Demand Planning Manager

About Spindrift

Spindrift is the first sparkling water made with real squeezed fruit. Our mission is simple: to bring authenticity and great taste to sparkling water. As one of the fastest-growing beverage brands in the U.S., Spindrift is redefining the category with transparency, quality, and a commitment to doing things differently.

The Demand Planning Manager Role

The Demand Planner will be responsible for developing accurate demand forecasts and supporting the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process to ensure optimal inventory levels, efficient supply chain operations, and alignment with business objectives. This role will collaborate closely with sales, marketing, operations, and finance teams to drive strategic decision-making for our direct-to-retailer beverage distribution model.

Responsibilities

• Demand Forecasting: Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts for the beverage portfolio using historical data, market trends, and input from sales and marketing teams.

• S&OP Leadership: Lead and facilitate the S&OP process, ensuring alignment between demand forecasts, production plans, inventory levels, and sales strategies.

• Data Analysis: Analyze sales data, promotional activities, seasonality, and market trends to refine forecasting models and improve accuracy.

• Collaboration: Partner with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to incorporate new product launches, promotions, and retailer demands into forecasts.

• Inventory Optimization: Work with warehouse and supply chain teams to ensure optimal inventory levels to meet retailer demand while minimizing excess stock and stockouts.

• Performance Monitoring: Track and report on forecast accuracy, identifying gaps and implementing corrective actions to improve future predictions.

• Process Improvement: Continuously enhance demand planning and S&OP processes, leveraging industry best practices and technology to drive efficiency.

• Reporting: Provide regular reports and insights to senior management on demand trends, risks, and opportunities to support strategic decision-making.

• Technology Utilization: Leverage demand planning software and ERP systems to streamline forecasting and S&OP processes.

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of demand planning experience in a consumer products company, preferably in the beverage or food industry.

• S&OP Expertise: Proven experience leading or participating in Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) processes.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field; advanced degree or certification (e.g., APICS, CPIM) is a plus.

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in demand planning software (e.g., SAP APO, Oracle Demantra, or similar) and ERP systems; advanced Excel skills required.

• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze complex data sets, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable plans.

• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate across departments and present insights to leadership.

• Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with the beverage industry, including seasonality, promotional cycles, and direct-to-retailer distribution models.

• Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to identifying and resolving demand and supply chain challenges.

• Detail-Oriented: Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with national retailers and understanding their demand patterns.
• Knowledge of warehouse operations and direct-to-retailer supply chain dynamics.
• Familiarity with advanced analytics or machine learning tools for demand forecasting.

The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $130,000 and is dependent upon the candidate’s experience prior to joining Spindrift. In addition, we offer the following compensation and benefits:

• Short-term incentive programs specific to level and department
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance, and a 401k retirement savings plan with a company match
• Monthly cell phone allowance
• Annual allowances for personal use of Spindrift product, health and wellness, professional development, and social justice education
• Voluntary benefits including but not limited to additional life insurance, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance
• In addition to any paid leave benefits required by regulation, the company provides paid parental leave, vacation, sick, personal, bereavement, community service, and holiday time