Senior Demand Planning Manager

Role Overview

This position is suited to someone who likes converting demand forecasts into practical business outcomes. The role centers on structured thinking, data-driven decision-making, process refinement, and team leadership to keep supply chain execution running smoothly.

As the Senior Demand Planning Manager, you will guide the operational and tactical demand planning process and turn forecasts into concrete inventory, replenishment, and purchasing actions. You will work closely with senior stakeholders to ensure plans are accurate, actionable, and aligned with broader business goals, while also leading the demand planning team.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the full operational and tactical demand planning workflow using business forecasts as the foundation.
• Keep inventory levels balanced while protecting strong product availability.
• Create, assess, and confirm demand, inventory, and replenishment plans.
• Track stock positions, safety stock, lead times, and sales trends to support commercial targets.
• Spot potential issues early and reduce risks such as stockouts, overstock, and supply chain interruptions.
• Coordinate with procurement teams and suppliers on purchase orders and delivery timing.
• Follow supplier performance, manufacturing progress, and delivery schedules.
• Escalate supply-related concerns when needed and help maintain uninterrupted goods flow across the supply chain.
• Work in partnership with senior planning and supply chain leaders to provide operational input and validate forecast assumptions.
• Collaborate with Sales, Operations, Procurement, Logistics, Customer Success, and Production teams.
• Convert strategic planning decisions into day-to-day operational execution.
• Help improve demand planning tools and ERP systems.
• Look for ways to raise planning accuracy, strengthen replenishment processes, and improve supply chain efficiency.
• Contribute to reporting, scenario analysis, and wider continuous improvement efforts.

Requirements

• A degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a closely related field.
• Several years of experience in Demand Planning, Supply Chain, Purchasing, or a comparable function.
• Prior experience in leadership or people management.
• Strong analytical ability, good numerical understanding, and attention to detail.
• Comfortable working with ERP and demand planning tools; SAP knowledge is especially valuable.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to manage stakeholders effectively.
• A practical, proactive, and solution-oriented working style.

Additional Information

This is a full-time onsite role based in the Cologne Bonn Region.

No salary or stipend details were provided.