Summary

The Vice President of Demand Planning oversees the entire forecasting process for Ashley Furniture Industries, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market demands. This role consolidates and harmonizes forecasts across all channels-including new product introductions, existing product lines, and customer/sales inputs-to create a unified demand plan that drives operational excellence and strategic decision-making.

The VP leads a high-performing team across the United States and Vietnam, leveraging advanced forecasting tools and analytics to optimize inventory levels, reduce waste, and enhance service levels. This position requires balancing diverse priorities across global markets, synthesizing inputs from cross-functional teams, and navigating fluctuating market conditions. As a key leadership team member, the VP shapes the future of Ashley Furniture's supply chain for sustainable growth and market leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall Demand Planning, S&OP, and IBP strategy, ensuring alignment across sales, supply chain, and finance
• Develop and oversee a comprehensive demand planning strategy aligned with organizational goals
• Own and facilitate the monthly S&OP and IBP processes, ensuring cross-functional alignment and decision-making
• Lead forecasting for new product launches and existing product lines, incorporating LCM strategies
• Drive Lifecycle Management (LCM), including product introductions, transitions, and end-of-life planning
• Aggregate forecasts across channels into a single, unified demand plan
• Partner with sales, customers, marketing, finance, and operations to align forecasts and business priorities
• Evaluate product lifecycle performance and recommend rationalization, discontinuation, or investment strategies
• Lead, develop, and mentor demand planning teams across the U.S. and Vietnam
• Leverage advanced forecasting tools, analytics, and technology to improve accuracy and visibility
• Monitor market trends and adjust forecasts based on demand signals and market dynamics
• Optimize inventory levels and improve service performance in partnership with supply chain and operations
• Establish and track KPIs, including forecast accuracy, bias, inventory turns, and service levels
• Drive scenario planning and risk management through the IBP process
• Develop contingency plans to address demand variability and supply constraints
• Provide leadership with insights on demand trends, risks, and opportunities
• Manage budget and resource allocation for the demand planning function
• Drive continuous improvement across S&OP, IBP, and forecasting processes
• Partner with marketing to integrate promotions, campaigns, and product strategies into forecasts
• Ensure data integrity and governance across all demand planning and forecasting systems

Qualifications Required

Education

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Data Analytics, Industrial Engineering, or related field

Experience

• 10-15 years of progressive experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain management
• 5+ years leading cross-functional or global teams
• Proven expertise in demand forecasting methodologies and advanced analytics
• Experience managing geographically dispersed teams with cross-cultural understanding
• Track record managing demand planning for new product launches and product discontinuations
• Strong collaboration with sales, marketing, manufacturing, and IT teams
• Hands-on experience with demand planning software (SAP IBP, Oracle Demantra, Kinaxis, etc.)
• Background in manufacturing, retail, or consumer goods industries
• Expertise in scenario planning, risk mitigation, and handling demand fluctuations
• Demonstrated ability to establish and improve KPIs for demand planning functions

Additional Qualifications, Preferred

• Master's Degree (MBA or master's in supply chain management, Operations Research, Data Science)
• APICS CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent supply chain certifications
• Furniture, home goods, or related industry experience
• Experience with sustainability initiatives in supply chain operations
• Success in leading organizational change and process transformation
• Advanced analytics, machine learning, or AI experience in forecasting
• International business experience, particularly in Asian markets (Vietnam preferred)
• Strong executive presentation and communication skills

Work Environment:

This position is located in a climate-controlled office environment with standard lighting and moderate noise levels typical of professional workspace settings. The role primarily involves sitting at a desk for extended periods while working with computers, phones, and other office equipment. The collaborative environment includes interaction with team members and may require attendance at meetings, conference calls, and cross-departmental communications during regular business hours.

Benefits We Offer:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off; increases with years of service
• Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Tuition Assistance
• Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific)
• 401(k) and Profit Sharing
• Life Insurance