Demand Planning Manager

Overall Goal of the Demand Planning Manager Position:

We are seeking an experienced Demand Planning Manager to lead our sales forecasting and demand planning functions.

Demand Planning Manager Job Summary:

This role will be responsible for ensuring forecasting accuracy, collaborating cross-functionally with sales and supply chain teams, and driving continuous improvement in demand planning processes. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in food manufacturing and consumer packaged goods (CPG) sales forecasting, utilizing advanced forecasting techniques, methodologies, and technology to optimize supply chain efficiency and maximize service levels. This position will report to the VP, Supply Chain.

Key Duties and Responsibilities of the Demand Planning Manager:

• Develop and manage an accurate and data-driven demand forecast, aligning with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams.
• Continuously refine forecasting models using historical sales data, market trends, and customer insights to improve forecast accuracy.
• Collaborate closely with the sales team to ensure real-time updates and adjustments to demand forecasts, driving business alignment.
• Lead the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, ensuring that demand planning supports business objectives and supply chain optimization.
• Monitor forecast accuracy metrics (MAPE, bias, etc.) and implement corrective actions to drive continuous improvement.
• Utilize advanced demand planning tools, ERP systems, and statistical models to optimize demand forecasting and planning.
• Identify risks and opportunities in the demand plan, providing actionable insights to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions.
• Partner with supply planning and procurement teams to balance supply and demand effectively, ensuring high service levels and minimal inventory excess.
• Manage and develop a Forecasting Analyst, providing leadership, mentorship, and performance management.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement by evaluating and implementing best-in-class demand planning methodologies and tools.

 What We Are Looking For in a Demand Planning Manager:  

• Personal Characteristics
• Entrepreneurial drive and the desire to “build a business”. 
• Outgoing, energetic, and results oriented personality 
• Overall confidence in one abilities and comfortable communicating the facts 
• Smart, creative and inquisitive
• Integrity-Does the right thing even when no one is looking 
• Disciplined approach, and accountable for KPIs
• No excuses mindset
• Dependable team player with positive attitude
• Personal values that mesh with SBI values
• Passion for consumer goods and food
• Performance History
• Demonstrated history of excellence in professional and/or academic settings 
• Stellar references based on contributions and performance
• Demonstrated proficiency in the following Areas:
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with a results-driven mindset.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence key stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and drive process improvements.
• Drive to compete and win every day!
• Education & Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree required in Supply Chain Management, Business, Statistics, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in demand planning, sales forecasting, and supply chain management within the food manufacturing and CPG industry.
• Proven expertise in advanced demand forecasting techniques, including statistical modeling, AI/ML-driven forecasting, and predictive analytics.
• Minimum 5 years of management experience, with direct responsibility for leading demand planning teams.
• Proficiency in demand planning software, ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, or similar), and data analytics tools.
• Strong understanding of S&OP processes and cross-functional collaboration.
• Other:

• The position is located and based in Richmond, VA.  

What Is In It For You?

Our company acknowledges talented people are attracted to companies that provide competitive pay, comprehensive benefits packages and outstanding advancement opportunities. For this reason we offer a Comprehensive Benefits Plan that includes the following: 

• 401K
• Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage
• Vacation, Sick Days and Holidays
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee and Dependent Life Insurance
• Voluntary Disability Insurance
• Other Voluntary Insurance Options

Sauer Brands, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.