Manager of Demand Planning

Mars; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 87,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation

Paid time off

Holiday pay

Short-term disability

Life insurance

Pet insurance discounts

Wellness benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Nature’s Bakery, now part of the Mars family, seeks a Manager of Demand Planning to lead forecasting, S&OP, and cross‑functional alignment across sales, marketing, finance and operations. You will drive forecast accuracy, manage the demand planning process, and translate market dynamics into reliable signals; ERP/APS experience (Blue Yonder or Kinaxis) and up to 20% travel are required.

This role demands strong analytical capability and collaboration with global teams to enable efficient

Qualifications

• B.S./BA in supply chain, science or engineering; Master preferred.
• 5+ years supply chain experience in global consumer goods.
• Experience with forecasting, inventory management, or collaborative planning.
• ERP and APS experience; Blue Yonder/Kinaxis preferred.
• Up to 20% travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead demand planning with forecast accuracy and bias targets.
• Drive disciplined demand consensus reviews.
• Coordinate forecast handoffs with supply planning and execution.
• Provide S&OP inputs for Steps 2 and 3 with data integrity.
• Collaborate with sales/marketing/customers on 30/60/90 forecasts.
• Deliver account-level reporting on risks, gaps, and opportunities.
• Support VIP account planning and alignment.
• Champion CI to enhance forecasting tools and processes.
• Translate market dynamics into accurate forecasts.
• Prioritize demand during supply constraints.

Skills

Forecasting

Demand planning

Cross‑functional leadership

Analytical skills

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor's in supply chain management/engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Blue Yonder

Kinaxis

Job description

Job Description

Who we are:

We are Nature’s Bakery, one of the fastest growing snack brands in the category and have recently joined KIND, a healthy snacking leader, and the Mars family of companies, to accelerate the growth of our healthier snacking platform. We have a bright future ahead of us. Come bake with us and create a world of snacking that is both good, and good for you.

Summary

The Manager of Demand Planning is the strategic and operational leader responsible for building and executing a best-in‑class demand planning function. This role is critical in driving forecast accuracy, improving customer service levels, and enabling efficient inventory and supply chain execution.

The Manager will oversee all aspects of the demand planning process, including statistical forecasting, sales collaboration, and integration with the S&OP process (Steps 2 and 3). The role requires strong cross‑functional leadership and deep analytical capability.

This position is responsible for creating a reliable and unbiased demand signal across time horizons, identifying and quantifying risks and opportunities, and ensuring alignment across sales, marketing, finance, and operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong command of forecasting tools, planning systems, and customer and market dynamics that drive demand.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead ownership of the demand planning process for Nature’s Bakery, with accountability for forecast accuracy and bias targets.
• Serve as process owner for driving disciplined and structured demand consensus reviews.
• Manage all forecast handoffs and alignment with supply planning and execution teams.
• Provide Step 2 and Step 3 S&OP inputs, ensuring data integrity and actionable insights at the account/channel and SKU level.
• Drive collaboration with sales, marketing, and customers via the 30/60/90 forecasting process.
• Deliver account‑level reporting and insights, including risks, gaps to plan, and forecast opportunities.
• Partner with key account managers to support VIP account planning and alignment.
• Champion continuous improvement (CI) initiatives within the demand planning function to enhance forecasting processes and tools.
• Apply strong analytical and numerical skills to synthesize multiple demand inputs into one reliable demand signal.
• Identify and correct inconsistencies or biases in forecasting data and methodologies.
• Translate customer and market dynamics into accurate forecasts that support business objectives.
• In the event of demand/supply misalignment or constrained supply, provide clear prioritization based on customer and business impact.
• Navigate complex demand scenarios, promotional plans, and new product launches with confidence and clarity.

Qualifications

• B.S. or BA in supply chain management, science and/or engineering. Master or advanced degree (sciences or business) preferred.
• 5+ years of supply chain experience for a global or multi‑plant consumer packaged goods company.
• Proven Demand Planning experience is required, including forecasting, inventory management, or collaborative planning.
• Experience with ERP and Advanced Planning Systems (preferably Blue Yonder, Kinaxis).
• Experience in developing and implementing supply chain planning processes and managing them through deployment of an APS system.
• Up to 20% travel is required.

The Good Stuff – Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance offered for eligible employees
• 401(k) plan with a company match that vest on day 1 of eligibility
• Paid vacation
• Paid time off
• Holiday pay (11 days)
• Paid short‑term disability
• Paid life insurance
• Banfield Pet Insurance Discounts
• Wellness Benefits and Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 86,720.00 - USD 119,240.00