Demand Planning & Inventory Strategy Manager

Demand Planning & Inventory Strategy Manager Location: based full-time on-site in Aurora, IL, a hub of industrial and logistical activity in the Midwest. Work Environment: The role requires regular interaction with various internal departments and may involve occasional travel to supplier or partner locations. A leading innovator in high-tech communications and network infrastructure solutions is seeking a Demand Planning & Inventory Strategy Manager to lead and optimize the company’s demand planning and S&OP strategy. This is a critical, high-impact role that directly influences supply chain efficiency and customer satisfaction, offering a strong opportunity for career growth within a dynamic manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate thrives in cross-functional collaboration, is data-driven, and excels in aligning stakeholders toward a unified supply chain vision. If you’re passionate about forecasting, operations planning, and working with teams to solve complex supply and demand challenges, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. Key Responsibilities Lead S&OP Process – Spearhead monthly Sales & Operations Planning meetings, driving alignment across operations, sales, engineering, product, and supply chain functions. Strategic Demand Forecasting – Develop, maintain, and enhance forecasts across a diversified product portfolio, using historical data, customer insights, and market trends. Order-to-Production Optimization – Ensure alignment of build-to-order and buy-to-order products with the MRP system and production plans. Collaborative Planning – Work cross-functionally with product management, purchasing, and production teams to ensure production readiness and material availability. Sales Order Oversight – Monitor daily sales orders for alignment with forecast and capacity plans, proactively resolving discrepancies or constraints. Forecast Model Development – Use statistical models and demand drivers to assess and improve forecast accuracy and performance. Inventory & Capacity Alignment – Partner with internal stakeholders to balance material lead times, production capacity, and demand needs for on-time delivery. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent professional experience). 3+ years of experience in demand planning, production planning, or supply chain operations within a manufacturing or distribution environment. Proven experience leading or significantly contributing to a Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process. Experience with enterprise resource planning software (SAP a bonus) and forecasting tools a definite plus Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a strategic mindset. Effective communicator with a collaborative leadership style. Ability to manage competing priorities and thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Why Join This Team Opportunity to lead planning initiatives at a company focused on innovation and operational excellence. Highly visible role that interacts directly with leadership and shapes supply chain outcomes. Competitive compensation and benefits package. A collaborative, values-driven company culture built on accountability and empowerment. If you’re ready to take your supply chain planning career to the next level and lead impactful, data-informed decision-making, apply today to learn more. About Blue Signal Blue Signal is a leading executive search firm, specializing in logistics & supply chain recruitment. Our logistics & supply chain recruiting team has a proven track record of finding top-performing talent in areas such as logistics leadership, supply chain technology, and operations. Lean more at bit.ly/44lDvL4 #J-18808-Ljbffr Blue-Signal-Search