Director of Demand Planning

Position Summary:

The Director of Demand Planning is responsible for developing and executing demand forecasting strategies that drive operational efficiency, enhance customer service levels, and optimize the supply chain network. This role ensures alignment between demand forecasts and supply chain capabilities, leveraging advanced analytics, collaborative planning, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance network performance. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, deep analytical expertise, and a track record of driving demand planning excellence within a complex supply chain.

Key Responsibilities:

Demand Planning & Forecasting

• Develop and lead the demand planning process to improve forecast accuracy and inventory efficiency.
• Implement statistical models and AI-driven forecasting techniques to enhance demand predictability.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, finance, and operations to ensure alignment between demand forecasts and business objectives.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track forecast accuracy, bias, and responsiveness.

Lean Planning & Inventory Optimization

• Drive the adoption of Lean planning techniques, including Pull Systems, Min/Max replenishment, and Kanban, to optimize inventory levels and reduce waste.
• Implement demand-driven supply chain strategies, ensuring inventory replenishment aligns with real-time consumption patterns.
• Develop inventory segmentation strategies based on ABC/XYZ analysis, demand variability, and service level requirements.
• Partner with supply planning to establish dynamic safety stock models, balancing customer service levels with working capital efficiency.
• Lead value stream mapping initiatives to identify and eliminate inefficiencies in the demand planning process.

Network Optimization & Supply Chain Efficiency

• Partner with supply planning and logistics teams to optimize network design and enhance inventory positioning across distribution centers.
• Utilize advanced analytics to identify demand shifts, bottlenecks, and capacity constraints that impact service levels and cost structures.
• Support the development of multi-echelon inventory strategies to balance service levels and working capital investment.
• Drive scenario planning to evaluate the impact of demand fluctuations on supply chain infrastructure and optimize decision-making.
• Champion supply chain digitalization efforts, leveraging technology to enhance visibility and demand-sensing capabilities.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Experience with Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes to align demand and supply strategies.
• Foster strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders to ensure demand plans reflect market dynamics.
• Act as a strategic advisor to leadership, providing data-driven insights to guide capacity planning and long-term supply chain strategies.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Identify and implement best practices in demand planning and network optimization to enhance overall supply chain agility.
• Develop and mentor a high-performing demand planning team, fostering a culture of analytical excellence and cross-functional collaboration.
• Lead automation and process improvement initiatives to increase forecast accuracy and reduce inefficiencies in the planning cycle.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics, Operations Research, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 10 years of experience in demand planning, supply chain analytics, or network optimization, preferably within a complex, multi-channel environment.
• Proficiency in demand forecasting software, ERP systems( JDA- Blue Yonder would be ideal), and advanced analytics tools (e.g., Python, Power BI,Sequel).
• Strong understanding of Lean planning principles, including Pull Systems, Min/Max replenishment, Kanban, and Value Stream Mapping.
• Experience with network modeling, transportation optimization, and inventory strategy development.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.