Business Systems Lead - Demand Planning

Role: Business Systems Lead – Demand Planning (SAP IBP)

Contract Length: Contract-to-hire (6 Months)

Location: Denver, CO (Hybrid)

Position Overview

The Business Systems Lead serves as the connection between business requirements and technology execution within SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP), with an emphasis on demand planning. This individual will translate key demand planning processes, including statistical forecasting, demand sensing, forecast disaggregation, and demand review activities, into IBP design and configuration requirements.

The position also supports multiple phases of the implementation lifecycle, including design workshops, system integration testing (SIT), user acceptance testing (UAT), issue resolution, cutover planning, and post-go-live support.

The organization is preparing for a phased SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) implementation. The first phase will focus on demand planning, followed by a later supply planning phase. This position will support the demand planning workstream.

The role is intended as a support and coordination position rather than an implementation leadership role. Responsibilities include assisting with testing activities, collaborating with business users, and supporting implementation efforts. The ideal candidate brings approximately 5 to 10 years of demand planning experience, along with exposure to demand planning system implementations.

Key Priorities

1. Direct demand planning experience (most important qualification).
2. Experience implementing a demand planning platform, with SAP IBP strongly preferred.
3. Working knowledge of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes.
4. Professional certifications related to supply chain planning are considered a plus.

Core Responsibilities

• Support SAP IBP activities throughout the project lifecycle, including design workshops, SIT/UAT execution, defect management, solution deployment, cutover activities, and hypercare support.
• Translate demand planning processes such as statistical forecasting, demand sensing, forecast disaggregation, and consensus planning into IBP configurations and key figure requirements.
• Collaborate closely with demand planners and commercial business stakeholders.
• Coordinate testing efforts and assist business users with test preparation and execution.
• Deliver training and support for end users and power users.
• Assist with troubleshooting production issues and performing root cause analysis.
• Participate in data governance, data migration, and integration activities that support the demand planning process.

Required Qualifications

• 5 to 10 years of demand planning experience.
• Experience implementing a demand planning solution.
• SAP IBP for Demand experience is strongly preferred;
  experience with SAP APODP, o9, Blue Yonder/JDA, or Kinaxis is also acceptable.
• Knowledge of S&OP and demand-driven planning processes.
• Comfortable working in a support and coordination role rather than as a senior implementation lead or architect.
• Experience focused on SAP IBP for Demand;
  extensive SAP ERP experience is not required.

Preferred Certifications

• APICS/ASCM CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management)
• APICS/ASCM CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional)
• IBF CPF or ACPF (Certified Professional Forecaster)
• SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP)