Manager, Demand Planning
Auburn, MA, US, 01501
About KARL STORZ
From the operating room to surgery centers—and everywhere in between—KARL STORZ North America is a global leader in medical technology and advanced visualization solutions. We design specialty innovations, smart instruments and devices, integrated ecosystems, and intelligent imaging—to build a more connected, software-enabled operating room.
As an independent, family-owned MedTech company, we ambitiously think in generations instead of quarters to improve patients’ lives around the world.
About the Role
As the Manager, Demand Planning, you'll play a critical role in ensuring the right products are available at the right time to support our customers and business objectives. You'll lead the development of short- and long-term demand forecasts while partnering cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Purchasing, Supply Planning, Manufacturing, and Quality/Regulatory Affairs to drive forecast accuracy and optimize inventory performance.
In this highly collaborative role, you'll lead the monthly demand planning process, support Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), and provide strategic insights that influence inventory investment, customer service levels, and supply chain performance. You'll also oversee the Demand Planning & New Products Planning Analyst while driving continuous improvements across forecasting methodologies, reporting, and planning processes.
This role has a hybrid work schedule – 2 days from home and 3 days in our Auburn, MA office.
What You'll Do
- Develop and maintain accurate monthly demand forecasts for products sold and distributed across North America.
- Lead the monthly demand review process and support the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process through analysis, reporting, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Partner with Marketing, Sales, Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Quality/Regulatory Affairs to develop consensus demand plans and improve forecast accuracy.
- Support new product launches, promotions, commercialization activities, product transitions, and product discontinuations through effective demand planning.
- Monitor demand trends, identify inventory risks, and provide recommendations to optimize inventory levels, safety stock, and customer service.
- Develop and publish key performance metrics including forecast accuracy, launch performance, inventory risk analysis, and product lifecycle reporting.
- Utilize forecasting tools and statistical models to generate baseline forecasts and recommend forecast adjustments.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance forecasting methodologies, reporting capabilities, and planning processes.
- Lead and develop the Demand Planning & New Products Planning Analyst while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
What You Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in Demand Planning, Supply Chain Planning, Inventory Planning, or a related discipline, including at least 1 year of leadership or supervisory experience.
- Strong knowledge of demand forecasting, inventory management, and supply chain planning principles.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with ERP systems and demand planning software.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and presentation skills.
- Ability to influence cross-functional teams and effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Willingness to travel up to 10% as business needs require.
What Will Make You Successful
- Experience supporting Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) or Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes.
- Proficiency with SAP, Forecast Pro, Salesforce, Qlik, or similar forecasting and planning platforms.
- APICS/ASCM certification or equivalent supply chain certification.
- Strong understanding of statistical forecasting techniques, inventory optimization, and Forecast Value Add (FVA) methodologies.
- Ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable business recommendations.
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities while driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Collaborative leadership style with a passion for developing people, building partnerships, and improving supply chain performance.
Why KARL STORZ?
Join KARL STORZ and be part of a team creating medical innovations that truly make a difference. Beyond technology, you’ll be part of a culture that values talent as its greatest asset, empowering you to contribute to a mission that improves patient care worldwide.
Ready to make an impact? Apply to be our next Manager, Demand Planning and help us build the future of MedTech together.
KARL STORZ is committed to maintaining a safe work environment for our employees and customers. Most field-based roles at KARL STORZ require hospital credentialing/health screens as a condition of employment. Credentialing can include required vaccinations, health screens & other requirements as outlined by our customers. During the interview process, we encourage you to ask how credentialing/health screens may impact the role you are seeking and if you require any reasonable accommodations regarding these requirements.
The pay range and/or hourly pay rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of this job posting and may be modified in the future. When determining a specific team member’s base salary and/or hourly pay rate, several factors will be considered including such things as location, specialty, service line, years of relevant experience, education, professional credentials, internal equity, and the amount budgeted for the role.
KARL STORZ is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills and unique experiences. To achieve this goal, we are committed to diverse voices, and all applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. KARL STORZ is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations during our recruitment process. Should you need assistance or accommodation please email us at taoperations@karlstorz.com.
Nearest Major Market: Worcester