Sr. Demand Planner

Avantor; Harvard (MA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 125,350; Full time

Job summary

Avantor is seeking a Senior Demand Planner to play a pivotal role in enhancing forecast accuracy and aligning demand plans with its commercial strategies and financial objectives. The role, based in either Devens, MA or Barrington, IL, ensures alignment between supply and demand, thus playing a vital role in the company’s operations.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree and over 3 years of demand planning experience. Additionally, proficiency in ERP systems and advanced analytical skills are essential. The position offers competitive pay ranging from $78,000 to $125,350 based on experience.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in demand planning or supply chain management.
• Strong knowledge of S&OP/S&OE processes and best practices.
• Extensive Supply Chain Management knowledge required.

Responsibilities

• Provide actionable insights to optimize inventory and service levels.
• Develop and improve statistical and collaborative demand forecasts.
• Analyze historical data and monitor forecast variances.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Leadership

Data visualization (Power BI)

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Mathematics or related field

Tools

ERP systems

MS Access

Excel

SQL

VBA

Job description

Opportunity

Avantor is looking for a Senior Demand Planner to play a critical role in driving forecast accuracy and aligning demand plans with commercial strategies, inventory targets, and financial objectives within the Avantor Fluid Handling (AFH) business segment. This position is also especially critical to the distribution make‑to‑stock business to ensure procurement actions align with inventory planning and commercial strategies. This position is responsible for developing and managing accurate demand forecasts across multiple ERP systems to support both distribution and manufacturing business units. The Sr. Demand Planner role ensures alignment between supply and demand through proactive exception management, new product introduction planning, and support of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and Sales & Operations Execution (S&OE) processes. The role is full‑time and can be based out of our Devens, MA or Barrington, IL offices.

Responsibilities

• Provide actionable insights to optimize inventory, service levels, and profitability.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve statistical and collaborative demand forecasts across multiple ERP platforms.
• Analyze historical data, market trends, and customer insights to ensure forecast accuracy and minimize bias.
• Monitor forecast variances and exceptions, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure data integrity across ERP systems, facilitate master data updates, and execute cross‑platform data transfers as needed.
• Support monthly S&OP and bi‑weekly S&OE meetings, ensuring alignment between demand, supply, and financial planning objectives.
• Facilitate cross‑functional collaboration to resolve gaps and support strategic decision‑making.
• Partner with procurement, production, and logistics teams to ensure operational feasibility of demand plans.
• Communicate risks, opportunities, and actionable insights to stakeholders proactively.
• Drive process enhancements and leverage advanced planning tools to improve forecast accuracy and efficiency.
• Support digital transformation initiatives, including adoption of advanced analytics and visualization platforms.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support business objectives.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Mathematics or a related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience: 3+ years of demand planning or supply chain management, preferably in multi‑ERP environments using advanced forecasting systems/tools. Strong knowledge of S&OP/S&OE processes and best practices. Extensive Supply Chain Management knowledge required.
• Additional Qualifications: Advanced analytical skills with proficiency in ERP systems and forecasting tools; experience with data visualization platforms (e.g., Power BI) preferred. Excellent communication and leadership skills for influencing cross‑functional teams and senior stakeholders. Ability to interpret complex data for all levels of the organization. APICS CPIM certification preferred; experience with AI‑driven or machine learning forecasting tools is a plus. Strong analytical skills including advanced use of MS Access, Excel, SQL and programming in VBA or similar languages. Apply Six Sigma techniques for structured problem‑solving and process improvements. Ability to teach and transfer skills to team members and general audiences.

Environmental Working Conditions & Physical Effort

Typically works in an office environment with adequate lighting and ventilation and a normal range of temperature and noise level. While examining the processes at a warehouse, the associate may be exposed to an industrial environment; the associate may work near loud moving mechanical machinery and may be exposed to dust, fumes, or gases. Work assignments are diversified. The job involves walking, standing, bending, reaching, lifting or carrying objects that typically weigh less than 10 lbs. Minimal physical effort is required. Work is mostly sedentary.

Pay Transparency

Expected pre‑tax pay: $78,000.00 – $125,350.00 (actual pay may differ based on experience and location).

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Avantor is an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [e-mail].