The Senior Demand Planner is accountable for developing and maintaining an accurate, reliable, and actionable demand forecast that enables operational excellence, inventory optimization, and service-level performance. This role serves as the single-threaded owner of demand planning, synthesizing historical data, market intelligence, commercial inputs, and new-business signals into an integrated forecast that feeds S&OP and execution planning.
The role partners closely with Operations, Commercial, Finance, and Product/Brand stakeholders and acts as the functional “quarterback” for demand planning, translating business signals into operationally feasible plans in a regulated manufacturing environment.
Location: Portland, ME; Swedesboro, NJ hybrid or remote options
Job Type: Full Time
Compensation: This is an exempt role targeting a starting base pay range at $80K for this position. (commensurate with experience and qualifications)
How You’ll Make an Impact
Demand Forecasting & Analytics
- Own short-, mid-, and long-range demand forecasts at SKU, customer, and channel level.
- Develop statistical- and judgment-based forecasts using historical data, trend analysis, and business intelligence.
- Evaluate forecast accuracy, bias, and drivers; lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Incorporate new product introductions, customer onboarding (e.g., major accounts), and demand events into forecasts.
S&OP & Governance
- Serve as the demand lead within the S&OP process, ensuring demand plans are reviewed, challenged, and aligned cross-functionally.
- Translate commercial inputs into clear supply and capacity requirements.
- Facilitate demand review meetings and prepare demand scenarios for executive decision-making.
- Ensure alignment between demand plans, financial forecasts, and operational constraints.
Cross‑Functional Integration
- Partner with Sales, Marketing, Customer, and Product stakeholders to gather forward-looking demand intelligence.
- Coordinate with Operations, Procurement, and Inventory teams to align plans with manufacturing and supply capabilities.
- Provide visibility into demand risks, upside/downside scenarios, and mitigation options.
Process & Capability Development
- Improve demand planning maturity by standardizing processes, inputs, and governance.
- Define clear demand ownership, inputs, and handoffs to eliminate reliance on ad-hoc or reactive planning.
- Support roadmap development for demand planning tools and data infrastructure improvements.
- Document standard work, forecasting assumptions, and planning methodologies.
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Analytics, or related field.
- APICS CPIM, CSCP, or similar certification is a plus
- 5–8+ years of progressive experience in demand planning, forecasting, or S&OP
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into decisions
- Experience partnering cross-functionally in complex organizations
- Advanced Excel and forecasting tool proficiency
- Experience in regulated manufacturing (pharma, healthcare, life sciences, food, aerospace) preferred
- Familiarity with interim or advanced forecasting tools (e.g., statistical models, demand planning platforms)
- Experience integrating demand planning into enterprise S&OP