OverviewThe Associate Demand Planning Manager is responsible for leading demand planning activities for BISSELL's largest and most strategically important customers and customer channels. This role develops and drives consensus demand plans by leveraging advanced forecasting techniques, customer insights, business intelligence, and close collaboration with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, and executive leadership teams.
The Associate Demand Planning Manager serves as a senior planning leader within the demand planning organization, providing guidance and mentorship to team members while driving forecasting excellence, process improvement, and cross-functional alignment. This role partners closely with the Demand Planning Manager to support organizational objectives, enhance planning capabilities, and improve business performance across key customer accounts.
Responsibilities- Lead demand planning and forecasting activities for BISSELL's largest and most complex customer portfolios.
- Develop and drive consensus demand plans that support customer service, inventory, and financial objectives.
- Facilitate demand review discussions and influence cross-functional decisions related to forecasting, inventory management, and business planning.
- Provide informal leadership, coaching, and development support to Demand Analysts and Senior Demand Analysts.
- Lead complex forecasting initiatives related to new product launches, significant promotional events, customer transitions, and strategic business opportunities.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance forecasting processes, planning tools, reporting capabilities, and organizational effectiveness.
- Identify business risks and opportunities through data analysis and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Participate in monthly S&OP activities and provide input on forecast changes, risks, and opportunities.
- Partner with leadership teams to support Annual Operating Plan development, Financial Updates, and strategic business planning.
- Act as a subject matter expert for forecasting systems, methodologies, and demand planning best practices.
- Lead cross-functional projects and planning initiatives that impact demand planning performance.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QualificationsREQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE- Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, or related field.
- 5+ years of Supply Chain, Demand Planning, Forecasting, or related experience.
- 4+ years of planning or forecasting experience supporting retail customers.
- Demonstrated ability to lead projects, influence decision-making, and drive business results across cross-functional teams.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE- APICS (CPIM/CSCP), ASCM, or IBF certification.
- Advanced forecasting and statistical modeling expertise.
- Experience supporting strategic retail accounts such as national customers and large omnichannel retailers.
- Experience leading process improvement or organizational capability initiatives.
REQUIRED SKILLS- Strong communication and influencing skills
- Ability to lead discussions with customer teams
- Drive process improvement
