Director - Demand Planning

Summary: The Director of Demand Planning is responsible for leading the demand planning function, ensuring accurate forecasts, inventory optimization, and alignment between sales, marketing, and supply chain teams. This role drives data-driven decision-making to support company growth, minimize stockouts, and maximize revenue opportunities. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Forecasting & Planning: 

• Lead the creation of accurate short-term and long-term demand forecasts across all products and channels. 

• Integrate inputs from sales, marketing, product development, and market trends into the forecast. 

• Monitor forecast accuracy, track key metrics, and implement continuous improvements. 

• Develop scenario planning for new product launches, promotions, and market fluctuations. 

Inventory & Supply Optimization: 

• Collaborate with supply chain, production, and logistics teams to optimize inventory levels. 

• Balance product availability with working capital efficiency, minimizing excess and obsolete stock. 

• Identify and resolve supply-demand gaps proactively. 

• Support the development of replenishment strategies and safety stock policies. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration: 

• Partner with sales and marketing teams to translate promotional plans, seasonal campaigns, and new product launches into demand requirements. 

• Work closely with operations and manufacturing to align production plans with forecasted demand. 

• Serve as a key liaison between finance, commercial, and supply chain teams to ensure business goals are met. 

Data Analysis & Insights: 

• Analyze historical sales, market trends, and customer behaviors to identify demand patterns. 

• Generate actionable insights for senior leadership to inform strategic decisions. 

• Implement and maintain demand planning tools, dashboards, and reporting frameworks. 

Team Leadership & Development: 

• Lead, mentor, and develop the demand planning team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and analytical excellence. 

• Set team goals, monitor performance, and support professional growth. 

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field; MBA preferred. 

• 8+ years of experience in demand planning, supply chain, or operations, including 3+ years in a leadership role. 

• Strong analytical, forecasting, and problem-solving skills; proficiency with demand planning tools and ERP systems. 

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to influence cross-functional stakeholders. 

• Experience in the beauty, skincare, or consumer products industry preferred. 

Work Environment:   The work environment is indoors in a professional office environment.  The floor surfaces are carpeted in office areas and conference rooms with vinyl floor covering typical in hallways, break rooms and computer rooms.  

Work Hours: The work schedule is 5 days per week, 8 hours per day.  Initial start time may vary, with work hours typically from 8am-5pm.  Work hours and shifts are subject to change depending on operating business conditions and needs. The position resides in Orange County but is hybrid with 2 days being remote work. 

Physical and Mental Demands: Sedentary, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, or negligible amounts of force frequently, to move objects. This job also requires constant sitting. Constant use of the upper extremities is required to reach, handle, and position tools and equipment.  The employee must know and follow proper safety protocols and maintain a professional and polished appearance.   

Supervisory Responsibilities:   1-2 Direct Reports