This position is responsible for leading the demand planning process to ensure accurate forecasting, inventory optimization, and alignment between supply chain, sales, and operations. This role analyzes market trends, customer data, and historical sales to develop reliable demand forecasts that support business goals and service-level targets. The Demand Manager collaborates cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to drive forecast accuracy, manager demand variability, and support strategic planning initiatives.
Our company believes in the Ideal Team Player. We follow the model behaviors of Humble (quick to point out the contributions of others), Hungry (self-motivated and diligent), Smart (socially appropriate and aware), Safety-Minded (works to lower safety risks, Quality-Minded (take pride in their work) and Attendance (recognizes their presence is important).
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES :
- Develop, maintain, and improve demand forecasts using statistical models, historical data, and market intelligence.
- Ensure forecasts reflect key business drivers such as promotions, seasonality, and product lifecycle changes.
- Monitor forecast accuracy and identify causes of variance, implementing corrective actions as needed.
- Lead cross-functional meetings with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain to align on demand assumptions and strategic priorities.
- Communicate forecast insights and risks to leadership to support business decision-making.
- Work closely with Operations to ensure alignment between demand forecasts and production or procurement plans.
- Facilitate and support monthly S & OP processes by providing demand insights, forecasts, and analysis.
- Present key demand metrics, forecast accuracy, and business implications during S & OP meetings.
- Partner with Finance to support revenue and budget forecasting.
- Analyze market trends, customer orders, and historical data to identify patterns and opportunities for improvement.
- Prepare regular reports and dashboards summarizing forecast performance, demand trends, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Utilize demand planning tools and Erp systems to manage data and improve process efficiency.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance forecast accuracy and planning efficiency.
- Evaluate and optimize demand planning systems, models, and methodologies.
- Support training and development of department in demand planning best practices.
NON-ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES :
Participate in cross-functional projects such as system upgrades, new product introductions, or process improvement initiatives.Assist with data validation or testing during implementation of new forecasting tools or ERP modules.Prepare ad hoc reports, presentations, or analyses for leadership as requested.Support documentation of demand planning procedures and process standards.Maintain planning calendars, meeting notes, and records related to demand planning activities.Provide occasional training or mentoring to team members or cross-functional partners on demand planning concepts or tools.Attend professional industry conferences to stay current on forecasting trends and technology.Serve as a backup for related planning or supply chain functions during absences or peak periods.Provide support to inventory, supply, or planning teams as needed.Preform other related tasks or participate in company initiatives that support overall business objectives but fall outside the primary scope of demand management.PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT :
Primarily office setting and requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Frequent use of hands and fingers for data entry, report preparation, and computer use.Occasional standing, walking, or reaching as needed to retrieve files or attend meetings.Occasionally lift or move materials up to 15 pounds.Visual acuity is required for viewing computer screens, reading reports, and analyzing data.Typical office environment with standard lighting, temperature, and noise levels.Standard business hours, with occasional extended hours during month-end, forecasting cycles, or critical business deadlines.Interaction with cross-functional teams, often through virtual collaboration tools.COMPETENCY, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES :
Ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and make sound, data driven decisions.Work effectively across departments to build consensus and align demand plans with organizational goals.Strong verbal and written communication skills for presenting forecasts, insights, and recommendations to leadership.Demonstrates foresight in aligning demand forecasts with long-term business objectives and market trends.Identifies potential demand issues and develops proactive solutions to balance supply and demand.Maintains high accuracy in forecasting, data analysis, and reporting.Strong understanding of demand planning, forecasting methodologies, and supply chain principles.Familiarity with Sales and Operations Planning processes and cross-functional business alignment.Knowledge of statistical forecasting tools and techniques (regression, moving averages, seasonality modeling)Working knowledge of ERP and demand planning systems or equivalent.Understanding inventory management, procurement, and logistics concepts.Proficiency with data analysis and reporting tools.Ability to analyze large datasets and translate into actionable business insights.Strong organizational and time management skills; capable of managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; advanced Excel skills preferred.Capacity to lead meetings and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.Ability to adapt to changing business conditions and market dynamics.High level of integrity, accountability, and commitment to continuous improvement.Strong quantitative and analytical background with experience using statistical models and demand planning software.EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE :
REQUIRED :
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Economics, Statistics, or a related field is required.5-7 years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain management, preferably within a manufacturing, distribution, or consumer goods environment.Demonstrated experience with forecasting tools, Erp systems, and data analytics platforms.Proven track record of improving forecast accuracy, supporting S & OP processes, and collaborating across departmentPREFERRED :
Master’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related discipline.Professional certifications such as APICS CPIM, CSCP, or IBF Certified Professional Forecaster.Experience leading a demand planning team or function in a multi-site or global organization.Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or Continuous improvement methodologies.The McAlear Group offers a full range of benefits for eligible employee including 401k, health and life insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), disability coverage, and PTO.