The Supply Planning Manager is responsible for translating sales forecasts and demand signals into executable replenishment, inventory positioning, and distribution plans across the company's distribution network. This role ensures the right product is available, in the right quantities, at the right locations, and at the right time - while balancing inventory investment, warehouse throughput capacity, labor availability, and transportation constraints.
This position plays a critical role in aligning demand with operational capability across distribution centers. The Supply Planning Manager partners closely with Sales, Demand Forecasting, Operations, Warehouse, and Traffic/Logistics teams to drive service level performance, minimize stockouts, reduce excess inventory, and optimize working capital.
Job Duties & ResponsibilitiesDemand Translation, Network Capacity & Supply Planning
- Convert sales forecasts and demand signals into actionable replenishment and distribution plans.
- Analyze historical sales trends, seasonality, promotions, and customer buying patterns to inform supply decisions.
- Develop short- and mid-term supply plans aligned with service level targets and working capital objectives.
- Align demand forecasts with warehouse throughput capacity, labor availability, dock capacity, and inbound receiving schedules.
- Evaluate distribution center-level constraints and proactively adjust inventory positioning, transfers, or replenishment timing.
- Identify gaps between forecasted demand and operational capacity; escalate risks and propose mitigation strategies.
- Provide forward-looking volume projections to support warehouse labor planning and operational scheduling.
- Support scenario planning for volume spikes, seasonality, and demand variability.
Inventory & Allocation Management
- Break down forecasted demand by SKU and distribution center.
- Allocate inventory across locations to balance service levels and inventory investment.
- Optimize safety stock strategies based on demand variability and lead times.
- Manage constrained supply situations and prioritize allocations to protect key customers and revenue.
- Drive network balancing strategies to reduce excess inventory and prevent stockouts.
- Monitor replenishment plan adherence and adjust as needed.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Demand Forecasting to refine assumptions and improve forecast reliability.
- Collaborate with Warehouse leadership to align volume expectations with staffing and throughput capacity.
- Work closely with Traffic/Logistics to ensure inbound and outbound capacity aligns with volume plans.
- Support Sales and Customer Service with forward-looking supply visibility.
- Participate in S&OP meetings and executive supply reviews, presenting capacity risks and service tradeoffs.
Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement
- Track service levels, fill rates, stockout trends, and allocation accuracy.
- Monitor inventory turns, days of inventory on hand (DOH), and working capital performance.
- Track capacity utilization across distribution centers.
- Identify warehouse bottlenecks, labor constraints, and replenishment inefficiencies.
- Develop contingency plans for supply disruptions or labor shortages.
- Drive continuous improvement in planning accuracy, responsiveness, and network efficiency.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)- Forecast Alignment / Plan Accuracy
- Service Level / Fill Rate %
- Stockout Rate
- Inventory Turns
- Days of Inventory on Hand (DOH)
- Working Capital Performance
- Excess & Obsolete Inventory %
- Allocation Accuracy
- On-Time Supply Availability
- DC Capacity Utilization %
- Replenishment Plan Adherence
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field.
- 5-10+ years of experience in supply planning, demand planning, inventory management, or distribution planning.
- Experience operating in a multi-site distribution environment.
- Strong understanding of demand signals, forecasting inputs, and inventory allocation.
- Experience aligning demand plans to warehouse capacity and labor constraints.
- Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and supply planning tools.
- Advanced analytical skills with strong Excel capability.
- Ability to influence cross-functional partners and communicate complex data clearly.
What We Offer:We prioritize your well-being from day one with a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage effective immediately
- 401(k) plan with company contributions
- Life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
- HSA/FSA options and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and personal days
- Weekly pay, employee discounts, and more
Pay Range: $115,000 - $145,000 per hour
