Demand Planning Manager

About RYZE:

We are seeking an experienced Demand Planning Manager to lead the charge in standing up a formal Demand Planning and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process. The Demand Planning Manager will own the demand forecasting and S&OP processes, ensuring accurate demand signals across channels (DTC, Amazon, retail, and other new channels) and driving alignment between Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations. A key responsibility will be managing and communicating the differences between the sales plan, financial plan, and demand plan—and reconciling them into a single operating forecast that enables reliable supply and strong financial performance.

The Role:

We are seeking an experienced Demand Planning Manager to lead the charge in building a formal Demand Planning and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process. You will own demand forecasting and S&OP, ensuring accurate demand signals across DTC, Amazon, retail, and emerging channels. A critical responsibility will be managing and reconciling differences between the sales plan, financial plan, and demand plan into one operating forecast that enables reliable supply and strong financial performance.

What You’ll Do

Demand Planning & Forecasting

• Develop, manage, and continuously improve statistical and collaborative demand forecasts at the SKU, channel, and customer level.
   

• Clearly distinguish between Sales Plan (top-line targets and commitments), Financial Plan (budgeted revenue/profit assumptions), and Demand Plan (operational forecast for production and inventory).
   

• Reconcile gaps between plans, driving alignment across Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain.
   

• Analyze forecast accuracy and bias, implementing continuous improvement.
   

• Leverage DTC, Amazon, and retail data (POS, syndicated data, sell-in vs. sell-through) to inform demand planning.

S&OP Process

• Design, implement, and facilitate the monthly S&OP process to align demand, supply, and financial targets.
   

• Prepare and lead demand reviews, supply reviews, and executive alignment sessions.
   

• Provide transparency into risks and opportunities when the demand plan diverges from sales or financial plans.
   

• Partner with Supply Planning and Operations to ensure demand plans translate into executable production and inventory strategies.

Data, Systems & Reporting

• Own demand planning models and tools (Excel, NetSuite, and future demand planning software).
   

• Provide regular reporting on forecast accuracy, plan variances, and demand trends.
   

• Drive adoption of demand planning best practices and tools across the organization.

Retail Expansion Support

• Build forecasting capabilities for retail accounts (Target, Grocery, etc.), including new item launches and replenishment.
   

• Partner with Sales and brokers/retailers to manage customer-level forecasts, fill rates, and service KPIs.
   

• Anticipate and model demand impacts from promotions, merchandising events, and seasonal trends.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field (Master’s a plus).
   

• 5+ years of demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain planning experience, preferably in CPG/food & beverage.
   

• Strong understanding of S&OP frameworks and cross-functional planning processes.
   

• Proven ability to reconcile Sales, Finance, and Demand Plans.
   

• Proficiency in demand planning tools and advanced Excel skills.
   

• Analytical mindset with experience interpreting POS, eCommerce, and retail data (Amazon Vendor/Seller Central, IRI/Nielsen).
   

• Excellent communication and facilitation skills; able to influence across functions and levels.
   

• Experience in high-growth, fast-paced environments is strongly preferred.

What We Offer:

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field (Master’s a plus).

• 5+ years of demand planning, forecasting, preferably in CPG/food & beverage.

• Strong understanding of S&OP frameworks and experience leading cross-functional planning processes.

• Proven ability to manage the relationship and reconciliation between Sales, Finance, and Demand Plans.

• Proficiency in demand planning tools and advanced Excel skills.

• Analytical mindset with experience interpreting POS, eCommerce, and retail data sources (Amazon Vendor Central/Seller Central, IRI/Nielsen).

• Excellent communication and facilitation skills; able to influence across functions and levels.

• Experience in high-growth, fast-paced environments strongly preferred.