Demand Planning Manager

Demand Planning ManagerOur client is seeking a Demand Planning Manager to lead demand planning, forecasting, and sales and operations planning activities across a multi-site manufacturing environment. This strategic role is responsible for developing and managing an accurate, consensus-driven demand plan that supports supply chain execution, inventory optimization, and business performance objectives.The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in demand planning, forecasting, and S&OP processes, along with the ability to collaborate across commercial, customer service, operations, finance, and supply chain teams. This individual will play a key role in enhancing forecast accuracy, improving demand visibility, driving continuous process improvement, and supporting advanced planning system initiatives.What You'll DoOwn and manage regional demand forecasts across products, customers, and locations.Develop and maintain an unconstrained demand plan to support supply planning, inventory management, and operational decision-making.Ensure demand plans are aligned with commercial strategies, customer requirements, and business objectives.Lead statistical forecasting processes and utilize forecasting models to drive forecast accuracy.Facilitate demand review cycles with commercial and cross-functional stakeholders.Document forecast assumptions, risks, opportunities, and key business drivers.Lead demand review meetings and communicate approved demand plans to supply planning teams.Monitor forecast accuracy, bias, error metrics, and planning performance indicators.Identify demand volatility, market shifts, and forecasting risks while proactively communicating business impacts.Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to forecasting methodologies, planning processes, and data quality.Own demand segmentation strategies and ensure appropriate planning approaches are applied across products and customers.Partner with supply planning teams to align demand segmentation with inventory and replenishment strategies.Serve as a key contributor to Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes.Present demand outlooks, planning scenarios, risks, and opportunities to leadership teams.Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, Finance, Operations, and Supply Chain stakeholders to ensure alignment across the planning process.Provide analytical insights and recommendations to support decision-making and business planning activities.Support the implementation and optimization of advanced planning systems and demand planning tools.Ensure data governance, planning discipline, and forecasting best practices are maintained.Partner with internal teams to support master data accuracy and planning process effectiveness.Assist with change management, user adoption, and capability development initiatives related to demand planning and S&OP maturity.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field preferred.APICS CPIM, CSCP, or similar supply chain certification is a plus.7-10 years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, supply chain planning, or integrated business planning environments.Proven experience leading regional, multi-site, or enterprise demand planning processes.Strong experience supporting Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) initiatives.Hands-on experience with SAP IBP or comparable advanced planning and forecasting systems.Experience within manufacturing, industrial, distribution, or other complex supply chain environments preferred.Strong understanding of demand planning methodologies, statistical forecasting, and inventory planning principles.Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate large data sets into actionable business insights.Experience monitoring forecast accuracy, bias, and other key planning metrics.Strong stakeholder management, facilitation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.Ability to influence decision-making within a matrixed organizational structure.Experience supporting planning system implementations, process improvements, and supply chain transformation initiatives.Excellent communication, presentation, problem-solving, and organizational skills.Proficiency with ERP systems, planning tools, and Microsoft Excel.