SummaryThe Demand Planning Manager is responsible for leading and setting the strategy for the demand planning process and team. This person will work closely with the Sales Team, Product Management, Finance, Channel Marketing and key customers to create and maintain the demand plan. This includes running the monthly S&OP process, managing the statistical forecast modeling processes, drive and lead customer demand reviews and ultimately track and improve demand forecast accuracy (both Accuracy and BIAS). This person will be responsible for driving weekly & monthly analysis to understand trends in Sales vs. plan to bridge between short term execution and long-term planning.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities- Reports to the Director of Supply Chain
- Has 4 direct reports
- Set the strategic direction of the Demand Planning team
- Manage, maintain and improve the accuracy of the demand plan (0-18 month) at the channel, customer and aggregate level
- Manage the monthly S&OP process
- Drive forecast collaboration with key customers
- Establish and monitor goals for key forecasting KPIs. Manage the forecast process to determine root cause when KPIs are out of expected normal ranges. Develop and implements corrective measures
- Ability to quickly apply analytics to identify and solve problems
- Develop and mentor the demand planners
Education/Experience Requirements- BA required. MBA preferred. Four years in forecasting or supply chain methodologies. Business forecasting or APICS certification is a plus.
Special qualifications or skills- Strong familiarity with at least one significant Demand Planning tool (ex: Demand Manugistics, Demantra, etc.) and ERP systems functionality
- Strong analytical background
- Either direct experience in multiple roles at a Consumer Products Company or at a minimum strong familiarity with other areas
- Ability to work in a very detailed, disciplined environment
- Very strong communication skills, including ability to present facts/data/information in an independent way to high level individuals at Hunter Fan and when appropriate customers and suppliers (if Supply Chain Planner requests assistance)
- Strong user of Excel, Access, and other Microsoft desktop tools
- Demonstrated ability to remain data driven and fact driven in pressure filled situations
