Head of Demand Planning

: The Head of Demand Planning is responsible for leading and overseeing the demand planning function within UniFirst. This role involves developing and implementing demand forecasting strategies, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring accurate demand forecasts which help to optimize inventory levels and meet customer demands. The Head of Demand Planning plays a critical role in driving operational efficiency, minimizing costs, and maximizing customer satisfaction, all while leading and developing a high performing team in accordance with UniFirst's Leadership Principles. Develop and implement demand forecasting strategies: Design and execute demand planning processes, methodologies, and tools to accurately forecast customer demand across various products, channels, and geographies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams: Work closely with sales, marketing, supply chain, finance, and other stakeholders to gather relevant data, market intelligence, and insights to improve demand forecasting accuracy and enhance operational efficiency. Analyze historical data and market trends: Conduct thorough analysis of historical sales data, market trends, customer behavior, and other relevant factors to identify patterns, understand demand drivers, and make informed forecasts. Demand forecasting and inventory optimization: Lead the demand planning team in generating demand forecasts, setting inventory targets, and implementing strategies to optimize inventory levels, minimize stock-outs, and reduce excess inventory. Monitor and evaluate demand performance: Continuously track and analyze demand forecast accuracy, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and take corrective actions to improve forecasting models and processes. Collaborative demand planning: Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to ensure alignment and integration of demand planning with sales and operations planning (S&OP) processes, new product launches, promotions, and other business initiatives. Demand sensing and responsiveness: Implement demand sensing capabilities to monitor real-time demand signals and respond swiftly to changes in customer demand patterns, market dynamics, and supply chain disruptions. Team management and development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing demand planning team, ensuring effective resource allocation, training, and skill development to meet department goals and objectives. Process improvement and technology utilization: Continuously improve demand planning processes, methodologies, and systems by leveraging advanced analytics, automation, and demand planning software to enhance forecast accuracy, efficiency, and scalability. Stakeholder communication: Effectively communicate demand forecasts, insights, and recommendations to senior management, sales teams, operations teams, and other relevant stakeholders to drive informed decision-making and ensure organizational alignment. Qualifications Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with expertise in statistical modeling, forecasting techniques, and demand planning methodologies. Proficiency in demand planning software and advanced analytics tools. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Strong leadership and team management capabilities, with a focus on developing and motivating a high-performing team. Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a demonstrated track record of driving process improvements and implementing best practices. Knowledge of supply chain management principles, inventory management, and sales and operations planning (S&OP) processes. Familiarity with industry-specific demand patterns and market dynamics. Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic environment, prioritize multiple tasks, and meet deadlines. Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, or a related field. A master's degree is preferred, Experience: Proven experience in demand planning, sales forecasting, or related roles, with a minimum of 8-10 years of experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership position UniFirst is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment against any individual on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws. UniFirst is an equal employment/affirmative action employer. If you need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call to let us know the nature of your request. UniFirst Recruiters and/or representatives will not ask job seekers to provide personal financial information when submitting a job application. Please be vigilant as such requests for information may be fraudulent. UniFirst is an equal employment/affirmative action employer. If you need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call to let us know the nature of your request. UniFirst Recruiters and/or representatives will not ask job seekers to provide personal financial information when submitting a job application. Please be vigilant as such requests for information may be fraudulent.