Senior Manager, Demand Planning – Social Media Customer Support Leader (Remote – FMCG & Retail Forecasting)
About arenaflex – Pioneering the Future of Consumer Goods
At arenaflex, we are more than a global leader in fast‑moving consumer goods (FMCG); we are a community of innovators, problem‑solvers, and passionate professionals dedicated to delivering delightful experiences to millions of customers every day. Our portfolio spans iconic beverage brands, premium coffee solutions, and a wide range of consumables that brighten households worldwide. With a commitment to sustainability, digital transformation, and employee empowerment, arenaflex offers a vibrant environment where every voice matters and every idea can shape the next generation of products.
Why This Role Is a Game‑Changer
We are searching for a dynamic, strategic, and hands‑on senior leader to own the end‑to‑end demand planning function for our North American business unit, with a special focus on social‑media driven customer support. This is a unique opportunity to blend analytical rigor, cross‑functional collaboration, and a deep understanding of the digital consumer landscape—all while working from the comfort of your home office.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Demand Planning & S&OP Leadership
- Lead the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process for the Americas BU, integrating data from social‑media channels, e‑commerce, and traditional retail outlets.
- Develop, validate, and publish a long‑term demand plan in Microsoft Excel, then translate it into Anaplan and SAP models, adhering to all cut‑off deadlines.
Data Governance & Model Management
- Maintain high‑quality, timely data inputs within Anaplan, ensuring forecasting accuracy meets or exceeds agreed‑upon KPIs.
- Review and approve scenario assumptions to support the execution of the corporate Annual Business Plan (ABP) and the latest Revised Forecast (LRP).
New Product Introduction (NPD) & Inventory Optimization
- Accelerate the planning and launch of new products, delivering precise demand estimates to minimize risk and avoid stock‑outs.
- Collaborate closely with Business Development, Marketing, and Commercial teams to assess how new SKUs, promotions, and campaigns impact demand and supply plans.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Marketing to translate social‑media insights into quantifiable demand signals.
- Work with Supply Chain, Finance, and Sales to identify potential supply constraints, excess inventory, and product obsolescence risks.
- Provide actionable recommendations during each S&OP cycle, highlighting risks such as NPD delistings, supply shortages, or slow‑moving inventory.
Leadership & Continuous Improvement
- Mentor junior analysts and foster a culture of data‑driven decision‑making across the organization.
- Lead initiatives to improve forecasting methodologies, incorporate advanced analytics, and streamline planning processes.
- Champion best practices in demand planning, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and industry standards.
Essential Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Economics, Statistics, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Experience: Minimum 5 + years of progressive demand planning experience within the FMCG or retail environment.
- Domain Expertise: Proven track record in demand planning for a portfolio that includes espresso machines, consumables, and related categories.
- Technical Proficiency: Hands‑on experience with Anaplan and SAP (or comparable demand‑planning platforms); advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with ERP tools.
- Analytical Skills: Strong quantitative abilities, meticulous attention to detail, and a passion for turning data into actionable insights.
- Leadership Qualities: Demonstrated independence, sound judgment, proactive problem‑solving, and the capacity to influence without direct authority.
- Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities; skillful at presenting complex data to non‑technical stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications & Additional Skills
- Advanced degree (MBA, MSc) in Supply Chain, Analytics, or a related discipline.
- Experience in social‑media analytics and integrating those insights into demand forecasts.
- Familiarity with predictive modeling, machine‑learning techniques, or advanced statistical software (e.g., R, Python).
- Track record of leading virtual, cross‑functional teams across multiple time zones.
- Certification in APICS CPIM, CSCP, or related demand‑planning credentials.
Core Competencies for Success
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture while drilling down into granular data.
- Collaboration: Comfortable working remotely with diverse teams, building trust, and driving consensus.
- Problem Solving: Anticipates challenges, develops mitigation strategies, and swiftly addresses issues.
- Adaptability: Thrives in a fast‑changing environment where new products, promotions, and market dynamics emerge regularly.
- Customer‑Centric Mindset: Understands the impact of demand planning on customer experience, especially in the digital/social media space.
What You’ll Gain – Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
At arenaflex, your development is a priority. As a senior leader, you will:
- Work directly with senior executives, gaining visibility into corporate strategy.
- Participate in global demand‑planning forums, sharing best practices and learning from peers worldwide.
- Access continuous learning programs, including certifications, workshops, and mentorship initiatives.
- Lead high‑impact projects that shape the future of product launches, sustainability initiatives, and digital commerce.
- Potentially advance into broader supply‑chain leadership roles such as Head of Demand Planning, VP of Operations, or General Management positions.
Work Environment & Culture at arenaflex
Remote‑First Flexibility: This role is 100 % work‑from‑home, enabling you to design a workspace that maximizes productivity and work‑life balance.
Purpose‑Driven Mission: We are committed to delivering safe, high‑quality products while reducing environmental impact. Your work directly contributes to a sustainable future and happy consumers.
Inclusive Community: arenaflex celebrates diversity and fosters a culture where every employee feels heard, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.
Collaborative Technology Stack: Leverage cutting‑edge collaboration tools (Microsoft Teams, Slack, Miro) and data platforms to stay connected with global teams.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits (Typical for this Level)
- Competitive annual salary ranging from $95,000 – $115,000 (aligned with market benchmarks for senior demand‑planning roles).
- Performance‑based bonuses and long‑term incentive opportunities.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents.
- Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
- Generous paid time off, parental leave, and flexible holiday schedules.
- Professional development stipend for certifications, conferences, and courses.
- Home‑office allowance to equip your remote workspace with ergonomic furniture and technology.
- Employee assistance programs, wellness initiatives, and virtual social events.
How to Apply – Join arenaflex’s Trailblazing Team
If you are a forward‑thinking demand‑planning professional with a passion for leveraging social‑media insights to drive business success, we would love to hear from you. Embrace the opportunity to influence a multinational FMCG powerhouse while enjoying the flexibility of remote work.
Take the next step: Click the “Apply Now” button below, submit your resume, and include a brief cover letter outlining your experience with Anaplan, SAP, and social‑media forecasting.
Become a part of arenaflex—where innovation meets purpose, and where your career can flourish.
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