Demand Planning Manager

Position Summary

The Demand Planning Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the demand planning process to ensure on time customer delivery in alignment with business objectives. This role involves analyzing historical sales data, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and utilizing forecasting tools to develop accurate demand forecasts. The Demand Planning Manager will play a critical role in maintaining customer satisfaction while minimizing excess inventory and stockouts. The Demand Planning Manager is responsible for analyzing, planning and managing the sales plan in both units and dollars as a critical input to the Division Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) process.

Position directly reports to the Division Supply Chain Manager in Washington, MO and has demand planning responsibility for products produced across multiple North American manufacturing sites. Key interactions occur with customer service, sales, marketing, supply chain, and operations.

Responsibilities:

Demand Forecasting:

• Develop and maintain consensus demand plan using quantitative and qualitative methods. Will include leading Demand Review with Business Unit Leaders.

• Analyze historical sales data, market trends, and seasonal variations to create accurate demand plan projections.

• Complete root cause analysis of key forecast accuracy and/or bias issues and drive to continuous improvement.

• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and finance teams to incorporate promotional plans and market insights into consensus demand plan.

Inventory Management:

• Coordinate with sales and marketing to recommend build ahead business case for scenarios where team does not have yet have confidence to include potential sales in the consensus demand plan yet still desires the organization to position for the potential sales.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Liaise with cross-functional teams to align demand planning with production schedules, sales strategies, and marketing initiatives.

• Facilitate regular meetings with stakeholders to review forecasts, discuss potential issues, and adjust plans as necessary.

• Communicate demand planning metrics and performance to senior management.

Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for process improvements within the demand planning function.

• Implement best practices and tools to enhance forecasting accuracy and efficiency.

• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to demand planning and inventory management.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Utilize demand planning software and analytical tools to generate reports and dashboards that provide insights into demand trends and forecasting accuracy.

• Prepare and present demand planning reports to management, highlighting key findings and recommendations. Manages and prepares division inventory relating to records, tracking materials, changing business activity, quality of materials and stocking levels. Works closely with procurement to ensure reorder processes and timely delivery of materials are in place.

• Administers the development and implementation of an aggressive inventory reduction program limiting the Divisions exposure to excess inventory cost. Adjust inventory levels associated with any backlog production.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Proficiency in demand planning software (e.g., Logility, SAP, Oracle, or similar).

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets.

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (VBA and Macros) and other data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills for effective interface with all internal and external contacts.

• Ability to listen, influence others, manage change and effectively motivate through open communication

• Must be an innovator and embrace lean enterprises principles and practices.

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in related discipline is required; MBA preferred

• 7+ years related experience in Demand Planning roles

Equal Employment Opportunity

Additional Comments:

The essential functions have been provided as example of the type of work performed by employees assigned to this job classification. The company reserves the right to modify the work assignments and/or to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions. The job description is not intended to be an inclusive list of duties and responsibilities. It is intended to describe the general nature of the position.

Parker is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Parker is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job related reasons regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. However, U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency or other appropriate status is required for certain positions, in accord with U.S. import & export regulations.

("Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran / VEVRAA Federal Contractor")

If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Employees & Job Applicants | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission