-functional planning efforts across multiple business units. This role will oversee demand planning processes, lead S&OP activities, manage inventory planning strategies, and provide executive-level analytics to support business decisions.

The position supervises one Production Control Coordinator and serves as a key liaison between Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, and Executive Leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Demand Planning & Forecasting

• Develop and manage demand forecasts across a diverse product portfolio.
• Support planning activities for:
• • 1,000+ manufactured SKUs
  • 5,000+ finished goods and purchased products
• Maintain rolling demand plans and projections across a 3-month planning horizon.
• Analyze market trends, customer demand patterns, and business drivers to improve forecast accuracy.

Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)

• Lead and continuously improve the S&OP process.
• Facilitate monthly planning reviews with Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, and Executive Leadership.
• Align demand forecasts with production capacity and inventory strategies.
• Develop executive-level reports to drive decision-making.

Inventory Planning & Management

• Manage inventory planning strategies supporting approximately $6M-$8M in inventory investment.
• Establish safety stock methodologies and replenishment strategies.
• Monitor inventory performance, service levels, excess inventory, and inventory turns.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Purchasing teams to optimize inventory availability while minimizing carrying costs.

Analytics & Reporting

• Develop advanced reporting and forecasting models using Excel and ERP data.
• Present demand planning metrics and business insights to U.S. and global leadership teams.
• Support business units generating approximately $11M-$12M in monthly revenue.
• Create dashboards and KPIs to improve planning visibility and forecast performance.

Leadership

• Manage and mentor a Production Control Coordinator.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across planning and inventory management functions.
• Promote best practices in forecasting, planning, and inventory control.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of demand planning, supply chain planning, forecasting, inventory management, or S&OP experience.
• Experience in a high-mix manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading or developing an S&OP process.
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including:
• • Pivot Tables
  • XLOOKUP
  • Conditional formulas
  • Data modeling and analysis
• Strong communication and executive presentation skills.

Preferred

• APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent).
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Background in industrial manufacturing, electronics, automation, controls, or electromechanical products.
• Experience supporting global operations and executive reporting.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strategic planner who can balance forecast accuracy, inventory investment, customer service levels, and operational efficiency while effectively communicating with stakeholders ranging from production teams to executive leadership.