Senior Demand Planning Manager

The Senior Demand Planning Manager will be a hands-on leader responsible for the planning functions of assigned business units, overseeing demand forecasting and supply planning. This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, purchasing, inventory, sales, finance, and marketing, to drive operational efficiency and meet KPIs such as fill rate, productivity, forecast accuracy, and inventory turns. This position demands strong leadership, advanced analytical skills, and the ability to develop and execute strategies that align with business goals and enhance customer satisfaction.

This role requires candidates to report on-site to our Neptune City, NJ facility 5x a week.

• Lead end-to-end supply planning, aligning demand forecasts with production schedules and creating SKU-level plans to ensure efficient product flow and meet business objectives. Develop and monitor KPIs to measure performance on these objectives.
• Develop and implement strategies for demand forecasting and replenishment, optimizing inventory to assure supply meets customer expectations and minimizes costs.
• Identify any constraints or supply issues impacting ability to meet demand. Communicate issues and provide root cause analysis to prevent recurrence.
• Understand and utilize statistical forecasting tools to create both an item-level and financial forecast. In developing the forecast, utilize POS and input from sales, marketing, and customers to validate and enhance the forecast.
• Create and maintain detailed reports and presentations using Excel and PowerPoint for both internal analysis and distribution to senior management and key stakeholders. In developing reports, leverage relational databases, market information, and other data sources. Present data in a clear and concise manner that informs, supports, and helps drive the decision process.
• Lead, present, collaborate, and contribute to team, cross-functional, and management meetings. In facilitating meetings, ensure they are productive with clear agendas, active participation, and follow-up.
• Contribute to the S&OP process by creating accurate forecasts and supply plans that support the company’s objectives, including achieving optimal fill rate, inventory levels, production efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supply chain efficiency, optimize inventory, reduce lead times, and increase customer satisfaction.
• Mentor and develop assigned planning team, fostering a high-performance, collaborative environment.

IDEAL CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or a related field required.
• 10+ years of relevant work experience in an inventory planning and replenishment role, preferably within the CPG industry with a company with $100+ million of sales.
• Deep knowledge of business processes and cycles, including ERP and MRP systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing, cross-functional teams with strong leadership & collaboration skills. 2+ years of experience managing direct reports.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and solve problems effectively, including utilizing forecasting software to create statistical forecasts.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with exceptional written and verbal communication.
• Computer proficiency in all MS Office applications, with extensive knowledge of Excel.

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Free Life and Disability Insurance.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401 (k) with a 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Access to thousands of free online courses.
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications).
• Referral Program with a cash bonus.
• Access to on-demand pay.
• Paid parental leave.

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2022 net sales of $3.3 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the Pet and Garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands, including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Cadet®, Farnam®, Ferry~Morse®, Four Paws®, Kaytee®, K&H®, Nylabone®, and Pennington®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities, and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central Garden & Pet is based in Walnut Creek, California, and has over 7,000 employees across North America and Europe. Visit to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.