Demand Planner, North America
A strategic, data-driven demand planner with a passion for the outdoors
SUMMARY
The Demand Planner, North America builds and maintains high-quality demand forecasts across short-, mid-, and long-range horizons for assigned categories. Reporting to the Demand Planning Manager, this role translates commercial plans, product lifecycle inputs (NPI through EOL), and market insights into forecasts that support revenue goals, margin visibility, and inventory health.
You will work within the North America S&OP cadence, partnering with Sales, Finance, Supply Chain, Product, and Category to clarify assumptions, surface risks and opportunities early, and deliver the right demand signal at the right level of detail.
HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Demand Planning Execution (Short-, Mid-, and Long-Range)
- Develop consensus forecasts at SKU, model, category, and rider-experience levels across a 24-month horizon.
- Translate promotional plans, customer dynamics, and lifecycle inputs (NPI through EOL) into forecast updates and documented assumptions.
- Own assigned categories with visibility to historical performance, forward demand, and inventory health.
Forecast Quality, Analytics & Insights
- Improve forecast accuracy and bias through analysis, root-cause insights, and scenario adjustments.
- Monitor trends within Specialized and the broader cycling industry, using multiple sources for quantitative and qualitative insight.
Inventory Health, Lifecycle Management & Supply Connectivity
- Review inventory health, focusing on EOL/NPI and other high-risk areas; highlight actions and trade-offs.
- Partner with Supply Chain to track on-time production, development status, shipment delays, vendor changes, and other constraints impacting the plan.
- Represent North America demand priorities in availability and allocation discussions to support service and inventory objectives.
Business Partnership & Cross-Functional Alignment
- Partner with Category, Sales, Marketing, and Finance to align the demand plan to commercial strategy and financial outlook.
- Build strong relationships with Category leaders and support decisions with clear, data-backed recommendations.
- Communicate demand risks and opportunities through S&OP and escalate when cross-functional action is required.
Market Insight & Continuous Improvement
- Stay connected to the North America market through communication with riders, retailers, and market developers to strengthen assumptions.
- Improve planning processes and standard work to increase forecast quality, transparency, and efficiency.
WHAT YOU NEED TO WIN
Core Skills & Experience
- Strong analytical skills; able to manipulate large, complex data sets and translate insights into action.
- Working knowledge of demand planning, forecasting, purchasing, and inventory management; S&OP familiarity is a plus.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management; able to influence through data and clear assumptions.
- Able to operate in ambiguity and a fast-paced environment; strong prioritization and time management.
- Proficiency in Excel; planning and BI tools (e.g., Oracle, Tableau) preferred.
- Passion for the outdoor lifestyle and cycling.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain/Logistics, Finance, or related field.
- 3–7 years in finance or supply chain, including demand, supply, and/or inventory planning.
- Working knowledge of Oracle; experience with BI/visualization tools (e.g., Tableau).
- Experience leveraging AI supported tools to gain insights and efficiencies.
BENEFITS
Compensation: $55,228 to $91,126 annual salary
As a full-time, regular teammate, you are eligible for the following benefits, beginning the first of the month following your start date.
Benefits include:
- Competitive pay with annual performance-based reviews for continued growth and recognition
- Comprehensive healthcare plan options, including PPO, EPO, HDHP, and HMO (acupuncture and physical therapy included)
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer HSA contributions when enrolled in the High-Deductible Healthcare Plan (HDHP)
- Dental and Vision plans
- 401(k) Company Matching up to $5,000 annually with immediate 100% vesting and administrative fees paid for by the company
- Company-paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program that provides access to individualized mental well-being care
- Generous Vacation, Sick, Paid Holidays, and Volunteer Time Off
- 14 weeks of 100% paid leave for birthing parents and 8 weeks of 100% paid leave for non-birthing parents, plus a Specialized bike for your new baby
- Up to $9,000 annually in Career Development & Degree Assistance
- Up to $250 annually in Fitness & Wellness Reimbursement
- Industry Pro-Deal Discounts and Perks
For additional information on benefits and perks, please visit: https://benefits.specialized.com.
About Specialized:
First and foremost, we are riders. We share the core belief that bikes help make the world a better place. From product development and operations, to finance and marketing - every role at Specialized contributes to a culture of sustainable, global growth and innovation. Around the world, we work to recruit candidates who are passionate and curious with the belief that everyone has the potential to be a leader.
Skills Required
- Strong analytical skills; manipulate large, complex data sets and translate insights into action.
- Working knowledge of demand planning, forecasting, purchasing, and inventory management.
- S&OP familiarity.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management; influence through data and clear assumptions.
- Ability to operate in ambiguity, prioritize, and manage time in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Excel.
- Experience with planning and BI tools (e.g., Oracle, Tableau).
- Passion for the outdoor lifestyle and cycling.
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain/Logistics, Finance, or related field.
- 3-7 years in finance or supply chain, including demand, supply, and/or inventory planning.
- Experience leveraging AI-supported tools to gain insights and efficiencies.
Specialized Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Specialized and has not been reviewed or approved by Specialized.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with Fidelity offers up to $5,000 in annual employer matching with immediate vesting, and the company covers plan administrative fees for active employees. This provides strong retirement support within the total package.
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Parental & Family Support — Published materials describe 6–8 weeks at 100% pay for birthing recovery and 8 weeks of fully paid parental bonding, alongside fertility benefits and adoption assistance. Some materials indicate certain roles or locations may offer even longer fully paid leave.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Cycling‑centric perks include substantial gear discounts, race entry fee support, on‑site fitness options, healthy on‑site meals, an employee bike service center, and a dog‑friendly HQ. These benefits can meaningfully enhance day‑to‑day experience for those who value the cycling culture.
Specialized Insights
What We Do
Founded on the principle of performance and fueled by innovation, our focus on the rider and their needs is our constant. From seasoned pros and weekend warriors, to kids and commuters—if you ride, we’re for you. The passion we have for sharing our love of bikes with the world can be seen in those who choose to work here. Headquartered in Morgan Hill, CA, the passionate and creative teammates at Specialized have designed and manufactured the world's most innovative bikes and gear since 1974. Are you ready to join our team and help pedal the planet forward?
