DEMAND PLANNING MANAGER
Background & Purpose of the Job:
Lead and develop the demand-planning function for SEB Professional North America and LATAM by establishing a reliable consensus forecast process and leading an effective demand-review within the S&OP cycle. Improve forecast accuracy and visibility of risks and opportunities to support product availability, customer service, inventory optimization, and profitable growth. Partner closely with Sales, Service, Product Management, Operations, Finance, Supply Chain, and central teams to strengthen planning discipline and drive continuous improvement.
Who You Are & What You’ll Do:
Own and continuously improve the demand-planning process, including a rolling 12- to 18-month forecast across brands, product categories, customers, channels, and markets.
Lead the monthly demand-review process and represent the approved consensus demand plan within the broader S&OP cycle, clearly documenting assumptions, risks, opportunities, and required decisions.
Partner with Sales, Service, Product Management, Finance, Supply Chain, production sites, and central teams to develop an unbiased, fact-based consensus demand forecast.
Analyze forecast performance using forecast accuracy, forecast bias, value-added forecast analysis, and other relevant planning KPIs; identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Identify demand-related gaps versus budget, latest estimate, and business objectives, and coordinate appropriate commercial or operational responses.
Incorporate customer intelligence, commercial projects, promotions, seasonality, market trends, and exceptional events into the demand plan.
Provide demand-planning inputs for safety stock, allocation, reservation, inventory, and supply-prioritization decisions in partnership with Supply Planning and Supply Chain Operations.
Identify and communicate product-availability risks and opportunities, and partner with production sites and business stakeholders to support mitigation and prioritization decisions.
Support product life-cycle planning, including new-product introductions, phase-ins, phase-outs, promotions, projects, and discontinuations.
Analyze slow-moving and obsolete inventory and coordinate demand-side actions with Sales, Service, Product Management, Finance, and Supply Chain.
Use ERP, demand-planning, reporting, and analytical tools to improve forecast quality, planning visibility, process efficiency, and decision-making.
Establish planning governance, performance routines, documentation, and continuous-improvement standards across the organization.
Develop demand-planning capabilities across relevant functions through training, coaching, and clear accountability for forecast inputs.
What You’ll Need to Succeed:
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, or a related field.
Master's degree or an advanced supply chain certification is preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in demand planning, forecasting, supply planning, inventory management, or a related supply chain function.
Proven experience leading demand-review and S&OP processes in a multi-brand, multi-market, or multinational environment.
Strong understanding of statistical forecasting techniques, including trend, seasonality, outlier management, forecast segmentation, and exception-based planning.
Strong understanding of inventory management, product life-cycle planning, and supply chain fundamentals.
Experience with SAP - ERP, demand-planning, and advanced planning systems, including management of planning master data and forecast hierarchies.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with business-intelligence and data-visualization tools, such as Power BI or equivalent platforms.
Demonstrated ability to influence senior and cross-functional stakeholders, constructively challenge commercial assumptions, and drive alignment without direct authority.
Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills with local, business unit, and corporate stakeholders.
Fluency in English; Spanish is preferred given the role scope in LATAM. Additional languages, including German or French, are an advantage in a global environment.
Physical Requirements:
Travel may be required for meetings, planning workshops, site visits, or business reviews.
Occasional work in warehouse or manufacturing environments may be necessary.
Sitting or standing at a desk while using the phone and computer.
Ability to periodically work overtime.
Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
Overview:
- Type of Employment: Full time – Exempt
- Workplace Schedule Type: Hybrid.
- Position Location: Irvine, Ca
Why SEB Professional North America?
At SEB Professional North America, we believe great careers are built where people feel supported, challenged, and inspired. Whether you’re working from one of our offices or enjoying a flexible work arrangement between the two, we’re committed to providing benefits, resources, and a culture that help you thrive both professionally and personally.
What We Offer:
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage with a generous employer contribution
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match to help you plan for the future
- Company‑Paid Life Insurance for added peace of mind
- 12 Paid Holidays to recharge and spend time with what matters most
- Additional Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discount Programs
A Positive, Inclusive Work Culture that genuinely values work‑life balance
Compensation:
Salary range of $100,000-130,000 commensurate with experience.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to make an impact, grow your career, and be part of a dynamic, collaborative team, SEB Professional North America is the place for you. Apply today and take the next step in your career journey.
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Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
Groupe SEB is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information, please see “Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal” Poster