Demand Planning Manager

About the Company

We are seeking a Demand Planning Manager to oversee forecasting and planning activities crucial for informed supply chain decisions in Western, North Carolina. This position is designed to translate market indicators, sales trends, and customer demand information into practical strategies that enhance collaboration between commercial and operational departments. The ideal candidate will possess robust analytical skills, sound business acumen, and the confidence to facilitate cross-functional discussions aimed at improving forecast precision and planning effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain demand plans by analyzing historical sales data, customer projections, seasonal trends, and overall market activity.
• Generate and refine statistical forecasts, integrating commercial insights from sales and marketing to create balanced and realistic projections.
• Lead regional sales and operations planning meetings, ensuring consensus on forecast assumptions, supply chain considerations, and response strategies.
• Evaluate the impact of new product introductions, product lifecycle adjustments, and market shifts to inform future planning.
• Collaborate closely with sales, operations, regional supply chain, marketing, and finance departments to align demand plans with overarching business goals.
• Monitor planning metrics and forecast performance, identifying areas for enhancement in accuracy, responsiveness, and process efficiency.
• Identify potential demand variations, such as sudden increases, seasonal peaks, or customer-specific changes, and coordinate mitigation efforts with relevant teams.
• Support scenario planning and escalation processes when risks or significant forecast deviations may impact operational execution or customer service levels.

Qualifications

• Possess over 5 years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, supply chain analysis, or a closely related field.
• Exhibit a strong understanding of supply chain management principles, including demand forecasting, production planning, and customer demand planning.
• Have prior experience in cross-functional planning environments, interacting with finance, sales, operations, and regional supply chain teams.
• Demonstrate a proven ability to analyze extensive datasets, interpret market trends, and convert findings into actionable plans.
• Familiarity with budgeting and forecasting methodologies that support operational and commercial decision-making.
• Coordinate regional SOP meetings (market offer, sales planning, sales review, & regional SOP's) to ensure alignment on unconstrained demand forecasts and mitigation plans.
• Knowledge of structured planning methodologies, departmental standard operating procedures, and continuous improvement techniques.
• Exposure to APQP is advantageous, particularly where product planning and launch coordination are integral to the broader supply chain process.

Additional Information

This role is based in Greater Asheville and requires a full-time, onsite presence.