Job Overview: The Demand Planning Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining accurate demand forecasts, ensuring the alignment of inventory levels with market demand, and supporting the overall supply chain strategy. This role requires strong analytical skills, effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, and the ability to drive process improvements.
Location: Lexington, KY
Key Responsibilities:
Demand Forecasting:
- Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts based on historical sales data, market trends, and customer insights.
- Utilize statistical models and demand planning software to enhance forecast accuracy.
- Collaborate with sales, marketing, and product management teams to incorporate market intelligence and promotional activities into demand forecasts.
Inventory Management:
- Monitor and manage inventory levels to ensure optimal stock availability while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
- Work closely with procurement and production teams to align inventory policies with demand forecasts.
- Implement and optimize inventory control processes and systems.
Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP):
- Participate in S&OP meetings to ensure alignment between demand forecasts, production plans, and inventory strategies.
- Provide insights and recommendations to improve the S&OP process and achieve business objectives.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address demand-supply imbalances and operational challenges.
Data Analysis & Reporting:
- Analyze demand data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
- Prepare and present demand planning reports, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics.
- Continuously improve forecasting accuracy through data-driven insights and process enhancements.
Collaboration & Communication:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for demand planning-related inquiries and issues.
- Foster strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including sales, marketing, production, and finance teams.
- Communicate demand planning insights and recommendations effectively to all levels of the organization.
Process Improvement:
- Identify and implement best practices in demand planning and inventory management.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the demand planning process.
- Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in demand planning methodologies and technologies.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Statistics, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
- Minimum of 6 years of experience in demand planning, S&OP, or supply chain management.
- 3+ years of management experience
- Proven experience with demand forecasting tools and software (e.g., SAP APO, Oracle Demantra).
- Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and a continuous improvement mindset.
- Experience with Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes.
- Certification in supply chain management (e.g., APICS CPIM or CSCP) is a plus.
