Demand Sales Planning Manager

Royal Canin US - Interim Job Assignment

Demand Sales Planning Manager (Maternity Leave Coverage)

Job Assignment Summary

The role is critical to ensuring continuity in sales forecasting, driving S&OP+ processes, and maintaining alignment across cross-functional stakeholders.

Role Purpose

To lead the development of the unit sales forecast for Royal Canin US and Eukanuba through the S&OP+ Demand Management Review (DMR). This role ensures the integrity of forecast assumptions, fosters transparency in decision-making, and partners closely with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, and Regional Demand Planning to produce an accurate, aligned, and reality-based demand plan.

Key Responsibilities

1. Forecast Management

• Lead the monthly forecast cycle , including coordination and execution of the DMR process.
• Maintain and update the rolling 26-month forecast based on input from Sales, Marketing, and leadership.
• Utilize FuturMaster statistical forecasts and market insights to challenge and enhance forecast accuracy.

2. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Facilitate ongoing alignment with Sales Leadership on forecast Risks & Opportunities.
• Partner with CPFR and Regional Demand Planning teams to validate and refine demand signals.
• Work with Marketing and Sales to develop forecasts for new products, discontinuations , and innovation pipelines.

3. Forecast Assumption Management

• Document, challenge, and update forecast assumptions across assigned Business Units.
• Monitor forecast accuracy and perform root cause analysis on significant variances.
• Communicate forecast changes and business drivers clearly across the organization.

4. Strategic Support

• Support Joint Business Planning (JBP) efforts and provide input into Annual Operating Plans .
• Influence functional business decisions using data-driven storytelling and demand analytics.
• Provide ad hoc analysis and reporting for Business Units to support planning and execution.

Key Deliverables

• Monthly rolling 26-month forecast submission
• Demand Management Review presentation and alignment
• Forecast assumption log and documentation
• New product/innovation forecast models
• Forecast accuracy tracking and improvement insights

Collaboration Network

• Sales Leadership Teams
• Business Unit General Managers
• Regional Demand Planners
• CPFR & Supply Planning Teams
• Marketing and Finance