Requisition ID: 73692
This role in summaryThe Manager, AI (Artificial Intelligence) Strategy & Demand Operations is a strategic leader and operational driver within the US Sales Strategy & Business Operations team for KitchenAid Small Appliances.
This is an onsite role at our Global Headquarters in Benton Harbor, MI.
This role is responsible for leading the transformation from traditional manual forecasting to automated, AI-driven demand forecasting. By championing artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and process automation across the business unit, this role bridges merchandising, sales, production planning, and manufacturing to optimize working capital, maximize product availability, and scale AI capabilities across our US sales and fulfillment network.
Your responsibilities will include- AI Transformation & Capability Scaling
- Serve as the strategic AI champion within the US Small Appliances business unit, driving the adoption of machine learning (ML), generative AI (GenAI), and predictive algorithms across demand operations.
- Lead the operational transition from legacy forecasting methods to automated demand and dynamic forecasting systems.
- Establish governance and change management frameworks, training team members on when and how to validate or override automated model outputs.
- Demand Operations & Strategy Alignment
- Oversee the end-to-end baseline and unconstrained demand operational process across key US retail channels (Mass Retail, Department Stores, Club, E-Commerce, and Direct-to-Consumer).
- Lead Order Planning and recommend adjustments for operational forecasts and review promotional plans with Merchandising & Sales Channels to gain alignment.
- Review historical sales trends, research demand drivers, prepare forecast data, evaluate forecast results and explain variances.
- This position requires execution of Whirlpool's Non-Disclosure and Non-Competition Agreement
- Supply & Logistics
- Connect AI-generated demand insights directly with production, safety stock positioning, and logistics network strategies across global and domestic supply partners.
- Support Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment (CPFR) initiatives with major US retail partners to improve end-to-end channel visibility.
- Financial Optimization & Continuous Improvement
- Align demand plans with financial target cycles, mapping volumetric predictions to revenue, margin, and working capital outcomes.
- Analyze forecast performance metrics (MAPE, BIAS) to uncover root causes of error, directly advising cross-functional teams on optimal inventory levels for active SKUs and strategic transitions for product launches and product phase-outs.
- This position requires strong analytical, organizational, decision-making, communication, and presentation skills
Minimum requirements- Bachelor's Degree
- 3+ years of experience in Supply Chain and Demand Planning
- 2+ years of experience in Inventory, Supply Planning, Forecasting, Sales & Operations (S&OP) Planning
Preferred skills and experiences- Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, Business or Supply Chain
- 2+ years of experience using SAP/APO, Anaplan, or other software related to demand planning and forecasting
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional transformation, scaling new technologies and workflows across sales, operations, and leadership teams
- Strong expertise with AI/ML-driven planning platforms (e.g., SAP IBP, Anaplan). Familiarity with data environments and workflow automation/GenAI integrations (Google enterprise platforms including Notebook LM, Gems, Agents, Alteryx, etc.)
- Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills are also essential to effectively interact with all teams, areas, and levels of business
- Demonstrated proficiency in data mining, forecasting, and forecasting methods, with an understanding of financial and operational impacts on process partners, e.g., product availability and free cash flow
- Understanding of general marketing environment and impacts of competitive activities, including a general understanding of the activities that impact the forecast
- Experienced with other software packages including Windows and Microsoft Office
What we offerGenerous benefits package, Whirlpool employee discount, fitness & educational reimbursement programs, kitchenettes, and more! Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations: Beautiful, recently renovated office space, free coffee, biking/walking trails, and access to The Eddy - Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability - additional costs required).
Additional informationWhirlpool's Ways of Working
Our goal is to provide an environment that helps you bring your best to Whirlpool every day. We offer flexibility and industry-leading time-off benefits that will help you balance what's important at work and at home, including:
- Always On Flexibility - You will have the autonomy to manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments as needed.
- Two-Week Work from Anywhere - Minimum of one-week increments for a total of two weeks per year.
- Sabbatical - Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service.
Connect with us and learn more about Whirlpool Corporation
See what it's like to work at Whirlpool by visiting Whirlpool Careers. Additional information about the company can be found on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
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