Director of Demand Planning

Job description

Role Overview We are seeking a strategic and data-driven Director of Demand Planning to lead forecasting and demand management across a complex and high-growth product portfolio. This role will own the end-to-end demand planning function, driving forecast accuracy, inventory optimization, and cross-functional alignment across Sales, Marketing, Product, Finance, and Supply Planning. The ideal candidate has deep experience in high-SKU consumer goods (preferably beauty or fashion), thrives in fast-paced environments, and can translate data into clear, actionable insights to support business growth. Key Responsibilities Demand Planning Strategy & Leadership Own the demand planning function across 5,000+ SKUs, including core assortment, seasonal launches, limited editions, and retail exclusives Develop and execute scalable forecasting processes that support rapid SKU expansion and product lifecycle complexity Lead the monthly S&OP process, ensuring alignment across cross-functional stakeholders Build, mentor, and scale a high-performing demand planning team Forecasting & Analytics Generate and continuously improve SKU-level forecasts using statistical models and business inputs Analyze historical trends, seasonality, promotional impact, and product lifecycle curves Drive improvements in forecast accuracy (MAPE, bias) and establish KPI reporting dashboards Leverage tools (e.g., ERP systems, forecasting software, Excel, BI tools, AI) to automate and enhance planning capabilities Product Launch & Lifecycle Management Partner with Product Development and Marketing to forecast new product launches and limited collections Manage demand planning for product transitions, discontinuations, and cannibalization scenarios Establish best practices for new SKU onboarding and forecast ramp curves Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate with Sales and Retail teams to incorporate channel-level demand signals (e.g., promotions, distribution gains, retailer forecasts) Partner closely with Supply Planning and Procurement to ensure supply alignment and inventory optimization Work with Finance to align forecasts with revenue targets and financial planning Inventory Optimization Balance service levels with inventory efficiency across DTC, retail, and wholesale channels Identify risks and opportunities (stockouts, excess inventory) and proactively recommend mitigation strategies Support safety stock strategies and inventory segmentation Systems & Process Improvement Evaluate and implement demand planning tools and systems to support scale Drive process standardization and documentation across the planning function Champion data quality and governance across forecasting inputs Qualifications 8–12+ years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain analytics 3–5+ years of leadership experience managing and developing teams Experience in high-SKU consumer goods environments (beauty, apparel, CPG strongly preferred) Proven track record managing complex product portfolios (1,000+ SKUs; 5,000+ preferred) Strong analytical skills with expertise in Excel and experience with ERP/forecasting tools (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Anaplan, ToolsGroup, etc.) Experience leading S&OP / IBP processes Exceptional cross-functional communication and stakeholder management skills Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment Preferred Qualifications Experience in beauty, cosmetics, or personal care Familiarity with DTC and retail omni-channel demand planning Experience managing seasonal and trend-driven product portfolios Background in scaling planning processes in high-growth companies Key Success Metrics Forecast accuracy (MAPE, bias) improvement Inventory turns and weeks of supply optimization Service levels / in-stock rates across channels Successful execution of product launches and seasonal drops Reduction in excess and obsolete inventory Why Olive & June Opportunity to shape demand planning at a fast-growing, category-defining brand High ownership and visibility across leadership Collaborative, entrepreneurial culture focused on innovation and customer experience Competitive compensation, benefits, and growth opportunities