Demand Planning Manager

Company Overview Midea is one of the world’s largest home appliance brands, offering the most comprehensive selection of products in the world to fully serve the needs of day-to-day living at home, at work, or anywhere else you go. In North America we strive to aim high, put the customer first, transform and innovate the marketplace, utilizing our commitment, dedication, inclusion and partnership with our teams. We are a global company with over 150,000 employees and operations in more than 195 countries. As a publicly listed company, we are also ranked #245 as a Fortune Global 500 company and offers one of the most comprehensive ranges in the home appliance industry. Midea America is a subsidiary of Midea with over 200 employees in the US and we are expanding our presence in North America. Job Summary The Demand Planning Manager is responsible for leading the end-to-end demand planning function for a global home appliance business with a complex, import-driven supply chain. This role ensures the development of accurate, data-driven forecasts that align with business objectives and support optimal inventory levels despite extended overseas lead times. The role is responsible for driving demand planning excellence by integrating market intelligence, sales insights, and historical data to create a robust demand signal. Given the long supply lead times and reliance on international manufacturing, this role requires proactive scenario planning, risk mitigation, and close cross-functional collaboration to balance service levels, inventory investment, and supply constraints. This position partners closely with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Supply Planning, and overseas sourcing teams to synchronize demand and supply plans. The Manager will lead the monthly S&OP/IBP demand review process, improve forecast accuracy, and implement best-in-class planning tools and processes. Key responsibilities include managing forecast models, overseeing demand planning KPIs, identifying demand variability risks, and leading a team of planners. The role also plays a critical part in new product launches, promotional planning, and lifecycle management to ensure effective alignment with global supply capabilities. Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, deep understanding of supply chain dynamics, and the ability to operate in a fast-paced environment with long planning horizons. This leader must demonstrate strategic thinking, operational rigor, and the ability to influence stakeholders across regions and functions. Essential Job Responsibilities Lead the end-to-end demand planning process, including statistical forecasting, consensus demand planning, and demand review cycles within S&OP/IBP. Develop and maintain accurate rolling forecasts (short-, mid-, and long-term) accounting for long overseas production and transit lead times. Drive continuous improvement in forecast accuracy, bias, and demand signal quality across product categories and channels. Partner with Sales, Marketing, and Product teams to incorporate promotions, product launches, and lifecycle events into demand plans. Collaborate with Supply Planning and Sourcing teams to align demand with constrained supply capacity and long lead-time procurement windows. Implement scenario modeling and what-if analyses to proactively manage risks related to demand volatility, supply disruptions, and inventory imbalances. Establish inventory strategies (safety stock, forward buy, pre-build) to mitigate risks associated with extended replenishment cycles. Lead the monthly demand review process, ensuring alignment across commercial and operational stakeholders. Monitor and report key KPIs including forecast accuracy, forecast bias, service levels, inventory turns, and excess & obsolete inventory. Drive adoption and optimization of demand planning systems, tools, and advanced analytics capabilities. Partner with Finance to align demand plans with financial targets, including revenue and margin expectations. Ensure data integrity, master data governance, and process discipline across planning systems. Support executive decision-making with clear insights, risks, and trade-off recommendations related to demand and supply balance. Required Qualifications Ability to analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Knowledge of industry’s legal rules and guidelines. In depth knowledge of diverse business functions and principles (e.g. supply chain, finance, customer service etc.) Leadership Skills, Organizational Skills, Microsoft Office, Oracle. Problem solver who can solve complex business and technical challenges, seeks opportunities to find ways to be more efficient in each process. Great communicator who can interpret complex situations and able to communicate to different levels of organization to get a buy-in and develop consensus. Able to manage multiple projects with tight timelines and deliver results. Understand priorities and able to influence/engage with diverse team of professionals to drive change. Preferred Qualifications Advanced proficiency in supply chain software and platforms, including ERP systems and demand forecasting tools. APICS Certification. 6 Sigma Green or Black Belt. Managed large/complex supply chain projects with project management experience with global partners. Strong data analytical skills, high level skills in MS Excel. Strong collaborative problem-solver, effective communicator, strong presentational skills. Ability to forecast, analyze and prepare statistical data and metrics. Ability to handle/mine data from multiple sources to create vital reports and databases. Organized, responsible, ability to work independently and as a part of a team. Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, industrial engineering, or related field. 6+ years of Supply Chain Management Experience – PSI, Production Planning, Demand Planning, Supply Chain Management. Physical Requirements: Depending on business needs, travel to overseas factories. Ability to travel 10%. Disclaimer This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.