Senior Manager, Demand Planning

Position Summary

The Senior Manager, Demand Planning is responsible for developing and managing short- and long-term demand forecasts for products distributed across North America. This strategic leadership role partners closely with Sales, Marketing, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Supply Planning, and Quality/Regulatory Affairs to ensure forecast accuracy, optimize inventory investments, support customer service objectives, and enable supplier capacity planning.

The role leads the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, drives continuous improvement in forecasting and inventory management, and oversees demand planning activities related to new product launches, promotions, product transitions, and discontinuations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead demand planning activities supporting businesses sourcing inventory through the North American Logistics Center in Auburn, MA, including KSUS, KSEC, KSEM, KSVEA, and the U.S. OR1 Division.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and lead Demand Planning team members.
• Facilitate cross-functional forecasting reviews and develop consensus demand plans with Sales, Marketing, and Purchasing.
• Maintain and communicate short- and long-range demand forecasts to Global Demand Planning.
• Lead the monthly S&OP process to align demand, supply, inventory, and business objectives.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support new product launches, commercialization activities, promotions, and product transitions.
• Establish processes to proactively identify supply risks, inventory challenges, and forecast gaps.
• Develop and enhance reporting and performance metrics, including forecast accuracy, new product launch performance, and product discontinuation results.
• Utilize forecasting tools, predictive analytics, and Forecast Value Add (FVA) methodologies to improve forecast performance and business outcomes.
• Review and update SKU classifications and continuously evaluate forecasting technologies, systems, and best practices to drive improvement.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of Demand Planning and/or Supply Chain experience.
• 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong Excel skills and knowledge of forecasting methodologies.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills.

Preferred

• APICS certification.
• Experience with SAP/ERP systems.
• Knowledge of Forecast Pro, Salesforce, QlikView, and IBP.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Additional Information

• Travel: Up to 10%
• Direct Reports: Demand Planning & New Products Planning Analyst
• Physical Requirements: Ability to sit for extended periods.
• Key Stakeholders: Sales, Marketing, Purchasing, Supply Planning, Manufacturing, QM/RA, Sample Operations, and third-party suppliers.

This is a high-impact leadership role that directly influences inventory performance, customer service levels, supply chain efficiency, and overall business success.

Who We Are:

KARL STORZ is an independent, family-owned company headquartered in Germany's renowned MedTech manufacturing region. For 80 years, we've pioneered the most groundbreaking innovations in endoscopic surgery, video imaging, and OR integration to benefit patients and healthcare providers alike.

With more than 9,000 associates worldwide and 2,600 in the US, we pride ourselves on harnessing cutting-edge technology, precise workmanship, and unrivaled customer support to help healthcare facilities succeed. With onsite locations and field opportunities across the country, we attract a diverse and talented staff. It's not just about the tools we create-it's about the lives we change, together.

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