DescriptionJOB SUMMARYThe Demand Planning Manager manages demand planning activities and supports the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process to develop reliable, data-driven demand forecasts and improve coordination across Commercial, Marketing, Finance, Supply Planning, and Operations. This role translates customer demand, promotional activities, innovation, and product lifecycle changes into an aligned demand plan that supports service, inventory, and operational performance.Reporting to the Sr Manager, Integrated Business Planning (IBP) / Global Supply Chain, the Manager coordinates the monthly Demand Review, monitors forecast performance, identifies planning risks and opportunities, and partners with cross-functional teams to resolve supply-demand gaps. The role supports consistent planning processes, team development, and continuous improvement of planning systems, data, and reporting.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Coordinate and facilitate the monthly IBP Demand Review, preparing accurate forecasts, assumptions, risks, opportunities, and recommended actions for the Supply Review and subsequent IBP steps. Develop, maintain, and refine the rolling 18-month demand plan using SAP IBP or comparable planning tools, incorporating sales trends, promotions, innovation, distribution changes, and product lifecycle activity. Partner with Commercial, Marketing, and Finance to validate demand inputs, reconcile forecast assumptions, and communicate the service, inventory, and financial implications of changes. Work closely with Supply Planning and Operations to identify demand-supply imbalances, assess capacity and inventory constraints, and support practical mitigation plans. Monitor forecast accuracy, bias, and other planning metrics; perform root-cause analysis, identify improvement opportunities, and implement corrective actions with planning partners. Support the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), periodic financial forecasts, and scenario modeling by providing timely, consistent demand inputs and clear explanations of changes. Manage planning processes for new products, promotions, product transitions, discontinuations, and customer/channel changes to help minimize service disruptions and excess or obsolete inventory. Maintain standard planning calendars, data definitions, documentation, and handoffs to improve transparency, reliability, and consistency across supply chain planning activities. Coordinate with IT, Data, and Finance COE partners to improve master data quality, reporting, SAP IBP usage, and automation while reducing manual planning workarounds. Prepare and present planning performance updates, key variances, risks, and recommendations to functional and supply chain leadership. Coach and guide assigned planners or team members, establish clear priorities and accountabilities, and promote analytical rigor, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Participate in cross-functional process improvement projects that strengthen customer service, inventory effectiveness, forecast reliability, and overall supply chain execution. Serve as the primary point of coverage for direct reports during planned absences, unexpected leave, or role vacancies to ensure uninterrupted service delivery. Maintain hands-on proficiency in team workflows to step in and execute daily tasks when capacity is constrained. This job description reflects managements assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.SkillsSupply chainTop Skills DetailsSupply chainAdditional Skills & QualificationsMINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Finance, or a related field; or seven (7) years of relevant supply chain or demand planning experience in lieu of a degree. Three (3) to five (5) years of related experience in demand planning, supply chain planning, forecasting, or a similar operational planning function. Experience in a consumer packaged goods (CPG), manufacturing, or related product-based environment. Working knowledge of forecasting methods, demand planning, inventory implications, and cross-functional planning processes. Ability to analyze complex data, communicate planning assumptions, manage multiple priorities, and work effectively with Commercial, Finance, and Operations partners. Proficiency with business planning systems, spreadsheets, and reporting tools.PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES Hands-on experience with SAP IBP or comparable demand planning and analytics systems. Knowledge of the IBP/S&OP process, demand review preparation, forecast accuracy and bias metrics, and scenario analysis. Experience with promotional planning, product innovation, lifecycle management, and financial forecasting. APICS/ASCM or other recognized supply chain or forecasting certification. Prior experience coaching planners, coordinating a planning team, or supervising direct reports. Strong communication, facilitation, stakeholder partnership, and data-driven problem-solving skills.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Provides day-to-day direction, coaching, and performance oversight to assigned planning staff as applicable. Direct-report headcount will depend on the approved organizational structure.Experience LevelIntermediate Leve Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sacramento, CA. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $67.31 - $69.72/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sacramento, CA. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 27, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Sacramento,CA.
About Aston Carter
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
