Demand Forecast PLanning Manager

Job Summary The Demand Forecast Planning Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the company’s demand plan while translating that plan into timely and optimal purchasing decisions. The manager leads a team of four Demand Planners and one Senior Demand Planner, overseeing the end‑to‑end forecasting process and the generation of purchase orders (POs) to maintain service levels and inventory targets. This Manager acts as the primary link between Sales, Marketing, and Warehouse Operations, driving consensus demand review. Location: Tabor City, North Carolina Job Type: Permanent Salary: $75,000 – $95,000 per year Work Hours: 9 am to 5 pm Education: Bachelor’s Degree Responsibilities Demand Planning & Strategy Process ownership: Own the entire monthly demand forecasting cycle for the product portfolio, ensuring timely submission of the final consensus forecast. Strategic forecasting: Oversee short‑term (1‑3 month) and long‑term (12‑24 month) demand forecasts, incorporating market intelligence, sales trends, promotional plans, and new product introductions. CPFR leadership: Lead and facilitate Customer‑Scheduled Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment meetings. Performance management: Establish, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) including forecast accuracy and order fill rates, and implement continuous improvement initiatives. Team Leadership & Development Directly manage the Demand Planner team, providing coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback. Work‑load management: Assign and balance forecasting responsibilities across product lines and geographic areas. Talent development: Identify training needs, promote professional growth, and mentor the team to utilize advanced statistical methods and forecasting software. Procurement & Inventory Management Purchase order generation: Oversee the conversion of the finalized demand plan into actionable POs aligned with inventory strategies, lead times, and supplier agreements. Inventory optimization: Partner with Supply Planning and Finance to set optimal inventory targets (safety stock, min/max levels) and monitor inventory health, driving actions to minimize excess, slow‑moving, and obsolete stock. Supplier relations: Monitor supplier performance related to on‑time delivery and quantity, addressing constraints that impact PO fulfillment. Expediting: Review inventory timing and work with suppliers to improve ship dates, recommending expedited shipments via ocean or air as appropriate. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications 3–5 years of experience directly managing or leading a team of planners. 5–7 years of forecasting or demand planning experience. Advanced Excel skills. Strong working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and the integration of demand planning with purchase order generation (NetSuite experience preferred). Proven expertise in statistical forecasting methodologies and proficiency with advanced planning systems. Strong problem‑solving, analytical, organizational, and time‑management skills. Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills capable of driving consensus among senior leaders. Education Requirements Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience. Other Incumbent work hours and schedule may change based on business needs. Other duties may be assigned as business necessitates. The company has a zero tolerance policy regarding insubordination and refusal to comply with work directions. Dress code is business casual attire. Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status. #J-18808-Ljbffr