Demand Planning Manager

Our Company/Job SummaryThe Demand Planning Manager is the lead owner of critical Ghirardelli data deliverable: the demand plan. This plan is the first link in our supply chain and is the pivotal data needed to deliver the company’s sales, service, and cost commitments. This role owns the Demand plan for a subset of GCCs business portfolio. Through successful collaboration with multiple cross-functional teams, the Demand Planning Manager leads the complex process of gathering data, analyzing results, and publishing accurate demand plans that point the rest of the business in the correct execution direction. The demand plan also serves as the data of record for measuring the financial pulse of the business. Additionally, this manager will actively contribute to the S&OP and S&OE processes – facilitating the alignment of a single end-to-end company plan based on the published demand.

Scope of ResponsibilitiesDemand execution:Support the short-term tracking of demand variation and abnormal sales versus plan;Manage the adjustments to the plan and ensure proper communication is done to the supply planning cross functional group (drive S&OE)Be the point of contact for internal stakeholders when it comes to shorter terms opportunities and coordinate response on feasibility with supply planning back to the sales organization

Provide oversight and thought leadership in the following Demand Planning areas for a dedicated share of the Ghirardelli product catalogue:

Baseline ForecastsPromotional Lift ForecastsLimited Edition (in/out items) ForecastsNew & Discontinued Item ForecastsImport and Export/ Profession Products ForecastsS&OP Consensus Demand PlanningMonthly Key Account CallsDemand ShapingRisk Management

Help lead the Demand Planning change efforts for the company

New Demand Planning ProcessesNew systems and other supporting toolsNew organization to support the work

Own and support both direct and indirect performance targets and key operational metrics:

Direct Performance MetricsForecast AccuracyForecast BiasForecast Value AddForecast VariabilityIndirect Performance MetricsCustomer ServiceDays of SupplyFinished Goods & Material ScrapFill rateSupply Priorities

Provide demand planning expertise on other key Ghirardelli initiatives: Sales & Operations PlanningNew Product DevelopmentAnnual Operating PlanningLong Term Strategic PlanningBusiness Intelligence and AnalyticsOther Projects as Assigned

Specific Knowledge & SkillsPossess good time management skills and the ability to support multiple initiatives at once with a high amount of productivity and efficiency.Create effective and interactive partnerships across all functions and geographies.Facilitate group discussions that build consensus, but also drive decision-making.Strong analytical and problem solving skillsStrong skills in leading and supporting peopleGood oral and written presentation skillsEffectively communicate ideas, concepts and proceduresSet own priorities and be self-disciplined and consistentEfficiently work in a team environment

Education and Work ExperienceBS or BA Degree – Advanced degree in a Supply Chain discipline a plus5-7 years of demand planning experience – CPG industry a plusRelated industry certification a plus (ex: APICS, IBF)Experience with tool-based forecasting and demand planning – SAP a plusBasic understanding of statistical forecasting processes and techniquesProject Management ExperienceStrong skills with PC-based tools for analyzing and presenting data

Some examples of working conditions:Hybrid schedule (3 days in the office, 2 days remote)Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 poundsRequired to regularly sitMust be able to work seated or standing for at least 8 hoursMust be able to concentrate for extended periods of time paying close attention to detailWorks in a normal office environmentRequired to travel up to 20% of the time Salary Range: $101K-$131K/yr. + Bonus Eligibility