Director of Demand Planning

Position Summary
The Director of Demand Planning is responsible for leading the company’s demand forecasting, planning strategy, and inventory optimization processes to ensure high service levels while minimizing inventory investment and supply chain risk. This role develops and implements best-in-class forecasting methodologies, drives cross-functional S&OP alignment, and ensures data-driven decision-making across Sales, Operations, Finance, and Procurement.
The Director of Demand Planning plays a critical role in balancing customer demand, working capital, supplier performance, and overall supply chain efficiency.
Key Responsibilities

Demand Forecasting & Planning Strategy
Develop and oversee short-, mid-, and long-term demand forecasting processes.
Implement statistical forecasting models and demand planning tools.
Continuously improve forecast accuracy and bias performance.
Lead segmentation strategies (ABC, lifecycle, seasonal, etc.).
Incorporate market intelligence, promotions, seasonality, and customer trends into forecasts.
S&OP / IBP Leadership
Lead or co-lead the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process.
Align Sales, Finance, Procurement, and Operations around a single consensus forecast.
Present demand outlook, risks, and opportunities to executive leadership.
Ensure demand plans support revenue, margin, and working capital objectives.
Inventory Optimization
Establish stocking strategies, safety stock policies, and service level targets.
Drive inventory turns improvement while protecting fill rates.
Monitor excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory.
Partner with Procurement to adjust purchasing strategies based on forecast shifts.
Team Leadership & Development
Build and lead a high-performing demand planning team.
Establish KPIs and performance metrics for planners.
Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development.
Foster a culture of accountability, analytics, and continuous improvement.
Systems & Analytics
Optimize ERP/MRP/demand planning systems.
Lead implementation or enhancement of forecasting tools.
Develop dashboards and reporting to track forecast accuracy, service levels, and inventory health.
Ensure data integrity across demand-related systems.
Risk Management & Scenario Planning
Conduct demand scenario modeling (best case, worst case, constrained supply).
Identify supply chain risks and mitigation strategies.
Support new product launches and lifecycle transitions.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Forecast Accuracy (MAPE)
Forecast Bias
Inventory Turns
Service Level / Fill Rate
Working Capital
Obsolescence Rate
Planner Productivity Metrics
Qualifications
Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Engineering, or related field required.
MBA or advanced degree preferred.
Experience

8–12+ years of progressive supply chain experience.
5+ years in demand planning or supply planning leadership.
Experience leading S&OP/IBP processes.
Experience in distribution, manufacturing, or multi-site operations preferred.
Strong ERP/MRP system experience (Epicor, SAP, Oracle, etc.).
Experience with forecasting or inventory optimization tools preferred.
Skills & Competencies

Advanced forecasting and statistical analysis knowledge.
Strong financial and business acumen.
Executive-level presentation and communication skills.
Cross-functional leadership and influencing ability.
Data-driven decision making.
Change management expertise.
Advanced Excel and analytics proficiency; BI tools experience preferred.
Preferred Certifications

APICS CPIM / CSCP
IBF CPF
Lean / Six Sigma certification
M&D provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, military status, and genetic information.
This job posting does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The employee will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by their leader.