S&OP Demand Planning Manager

The S&OP Demand Planning Manager is responsible for leading demand planning as part of the Sales & Operations Planning process. The incumbent serves as the coordinator of the S&OP process and ensures that all data packets are published in advance of the scheduled meetings. The Demand Planning Manager regularly interacts with sales, marketing, finance, and operations to obtain current, accurate, and relevant product and market intelligence. He/she also communicates at all levels of the organization and is a key participant in the Executive S&OP meeting each month. The incumbent manages the development of demand forecasts at multiple levels of aggregation and time horizons. He/she reviews historical sales trends, compiles sales inputs, prepares forecast data, develops statistical forecast models, and evaluates forecast results. This role reconciles significant variances and refines the forecast model to reflect updated sales and market assumptions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares relevant material in advance for sales leadership to assist in development of the forecast
• Achieves consensus for operational demand forecasts by facilitating a collaborative planning process with sales, marketing and finance personnel
• Collaborates with plant leadership and marketing in planning for new products and promotions
• Maintains the demand planning models and reports. Develops the total demand plan for a rolling 18-month horizon for assigned plants. Validates the forecast numbers in advance of the Demand Review to ensure high quality
• Ensures solid documentation of monthly demand adjustments by plant, product family, and sales leader
• Communicates forecast changes (+ or -) and anticipates questions that may be posed during Demand Review and ELT meetings
• Leads the Demand and Supply Review steps of the S&OP process. Regularly issues action items recorded during the Demand, RCCP, IRAP and ELT S&OP Meetings and follows up on responses prior to the next meeting
• Serves as the coordinator of the S&OP process and drives adherence to the actions and calendar of the S&OP process
• Monitors and reports weekly on actual demand vs. forecasted demand within the current month. Acts as a liaison between sales, marketing, and operations when actual demand diverges significantly from forecasted demand to identify root cause issues and actions
• Tracks and reports monthly forecast accuracy as well as other operational reports published by the Planning group
• Presents, solicits, and assesses feedback on the various forecasts from sales and finance. Recommends forecast adjustments based on trends and historical data
• Coordinates cross-functional resolution of day to day issues related to demand and plant load balancing
• Assists in developing the Annual Budget by incorporating assumptions from Finance into the current demand forecast
• Supports the S&OP Director in advancing the maturity of the Sales & Operations Planning process and associated accountabilities
• Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. Degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Operations or similar discipline required
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in leading demand planning as part of the Sales & Operations Planning process, managing the development of demand forecasts, developing statistical forecast models, and evaluates forecast results
• Strong analytical and problem solving capabilities
• Customer focus with attention to detail and ability to see the “big picture”
• Good understanding of the S&OP process and able to articulate the objectives and roles for each process step
• Highly collaborative and process focused
• Solid written and verbal communication skills
• Strong facilitation and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with all functions and levels
• Advanced knowledge and application of Microsoft Excel, Word, pivot tables, and PowerPoint
• Power BI or other analytical software experience is a plus
• Demand Management or Forecasting Certifications a Plus (Oliver Wight, IBF, or Similar)
• Kinaxis Certifications a Plus (Kinaxis Contributor Certification or Kinaxis Administrator Certification)
• Position requires some domestic travel (<20%)