We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager to lead Demand Planning and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) within our Worldwide Grocery Stores Inventory Management Team. This strategic role is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end demand planning process, focusing on long-range forecasting, event and promotional planning, and cross-functional alignment. The position bridges the gap between strategic business planning and day-to-day operations, ensuring optimal inventory levels that meet customer demand while managing costs effectively. Working closely with vendors and internal stakeholders, this role drives demand planning processes that balance customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and financial performance across our grocery network.
Key job responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Forecasting:
-Lead development of 12-18 month demand forecasts incorporating macroeconomic trends, market data, and historical patterns
-Partner with Finance, Merchandising and Supply Chain to align forecasts with business objectives and financial targets
-Partner to develop sophisticated forecasting models that drive inventory optimization
Event & Promotional Planning
-Spearhead inventory strategy for major retail events, seasonal peaks, and holidays
-Transform promotional plans into actionable unit forecasts through demand uplift modeling
-Collaborate with Marketing, Merchandising and Supply Chain to integrate promotional plans
S&OP Leadership
-Own and facilitate cross-functional S&OP meetings with key stakeholders
-Drive consensus on demand plans, inventory targets, and financial goals
-Develop solutions to balance competing priorities across different business functions
Performance Management
-Establish and monitor KPIs for forecast accuracy, inventory efficiency, and service levels
-Deliver executive-level reporting on demand trends and inventory performance
-Lead post-event analysis to capture learnings and improve future planning
Process Excellence
-Drive continuous improvement initiatives in S&OP and demand planning processes
-Identify and implement best practices for forecast accuracy enhancement
-Lead transformation projects to optimize inventory management systems
