Director, Demand Planning

Job Summary

The Director of Demand Planning leads the demand forecasting function, driving the development of accurate, data-driven forecasts to support business growth, customer service, and inventory optimization. This role partners closely with Sales, Supply Chain, and key customers to integrate market intelligence, POS data, and external factors into a robust demand plan.

The Director is responsible for ensuring alignment between demand, supply, and financial plans while enabling proactive decision-making through analytics, insights, and cross-functional collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

Demand Forecasting & Planning

• Lead the demand forecasting function, ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely, and actionable forecasts.
• Develop and maintain customer-level sales and inventory plans to optimize service levels, inventory investment, and operational efficiency.
• Leverage POS data, consumption models, weather trends, and market intelligence to enhance forecast accuracy and responsiveness.
• Continuously monitor forecast performance, identify risks and opportunities, and implement corrective actions.
• Drive alignment of forecasting assumptions, planning parameters, and business objectives across functions.

Analytics & Business Insights

• Establish and maintain advanced reporting and analytics, including forecast accuracy, sales trends, inventory health, fill rates, gross margin, and inventory turns.
• Translate complex data into clear insights that inform decisions related to sales, promotions, inventory strategy, and customer planning.
• Identify opportunities to drive revenue growth, improve service, and optimize working capital through data-driven analysis.
• Serve as a key data and insights partner across cross-functional teams.

Customer & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Sales to support forecasting, planning, and customer strategy execution.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customer stakeholders, including buyers and replenishment teams.
• Participate in customer meetings to align on forecasts, promotions, and demand drivers.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain and Operations to ensure alignment on inventory flow, supply risks, and service requirements
• Support achievement of customer service and fill rate objectives.

Data Management & Systems

• Ensure integrity, accuracy, and reliability of data within forecasting and planning systems.
• Maintain and enhance databases and reporting tools to support scalable and efficient planning processes.
• Drive continuous improvement in forecasting tools, methodologies, and data utilization

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the demand planning team to drive high performance and accountability.
• Manage hiring, performance management, and employee development in alignment with company policies.
• Foster a collaborative, data-driven culture focused on continuous improvement and business impact.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support and lead cross-functional initiatives and strategic projects as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualification Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field required.

Experience:

• 6+ years of progressive experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain analytics within a consumer products environment.
• Prior leadership or team management experience required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced expertise in forecasting methodologies, statistical analysis, and demand planning best practices.
• Strong proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, IBP, or similar demand planning platforms) and reporting systems.
• Deep understanding of POS analytics, consumption-based forecasting, and inventory management.
• Proven ability to translate data into actionable business insights.
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to identify risks and opportunities and drive informed decision-making.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex data sets.
• Results-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset.

Physical Requirements

Normal office work environment