Senior Demand Planning Manager

Job Title: Senior Demand Planning Manager

Department: Supply Chain

Reports To: Director of Supply Chain

Location: Texas, USA.

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Senior Demand Planning Manager is responsible for leading the demand planning function to ensure accurate forecasting and alignment between sales, operations, and supply chain in a manufacturing environment. This role drives forecast accuracy, inventory optimization, and cross-functional collaboration to support business growth, service levels, and cost objectives.

The ideal candidate combines strong analytical capabilities, leadership experience, and deep understanding of manufacturing supply chain dynamics.

Key Responsibilities

1. Demand Forecasting & Planning

• Lead the development and execution of statistical and collaborative demand forecasts (short-, mid-, and long-term).
• Own and continuously improve forecast accuracy (MAPE, bias) and demand variability metrics.
• Integrate historical data, market trends, customer insights, and promotional activities into forecasting models.
• Oversee SKU-level and aggregated demand planning across product portfolios.
• Lead the demand review process within the S&OP cycle.
• Partner with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations to align consensus forecasts.
• Prepare executive-level reporting and recommendations.
• Identify risks and opportunities and propose mitigation plans.

3. Inventory & Service Optimization

• Collaborate with Supply Planning and Production teams to balance inventory levels and service targets.
• Support safety stock strategy and inventory segmentation.
• Drive improvements in inventory turns and working capital performance.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as the primary liaison between Commercial, Operations, and Finance.
• Provide demand insights to support capacity planning, procurement, and new product introductions.
• Support scenario planning and what-if analysis.

5. Systems & Process Improvement

• Optimize demand planning tools (e.g., SAP APO/IBP, Oracle, Kinaxis, Anaplan, or similar).
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives in forecasting methodology.
• Standardize demand planning processes across business units or regions.
• Leverage data analytics and automation tools to enhance visibility and accuracy.
• Lead and develop a team of Demand Planners/Analysts.
• Set KPIs, coach team members, and build succession plans.
• Foster a data-driven, collaborative planning culture.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• MBA or master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• 8–12+ years of experience in demand planning, supply chain, or operations within a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 3–5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong experience with S&OP or Integrated Business Planning (IBP).

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in forecasting tools and ERP systems.
• Strong Excel and data analytics skills.
• Experience with BI tools (Power BI, Tableau, etc.) preferred.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, production planning, and inventory management.

Certifications (Preferred)

• APICS CPIM or CSCP

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Advanced analytical and quantitative skills
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Change management capability

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Forecast Accuracy (MAPE)
• Inventory Turns
• Working Capital Improvement
• S&OP adherence and process maturity

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Improved forecast accuracy and reduced demand volatility.
• Strong cross-functional alignment in the S&OP process.
• Optimized inventory without compromising service levels.
• A high-performing and engaged demand planning team.
• Scalable demand planning processes supporting business growth.