Director of Demand Planning

Role Overview

We are seeking a strategic and data-driven Director of Demand Planning to lead forecasting and demand management across a complex and high-growth product portfolio. This role will own the end-to-end demand planning function, driving forecast accuracy, inventory optimization, and cross-functional alignment across Sales, Marketing, Product, Finance, and Supply Planning.

The ideal candidate has deep experience in high-SKU consumer goods (preferably beauty or fashion), thrives in fast-paced environments, and can translate data into clear, actionable insights to support business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Demand Planning Strategy & Leadership

• Own the demand planning function across 5,000+ SKUs, including core assortment, seasonal launches, limited editions, and retail exclusives
• Develop and execute scalable forecasting processes that support rapid SKU expansion and product lifecycle complexity
• Lead the monthly S&OP process, ensuring alignment across cross-functional stakeholders
• Build, mentor, and scale a high-performing demand planning team

Forecasting & Analytics

• Generate and continuously improve SKU-level forecasts using statistical models and business inputs
• Analyze historical trends, seasonality, promotional impact, and product lifecycle curves
• Drive improvements in forecast accuracy (MAPE, bias) and establish KPI reporting dashboards
• Leverage tools (e.g., ERP systems, forecasting software, Excel, BI tools, AI) to automate and enhance planning capabilities

Product Launch & Lifecycle Management

• Partner with Product Development and Marketing to forecast new product launches and limited collections
• Manage demand planning for product transitions, discontinuations, and cannibalization scenarios
• Establish best practices for new SKU onboarding and forecast ramp curves

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Sales and Retail teams to incorporate channel-level demand signals (e.g., promotions, distribution gains, retailer forecasts)
• Partner closely with Supply Planning and Procurement to ensure supply alignment and inventory optimization
• Work with Finance to align forecasts with revenue targets and financial planning

Inventory Optimization

• Balance service levels with inventory efficiency across DTC, retail, and wholesale channels
• Identify risks and opportunities (stockouts, excess inventory) and proactively recommend mitigation strategies
• Support safety stock strategies and inventory segmentation

Systems & Process Improvement

• Evaluate and implement demand planning tools and systems to support scale
• Drive process standardization and documentation across the planning function
• Champion data quality and governance across forecasting inputs

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain analytics
• 3–5+ years of leadership experience managing and developing teams
• Experience in high-SKU consumer goods environments (beauty, apparel, CPG strongly preferred)
• Proven track record managing complex product portfolios (1,000+ SKUs; 5,000+ preferred)
• Strong analytical skills with expertise in Excel and experience with ERP/forecasting tools (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Anaplan, ToolsGroup, etc.)
• Experience leading S&OP / IBP processes
• Exceptional cross-functional communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in beauty, cosmetics, or personal care
• Familiarity with DTC and retail omni-channel demand planning
• Experience managing seasonal and trend-driven product portfolios
• Background in scaling planning processes in high-growth companies

Key Success Metrics

• Forecast accuracy (MAPE, bias) improvement
• Inventory turns and weeks of supply optimization
• Service levels / in-stock rates across channels
• Successful execution of product launches and seasonal drops
• Reduction in excess and obsolete inventory

Why Olive & June

• Opportunity to shape demand planning at a fast-growing, category-defining brand
• High ownership and visibility across leadership
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial culture focused on innovation and customer experience
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and growth opportunities

Originally posted on Himalayas