Director of Demand Planning

SUMMARY

The Director of Demand Planning is the strategic and operational leader responsible for building and executing a best-in-class demand planning function. This role is critical in driving forecast accuracy, improving customer service levels, and enabling efficient inventory and supply chain execution.

The Director will oversee all aspects of the demand planning process, including statistical forecasting, customer collaboration, and integration with the S&OP process (Steps 2 and 3). The role requires strong cross-functional leadership, deep analytical capability, and the ability to develop and lead a high-performing demand planning team.

This position is responsible for creating a reliable and unbiased demand signal across time horizons, identifying and quantifying risks and opportunities, and ensuring alignment across sales, marketing, finance, and operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong command of forecasting tools, planning systems, and customer and market dynamics that drive demand.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 

• Lead ownership of the demand planning process, with accountability for forecast accuracy, bias, and SFA targets.
• Serve as process owner for S&OP Steps 2 and 3, driving disciplined and structured demand consensus reviews.
• Manage all forecast handoffs and alignment with supply planning and execution teams.
• Lead Step 2 and Step 3 S&OP meetings, ensuring data integrity and actionable insights at the account/channel level.
• Drive collaboration with sales, marketing, and customers via the 30/60/90 forecasting process.
• Deliver account-level reporting and insights, including risks, gaps to plan, and forecast opportunities.
• Partner with key account managers to support VIP account planning and alignment.
• Champion continuous improvement (CI) initiatives within the demand planning function to enhance forecasting processes and tools.
• Apply strong analytical and numerical skills to synthesize multiple demand inputs into one reliable demand signal.
• Identify and correct inconsistencies or biases in forecasting data and methodologies.
• Translate customer and market dynamics into accurate forecasts that support business objectives.
• In the event of demand/supply misalignment or constrained supply, provide clear prioritization based on customer and business impact.
• Develop and manage a high-performing team of demand planners; coach and mentor for growth and effectiveness.
• Navigate complex demand scenarios, promotional plans, and new product launches with confidence and clarity.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• B.S. or BA in supply chain management, science and/or engineering. Master or advanced degree (sciences or business) preferred.
• 8-10 years of supply chain experience for a global or multi-plant consumer packaged goods company.
• 3-5 years of experience managing teams.
• Experience with ERP and Advanced Planning Systems (preferably JDA, E2open or RapidResponse).
• Experience in developing and implementing supply chain planning processes and managing them through deployment of an APS system.
• Up to 20% travel is required.

The Good Stuff – BenefitsOur team members' physical and mental health is important to a thriving workplace. That’s why we offer the following benefits to full-time employees:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance offered for eligible employees
• 401(k) plan with a company match that vest on day 1 of eligibility
• Paid vacation 
• Paid time off 
• Holiday pay (11 days)
• Paid short-term disability
• Paid life insurance
• Banfield Pet Insurance Discounts
• Wellness Benefits and Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program

EEO

We are committed to an inclusive workplace where diversity in all its forms is championed. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and we are an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. 

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