Director, Demand Planning
Job ID 2023-01545
Description
The Director of Demand Planning leads the end-to-end demand planning function and oversees the S&OP/IBP process to ensure accurate forecasting, operational alignment, and informed decision making across the organization. This role requires a highly analytical, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader capable of transforming data into insights that improve customer service, inventory efficiency, and financial outcomes.
The Director partners closely with Sales, Finance, Marketing, Supply Planning, and Product Development to deliver a best in‑ class demand management process. Using key customer and market data - including shipments, POS trends, channel inventory, and promotional activity. The role develops accurate forecasts, builds an aggregated demand plan, and drives alignment through the IBP cycle. The leader is known for strong ‑cross functional‑ relationships, clear communication, and the ability to influence at all levels.
What You’ll Do:
Demand Planning & Forecasting
- Own the overall demand planning strategy aligned with annual goals and KPIs.
- Build accurate item level forecasts using POS, customer inventory, promotions, trends, and historical performance.
- Lead the monthly consensus forecast process across Sales, Marketing, and cross functional partners.
S&OP / IBP Leadership
- Lead and continuously enhance the S&OP/IBP process to support transparency and data‑driven decisions.
- Serve as the functional owner of S&OP governance, standardization, and continuous improvement.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Align with customer supply chain teams on forecasts, performance, and promotional planning.
- Partner with Brand, Sales, and Finance on new product introductions, launch forecasts, and replenishment planning.
- Drive quarterly SKU rationalization to support portfolio discipline and business priorities.
Inventory Optimization & Performance Management
- Balance customer service goals, financial objectives, and operational constraints to optimize inventory.
- Monitor forecast accuracy and bias; implement corrective actions as needed.
- Identify and escalate risks impacting service levels or financial plans.
Process Improvement & Systems
- Lead improvements in forecasting tools, analytics, automation, and data visibility.
- Partner with IT and cross‑functional teams to advance system capabilities and deploy new technologies.
- Mentor and develop a high‑performing team, fostering analytical rigor and continuous learning.
Management Responsibilities
- Collaborate with peer leaders across Divisions and global Regions.
- Provide oversight, coaching, and strategic direction to the U.S. Demand Planning team.
- Conduct annual performance reviews and manage compensation and bonus processes.
Who You Are
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline required.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior-level demand planning management role; CPG industry experience strongly preferred.
Skills and Experience:
- In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with ERP systems, ideally SAP.
- Strong analytical capabilities with demonstrated expertise in statistical forecasting techniques.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with technical tools and data platforms is a plus.
- Solid understanding of core Supply Chain concepts and processes.
- Ability to interpret, evaluate, and synthesize complex datasets to support strategic decisions.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear, compelling insights to varied stakeholders.
- Highly self-driven, proactive, and adaptable in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and influence across all levels of the organization.
Environmental Factors:
- Working conditions are normal for an office environment.
- Must be able to sit/stand for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to use a computer keyboard and view a monitor for extended periods of time.
- We currently operate on a hybrid schedule; candidate must be willing to come into the office 4 days a week with Friday being a work from anywhere day.
What we offer:
- Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision plans
- Generous Paid Time Off Programs
- Life & Disability Insurance
- FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA
- Paid Parental Leave
- 401k and company match
- EAP & Employee Wellness Programs
- Volunteer Days Paid Time Off
About Conair:
Conair is a leading international designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded personal care and small kitchen appliances, cookware, hairbrushes & accessories, cosmetic bags, and travel accessories.
Conair has always been driven by a passion for innovation; it’s part of the Company’s DNA. Trendsetting products have been invented by Conair since its inception in 1959, keeping the Company always a step ahead of the competition. The company's domestic and international divisions offer a diversified mix of consumer and professional products sold in over 120 countries. The Family of Conair brands include CONAIR, Cuisinart, Cuisinart Outdoors, BaBylissPro, Scünci , TRAVELSMART by CONAIR, and Waring.
Conair’s passion for innovation gets stronger with each decade, as evidenced by the over 1,000 patents the Company has obtained worldwide. Today, Conair and its brands are names known throughout the world. Conair continues to introduce its brands to new and emerging markets, year after year. By the 1990s, most households in America owned at least one Conair product. Today many have more than one, and the Company’s goal is to ensure that every household in the world eventually owns one of our products.