Freelance Demand Planning Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

How you'll have an impact at Kinder's:

Kinder's is expanding rapidly, and we are looking for a dynamic and experienced Manager of Demand Planning to lead our channel and category demand activities. The ideal candidate is not only skilled in demand forecasting but also embodies a growth mindset, balancing today's demands with building systems for tomorrow. This role requires a strong collaborator who can work cross-functionally to align demand plans with our rapid market expansion and product innovation cycles.

The Manager of Demand Planning will own category-based forecasting across all geographies, ensuring agility in our short-term operations while aligning long-term business strategy. This position requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment and can innovate within ambiguity, embracing our core value of "Fail Forward." You will be the bridge between Sales and Operations Execution (S&OE) and Integrated Business Planning (IBP), playing a pivotal role in connecting tactical execution with strategic growth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Demand Forecasting:

• Develop and maintain accurate, data-driven demand forecasts for the Grocery channel using historical shipment and POS data, market trends, and sales input.
• Continuously analyze Point of Sale (POS) data to identify growth drivers and optimize forecasts, ensuring alignment with marketing spend and promotional activities.

Collaboration & Partnership:

• Build strong, collaborative relationships across internal teams (Sales, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain) and key external partners.
• Foster a culture of open communication, ensuring alignment on demand expectations, opportunities, and risks.

Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP):

• Lead the S&OP process for your channels and categories, ensuring that demand plans align with company goals.
• Act as a change agent who brings diverse perspectives together to drive clear, actionable plans.

New Product Introductions:

• Partner with Product Development, Marketing, and Sales teams to integrate new product launches into demand forecasts.
• Ensure smooth market entry by driving alignment across functions and forecasting channels.

Data-Driven Analysis:

• Leverage sales data, market trends, and other relevant insights to improve demand forecasting accuracy.
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance distribution efficiency and streamline operations.

Performance Metrics & Accountability:

• Develop and monitor KPIs that track the effectiveness of demand planning.
• Own the results, ensuring the right stock levels to minimize overstock or stockouts while maintaining high service levels.
• Take ownership of reporting and presenting key insights to senior leadership.

Process Improvement & Innovation:

• Proactively identify and implement process improvements.
• Drive efficiency and embrace innovation by rethinking traditional demand planning methods, asking insightful questions, and exploring new approaches to achieve better outcomes.

Leadership & Ownership:

• Act as a key player in bridging short-term tactical planning with long-term strategic growth.
• Demonstrate leadership by fostering collaboration, taking ownership of the demand planning function, and being a role model for integrity and results.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Economics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in demand planning, preferably within the food and beverage industry.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a focus on innovation and process improvement.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience using demand forecasting tools (e.g., Anaplan, SAP IBP) and analyzing POS data (Nielsen, IRI, or similar).
• Demonstrated track record of successfully leading demand planning initiatives that improve forecasting accuracy and drive business growth.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders. Capable of building genuine, non transactional partnerships to achieve shared goals.
• Experience with S&OP processes, integrating commercial, marketing, and supply chain inputs into robust demand plans.
• Passion for continuous improvement, embodying a growth mindset that values learning agility and adaptability in a rapidly evolving environment.
• Strong attention to detail with a proactive, results-oriented approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

Required Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and build strong partnerships.
• Proficiency in demand planning software and tools, with a focus on leveraging data for strategic decision-making.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and work effectively as part of a cross functional team.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with a passion for delivering results.

The expected starting salary range for this role is $130,000- $160,000 per year. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. The amount a particular employee will earn within the salary range will be based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, performance and business needs.