Position Summary

The Global Demand Planning Manager leads and oversees the end-to-end demand planning function for assigned product categories. This role is responsible for managing forecasting systems, processes, and outputs to ensure accuracy, accountability, and alignment across global teams. The Manager drives performance through effective governance, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement of demand planning capabilities, ensuring forecasts support business objectives and optimize service levels.

Compensation

This is a salaried position with a base salary range of $100,000-$125,000 USD.

Location

The position is based in Woodstock, IL or Austin, TX (Preferred)

Demand Planning Leadership & Ownership

Own and oversee the global demand forecasting process for assigned categories, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and alignment across regions. Manage and maintain forecasting systems, models, and tools to ensure efficient and reliable outputs (e.g., Dynamics, BI, Excel-based models). Establish and enforce demand planning standards, methodologies, and best practices across the organization. Ensure accountability for forecast accuracy, bias reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Forecast Governance & Performance Management

Lead demand review processes (e.g., DMR) and ensure high-quality inputs and alignment across business units. Monitor forecast performance metrics (accuracy, bias, service levels) and implement corrective actions as needed. Identify risks and opportunities within the forecasting process and provide recommendations to leadership. Ensure ongoing optimization of forecasting parameters, models, and assumptions.

Cross-Functional Leadership

Partner with Business Units, Product, Sales, and Regional Planning teams to align forecasts with commercial strategies and market insights. Drive collaboration between global and regional stakeholders to achieve a consensus forecast. Serve as a key point of escalation for demand planning issues, ensuring resolution and alignment. Influence decision-making through data-driven insights and strategic recommendations.

Product Lifecycle & Portfolio Oversight

Oversee forecasting for product lifecycle events including new product introductions, transitions, and discontinuations. Ensure planning reflects product segmentation, lifecycle stages, and category strategies. Monitor portfolio-level trends, identifying impacts to demand and inventory planning.

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

Lead continuous improvement efforts to enhance forecasting accuracy, efficiency, and scalability. Identify and implement process improvements, automation opportunities, and system enhancements. Ensure data integrity and consistency across systems supporting demand planning. Promote a culture of analytical thinking, accountability, and operational excellence.

Qualifications

7+ years of demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain experience. Demonstrated experience managing or overseeing forecasting processes at scale. Strong analytical and technical expertise in supply chain planning tools and methodologies. Experience working in cross-functional and global environments. Strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills. Ability to translate complex data into actionable insights. Strategic mindset with a focus on execution and continuous improvement.