Manager, Demand and Supply Planning

Zebra Technologies•Lincolnshire, IL

26d•$94,900 - $142,300•Hybrid

About The Position

At Zebra, we are a community of innovators who come together to create new ways of working. United by curiosity and a culture of caring, we develop smart solutions that anticipate our customer's and partner's needs and solve their challenges. Being a part of Zebra Nation means you are seen, heard, valued, and respected. Drawing from our unique perspectives, we collaborate to deliver on our purpose. Here you are a part of a team pushing boundaries today to redefine the work of tomorrow for organizations, their employees, and those they serve. You'll have opportunities to learn and lead in a forward-thinking environment, defining your path to a fulfilling career while channeling your skills toward causes you care about - locally and globally. Come make an impact every day at Zebra. The Manager, Demand and Supply Planning, holds a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing the end-to-end planning process, from forecasting customer demand to executing the operational supply plan. This strategic position involves leading and mentoring a unified planning team to deliver accurate demand forecasts and translate them into efficient, executable supply and inventory strategies. The Manager will contribute the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, fostering deep collaboration with sales, finance, business units, and supply chain partners. By strategically balancing cost, efficiency, and service levels, this leader will optimize inventory, improve profitability, and ensure superior customer satisfaction while championing continuous improvement across the entire planning function. This position requires hybrid work in the Lincolnshire, IL location.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
6+ years experience including minimum 2 years as team lead/supervisor in demand planning

Nice To Haves

Related experiences in the field of business operations, customer support, demand/supply planning of relevant industries
Strong data entry skills with attention to detail/quality
Strong process adherence
Fluent level of English (written and verbal) as well as local language as applicable
Advanced knowledge of the region and/or product lines supported
Strong leadership skills coupled with a desire and ability for continuous learning/self-development
Strong communication skills (listening, providing clear and concise information, using proper language and grammar)
Intermediate problem solving skills
Intermediate presentation skills
Strong working knowledge on Oracle and MS Excel

Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing integrated planning team, fostering a culture of accountability, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement
Own the full talent management lifecycle, including training, professional growth, and performance management for the planning organization
Set clear goals and objectives for the team across both demand and supply functions, and manage workload and resource allocation to ensure departmental goals are met
Demand Forecasting & S&OP Direct the development and maintenance of accurate demand forecasts, guiding the team in the use of historical data, sales intelligence, and statistical modeling
Lead the translation of the consensus demand plan into an executable operational and material supply plan, utilizing enterprise resource planning (ERP) and planning systems
Develop, implement, and maintain effective policies, procedures, and control systems for both demand planning and material control
Key Contributor to the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) cycle to drive consensus and ensure tight alignment between demand forecasts, financial plans, and supply chain capabilities
Inventory & Lifecycle Management Direct the integration of product lifecycle management into the planning process, partnering with product, sales, and supply chain leaders to optimize launches and end-of-life transitions to minimize obsolescence and prevent stockouts
Define and manage inventory policies, including safety stock strategies, to ensure optimal stock levels across the supply chain
Oversee all activities related to inventory control, ensuring inventory positions are appropriate relative to product lifecycle, on-order stock, and finished goods quality
Performance, Analytics & Cost Management Champion the use of data-driven insights to inform and validate strategic decision-making across the demand planning function
Develop and manage key performance metrics for the entire forecasting cycle, such as forecast accuracy, bias, forecast value-add, and inventory quality ratio
Set operational goals for key metrics, drive the team to analyze root causes, and implement effective process changes to enhance efficiency and accuracy
Leverage and promote the adoption of advanced planning systems and technology to improve process effectiveness
Prepare and present comprehensive performance reports, forecasts, and strategic analyses to senior management and executive stakeholders, clearly articulating key findings, risks, and recommendations
Cross-Functional Collaboration Act as the primary liaison between the integrated planning team and other departments, including product development, engineering, sales, and finance
Coordinate the efficient drive of materials and ensure a cohesive approach to forecasting and execution
Oversee the identification of potential risks to demand forecasts, guiding the development of robust mitigation strategies to navigate market uncertainties