Sr. Director of Demand Planning

The Senior Director of Demand Planning is responsible for leading and executing the demand planning process across the organization. This includes implementing Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), managing demand forecasting, and translating the commercial plan into supply chain requirements.

The Senior Director will work closely with global commercial teams, supply planning, and manufacturing teams to ensure demand forecasts are accurately communicated and aligned with supplier capabilities. This leader will also oversee inventory management to ensure optimal stock levels and efficient flow of goods across the supply chain.

Reports to the VP, Supply Chain

What we’re looking for: 

• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, and inventory management in a large, complex global environment.

• Extensive experience in implementing and managing the S&OP process, ensuring cross-functional alignment between sales, operations, and supply chain teams.

• Proven track record in developing and executing accurate demand forecasts and managing inventory optimization strategies.

• Strong understanding of supply chain processes and the ability to translate commercial and marketing plans into actionable supply chain solutions

• Additional Qualifications: 

• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to build, develop, and mentor high-performing teams.

• Experience working with advanced forecasting and planning systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, JDA, or similar) and proficiency in reporting tools such as Power BI or Excel.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze data and derive actionable insights to improve forecast accuracy and inventory performance.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders across multiple levels and functions.

How you will thrive and create an impact: 

• Lead and oversee the S&OP process, ensuring alignment between commercial sales forecasts and operational supply chain plans.

• Drive the development and management of accurate demand forecasts, ensuring alignment with the company’s commercial strategy, customer requirements, and market trends.

• Collaborate with the Senior Directors of Supply Planning and Manufacturing to develop inventory strategies that meet customer demand while minimizing excess inventory.

• Translate the commercial sales plan into actionable demand forecasts and communicate these to suppliers to ensure alignment in production and delivery schedules.

• Work directly with global commercial teams to gather insights on demand drivers, including promotions, product launches, and seasonality, to refine the forecast.

• Monitor forecast accuracy and take corrective actions as needed to address variances, using data-driven insights to improve forecasting processes.

• Develop and implement strategies to improve inventory turnover, stock availability, and reduce supply chain disruptions.

• Manage and report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to demand planning, forecasting accuracy, and inventory management.

• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with cross-functional teams including sales, marketing, procurement, and operations to ensure the demand plan is fully integrated with overall business strategies.

• Lead and mentor a team of demand planners, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.

• Develop and implement best practices for demand planning and inventory management, ensuring efficient and cost-effective operations.

Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
 
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
 
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Equal Employment Opportunity is THE LAW Poster, EEO is the Law Poster Supplement, and Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision.

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By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.