Summary

The Director, Demand Planning is primarily responsible for Demand Planning and forecasting in the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, supporting the Food Groups strategic direction. This role provides leadership, oversight, and direction to the NAFG Demand Planning function through building and managing effective internal and external partnerships to ensure delivery of demand objectives. The Director, Demand Planning communicates, develops, improves, and implements Demand Planning systems, processes, and policies by working closely with Sales, Marketing, and Operations Planning to ensure strict adherence to deadlines and compliance with S&OP procedures. In addition, this role drives the continual development and improvement of the Demand Management process by working with various business leaders, managers, and internal/external customers on customer focused, demand planning solutions that support service level requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Directly responsible for Demand Management within the S&OP process, working in conjunction with Director of Production Planning and Inventory Control to ensure effective end-to-end demand planning and forecasting performance. Lead and support key S&OP meetings (Demand Management Review, etc.) and participate in Consolidated Planning Review and Executive Business Review meetings.
• Manage and control the Demand Planning function, where the group is responsible for developing demand plans and forecasts by managing the Demand Management Review process, obtaining sales and market information from brokers, sales, and marketing, and reviewing actual sales against forecast to adjust short term demand plans.
• Manage and control organizational ownership of demand plans and forecasts through continual review and evaluation of S&OP processes, policies, and procedures, adjusting these as necessary to drive Group financial and service level targets.
• Continuous development and analysis of Key Performance Measures for the Demand Management of S&OP, performing root cause analysis with subsequent plans for corrective action where measures fall outside desired parameters.
• Develop, participate, and implement strategic management systems/processes to support Food Group strategic efforts. This participation will include development and execution of demand strategies, ongoing analysis, problem solving and interaction with Sales & Marketing, Customer Service, and various Supply Chain functions.
• Provides leadership to Demand Planning team while developing talent in support of evolving business needs.

Typical Education

Relevant Experience

Required Certifications

Other Information

Strong analytical, mathematical, and statistical skills and knowledge in regard to Sales and Financial processes. Ability to evaluate, plan and execute demand strategies in accordance with business requirements. Demonstrated ability to communicate and sell new ideas and concepts in an environment where change may be resisted. A good understanding of the food industry and related supply chain, sales/marketing, and financial processes. Good communication skills. Demonstrated ability to lead and influence new or different business processes in an environment where change may be resisted. Ability to develop strategic plans, as well as tactical execution. Ability to develop and present plans for management review. Ability to supervise and directly manage a small staff.