Manager, Demand Planning

The Manager, Demand Planning is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the supply chain planning processes to ensure the efficient and cost-effective availability of products. This role requires strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and the use of analytical tools to manage inventory, production schedules, and supply chain performance. 

Job Responsibilities:

Demand Forecasting:

• Develop, maintain, and refine demand forecasts using historical sales data, market trends, and statistical models
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and product teams to incorporate promotional plans, market insights, and new product launches into forecasts

Inventory Management:

• Ensure optimal inventory levels by balancing supply and demand to minimize stockouts and overstock situations
• Monitor key inventory metrics and take corrective actions as needed

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Partner with supply chain, production, and logistics teams to ensure seamless demand and supply alignment
• Communicate forecast adjustments and market insights to stakeholders to facilitate proactive decision-making

Analytics and Reporting:

• Analyze historical data and market dynamics to improve forecasting accuracy and demand planning processes
• Prepare and present regular demand planning reports, KPls, and insights to senior management

Process Improvement:

• Lead initiatives to enhance demand planning tools, systems, and methodologies
• Identify inefficiencies in the demand planning process and implement solutions to improve performance

Risk Management:

• Identify potential demand risks and develop contingency plans to mitigate disruptions
• Respond to unforeseen market changes and adjust plans accordingly

Team Leadership:

• Lead and mentor a team of demand planners to achieve organizational objectives
• Provide training and guidance to ensure the team stupdated on best practices and industry standards 

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering or a related field; Masters degree preferred
• 5 -7 years' minimum experience in supply/demand planning and forecasting; Automotive industry experience preferred
• 2 - 3 years minimum team leadership experience in a manufacturing/industrial/distribution environment with direct reports and team management responsibility
• Inventory Management and Optimization, Material Planning and Logistics process knowledge required
• Knowledgeable with demand planning tools such as SAP APO, GAINS, KINAXIS, etc. required 
• Strong MS Office skills
• Lean and Six Sigma principles, Project Management and Supply Planning skills preferred