Director, Global Demand Planning

We are seeking a strategic and results driven Director of Global Demand Planning to lead our demand forecasting organization in support of our dynamic footwear apparel retail business. This role is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive demand planning strategies that drive profitable growth while optimizing inventory investment across our wholesale and direct to consumer channels.
The Director will lead a team of demand planners and analysts to deliver accurate forecasts at the style, color and SKU level, ensuring alignment with our seasonal fashion calendar and market dynamics. This role sits at the intersection of merchandising, supply chain and finance, requiring deep understanding of consumer behavior, and fashion trends and retail mathematics.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES-

Leadership

• Develop and execute enterprise-wide demand planning aligned with business objectives and growth targets.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high performing team of demand planners and analysts.
• Partner with functional leaders to establish demand planning best practices and metrics frameworks.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance forecast accuracy and process efficiency.

Demand Forecasting & Analysis

• Oversee development of detailed unit demand plans and model style and SKU levels for footwear and apparel categories.
• Manage forecasting processes covering both wholesale accounts and direct to consumer channels across US and international markets.
• Analyze historical sales data, market trends, and consumer insights to inform forecasting models.
• Collaborate with merchandising teams to incorporate new product introductions, promotional activities and life cycle planning.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with finance, merchandising, marketing and supply chain teams to ensure integrated business planning.
• Lead monthly demand consensus meetings and facilitate go to market planning processes.
• Work closely with wholesale account teams to develop customer specific forecasts and allocation strategies.
• Support Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes with accurate demand inputs and scenario planning.

Process & Systems Management

• Champion implementation and optimization of advanced demand planning software and analytics tools.
• Establish and monitor forecasts, accuracy metrics, identifying root causes of variance, and implementing corrective actions.
• Design and deliver executive reporting on demand planning, performance and business insights.
• Ensure data integrity across all forecasting systems and processes.

Industry specific expertise.

• Navigate complex fashion calendar dynamics including seasonal peaks, holiday planning, and back to school timing.
• Demand volatility inherent in fashion and lifestyle products.
• Balance inventory investment across diverse product portfolios with varying life cycles.
• Adapt planning processes for fast fashion versus premium product categories.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE-

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply chain management, engineering, finance or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience and demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain planning.
• 7+ years of leadership experience managing planning teams.
• Specific experience in footwear, apparel or consumer goods industry required.
• International or multi market planning experience.
• Expert proficiency in demand planning software.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP's, macros, and statistical analysis.
• Experience with ERP, MRP systems and data visualization tools.
• Strong understanding of statistical forecasting methods and predictive analytics.
• Familiarity with retail math concepts and inventory management principles.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Exceptional analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights.
• Outstanding leadership and team development capabilities.
• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for all organizational levels.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate across cross functional teams.
• High adaptability to managing changing priorities and fast-paced retail environment.

$160K-200K/ANNUALLY

About Skechers
Skechers (NYSE: SKX), a global, Fortune 500® brand develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel, and accessories. Developing comfort technologies is the foundation of all we do – delivering stylish, innovative, and quality products. Serving over 180 countries and territories, Skechers connects customers to products through department and specialty stores, e-commerce and digital stores, and through our more than 5,200 company-and third-party-owned retail locations. Headquartered in Southern California, with offices and distribution centers around the globe, Skechers has spent 30 years helping people of all ages look and feel good.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Skechers is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment. Skechers provides equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment without regard race, color, religion, gender, gender identification and expression, national origin, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic established by local, state or federal law.

Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants for employment who require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job should request appropriate accommodation by emailing [email protected].
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each job responsibility satisfactorily.  The skills, abilities and physical demands described are representative of those duties that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified for the job position, to perform the essential functions.