Demand Manager

Description

The US Demand Manager will play a critical role in driving accurate demand planning and effective Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) processes. This individual will lead the monthly U.S. demand reviews, support the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process, and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment between demand forecasts and business objectives. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in demand planning, statistical analysis, and process improvement to contribute to organizational success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Demand Planning Leadership:
  • Lead monthly U.S. demand reviews, ensuring accurate and data-driven forecasts.
  • Collaborate with sales, marketing, and operations teams to gather insights and validate demand assumptions (risks & opportunities).
  • Prepare Sales & Operations Planning meetings for the local subsidiary by challenging the marketing team on forecast changes and product Phase In/Phase Out through monthly local demand reviews.
• S&OP and IBP Support:
  • Facilitate S&OP meetings to align on forecasts, inventory targets, and business priorities.
  • Support the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process by providing actionable insights and comprehensive demand data.
  • Challenge forecast accuracy of the subsidiary in cooperation with the regional demand manager.
  • Collaborate with Finance teams to review consistency of forecasts versus budget and to support budget and LBE exercises.
• Data Analysis and Forecasting:
  • Utilize statistical tools and methodologies to analyze historical data and predict future demand trends.
  • Monitor key demand planning metrics and implement corrective actions as needed.
  • Manage outlier detection and sales history cleansing to ensure data accuracy and reliability.
  • Perform replenishment and stock management on local flows (equipment, spare parts, mono lot & replenish-to-Order, and local 3rd party products) in coordination with the replenishment manager and logistics referent.
• Process Improvement:
  • Identify opportunities to enhance demand planning processes and tools.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve forecast accuracy and efficiency.
  • Drive supply chain continuous improvement through on-demand analytics, KPI tracking, and root cause analysis.
• Collaboration and Communication:
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on demand plans and address potential discrepancies.
  • Manage communication about product availabilities and warehouse activity in case of delays in the subsidiary, in coordination with the sales admin team, replenishment planners, and logistics referent.
  • Communicate demand forecasts and related updates to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment.
  • Contribute to the network of Demand Planners across NORAM and LATAM, fostering collective dynamics and international exposure.
• Product Life Cycle Management:
  • Support product life cycle management (LCM), with a strong focus on launch excellence and effective phase-in/phase-out strategies.
  • Attend Go-To-Market meetings and contribute to launch excellence initiatives
  • Develop and manage detailed demand forecasts for new product introductions to ensure successful market entry and alignment with launch plans.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan and manage demand for products being phased out, ensuring minimal disruption to supply and optimized inventory levels.
  • Align forecasts with marketing and sales plans for both new and discontinued products to maintain operational efficiency.
• Additional Responsibilities:
  • Support U.S. projects as assigned.
  • Support the instrument allocation process to optimize resource utilization.
  • Lead quarterly equipment forecast reviews to align on demand and capacity planning.
  • Work and communicate effectively with global Brand Demand Managers (BDMs) and inventory managers in France.

Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Statistics, or a related field is required.
  • Master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience leading demand reviews or demand planning processes.
  • Minimum 5 years Supply Chain or related business experience required.
  • Familiarity with the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process is preferred.
• Skills:
  • Strong analytical and statistical skills; experience with statistical forecasting tools is preferred.
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional and global team environment.
  • Proficiency in demand planning software and tools (e.g., SAP APO, or equivalent).
  • Ability to navigate cultural differences and work collaboratively in a diverse, global setting.
• Other Requirements:
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
  • Comfortable to work in a global work environment and demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to cultural differences.