Description:
HYDAC is a family-owned and operated business with a vibrant and rewarding working environment for our employees across the country. Our goal is to provide quality products, components and services that meet our customer expectations while being committed to the protection and preservation of our environment. HYDAC’s passionate team designs and manufactures a comprehensive line of innovative and reliable solutions optimized any demand our customers require.
The Demand Planning Manager oversees the daily operations of the demand planning department team members as they analyze customer and vendor demand to develop and fine tune forecasts. The manager’s responsibilities include reviewing purchase history, sales history, the marketing strategies the company has used to promote products and stimulate growth and, ultimately, evaluating their effectiveness.
Demand planning managers develop effective forecast models based on industry trends and demand patterns and subsequently implement solutions to improve the accuracy of demand forecasting. A successful demand planning manager is highly analytical with in-depth knowledge of advanced mathematical and forecasting policies. In addition, strong communication and stakeholder engagement are critical to success, which includes the ability to effectively partner and collaborate with those leading and working on the commercial side of the business i.e., sales, marketing, advertising, merchandising and related.
A person in this position may oversee a unit within the department or oversee the entire department. The manager trains new demand forecasters and analysts. Additionally, the manager meets with other functional area managers and executives spanning Sales, Marketing & Advertising, Finance and Supply Chain, to review strategies related to both short- and long-term planning. The demand planning function typically reports into supply chain, although it’s becoming more common to see it reporting into the commercial side of the business.
As it relates to a company’s Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) or Integrated Business Planning (IBP), demand planning plays a key role in these more advanced enterprise-wide planning processes, contributing product forecasts and demand consensus reviews with counterparts in Supply Chain / Operations, Finance, Sales & Marketing, and the Executive Leadership team.
The increased demand for demand planners has given rise to increased compensation packages and rapid advancement opportunities. Demand planning managers can move up into broader planning roles such as overseeing supply chain planning (both supply & demand planning), S&OP or IBP implementation or ownership, as well as leadership roles within supply chain, operations, and commercial aspects of a business e.g., sales, marketing, merchandising, brand management, and the like.
Primary responsibilities of a Demand Planning Manager
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Some of the primary responsibilities include:
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Developing effective forecast models based on industry trends and demand patterns.
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Proposing and implementing solutions to improve demand forecast accuracy.
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Successfully communicating forecast and inventory estimations to management
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Monitoring and reporting on important changes in sales forecasts, budgets, and business strategies
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Supporting management with risk assessments and mitigation activities
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Conducting monthly forecast maintenance
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Addressing demand-related issues in a timely and effective manner
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Assisting in developing annual budgets and streamlining costs
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Scheduling regular forecast review meetings with management
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Maintaining demand planning processes to improve forecast accuracy.
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Updating forecasts for new products, seasonal products, discounts, and promotions
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Working with team members to plan, coordinate, and execute demand planning activities.
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Coordinating with inventory team to monitor and maintain optimal inventory levels.
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Assisting in employee recruitment, performance evaluation, promotion, and retention activities
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Maintaining training materials and organizing trainings to team members
A Day in the Life of a Demand Planning Manager
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A typical day for Demand Planning Managers is fast paced with many meetings collaborating and training:
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Meeting with team members to get status on projections and forecasts.
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Meeting with managers in other functions for updates and vital communications such as in regard to sales and marketing
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Collaborating with others involved in production and demand on forecasting models.
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Solving issues/problems to maintain accuracy in forecasts.
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Using software tools for resource planning and inventory management
Requirements:
To be considered for the Demand Planning Manager role, you must have the following minimum qualifications:
Soft Skills:
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Planning
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Communication
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Teamwork and Collaboration
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Problem Solving
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Stakeholder Engagement
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Influencing / Persuasion
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Delivering Presentations
Hard Skills:
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Knowledge of Supply Chain Processes
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Demand Planning
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Statistical Forecasting
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Supply Chain Management
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Logistics
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Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
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Kanban
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Microsoft Excel
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Data Analysis
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Inventory Management
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Purchasing
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Business Planning
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Advanced Planning Systems & Tools
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Report Development
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Skills that can distinguish a subset of the role and enhance qualifications include:
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Inventory Optimization
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Statistical Forecasting
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Global Supply Management
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Supply Chain Coordination
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Supplier Management
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Financial Analysis
Technology
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Accurate forecasting is achieved by the use of technology. Some of the top 10 demand planning software tools include:
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SAP Integrated Business Planning
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NETSTOCK
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SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization
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Oracle Demantra
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Demand Planning
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Logility Solutions
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StockIQ
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Toolsgroup
Required/Desired Education and Qualifications
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Bachelor’s Degree and/or master’s degree in business, Supply Chain, or other related fields.
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A minimum of 3 years of experience in a demand planning/forecasting role
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A solid understanding of inventory management practices and procedures
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Strong mathematical and statistical knowledge
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The capability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Click the “apply” button to be considered for this opening!
HYDAC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type 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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
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