Manager, Demand Planning Analytics

Work Location: ​Chicago​

Due to the highly interactive and team-based nature of this role, in-person attendance for most of the workweek (i.e., 3 days or more) is essential for: effective communication including during in-person meetings, strong supervision, real-time problem-solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.

Want to make an impact?

This position will be responsible for developing and leading advanced statistical and predictive modeling capabilities to enhance forecast accuracy and support data-driven decision-making across the organization. This role oversees the design, deployment, and continuous improvement of demand planning analytics within SAP IBP, ensuring models and insights are effectively translated into actionable business strategies.

The manager will lead a team of analysts, partner closely with cross-functional stakeholders, and drive the integration of analytical insights into planning and operational processes. Success in this role requires a balance of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills to align analytical innovation with business value and long-term growth.

Ways you will make a difference

• Develop and lead statistical demand planning within SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) including building, maintaining, and evolving predictive models and statistical forecasting methods. 
• Analyze large, complex datasets to extract actionable insights, identify trends, and address forecasting challenges that improve forecast accuracy and business performance. 
• Apply analytical rigor and advanced statistical techniques including predictive modeling, time series forecasting, and segmentation analysis to drive demand forecasting improvements. 
• Develop training materials and documentation to upskill demand planners on statistical and predictive modeling capabilities in SAP IBP. 
• Ensure analytical insights are seamlessly integrated into business processes and decision-making before selecting or building technical solutions. 
• Lead research and implementation of emerging data science techniques and new technologies to enhance forecasting accuracy and end-to-end supply chain performance. 
• Partner with technical and business stakeholders to identify and deliver technology-driven opportunities that provide measurable business value. 
• Create and continuously improve analytical outputs, including forecasts, dashboards, reports, and insights for internal teams and external stakeholders. 
• Establish and track KPIs for forecast accuracy, model performance, and adoption, ensuring continuous improvement and measurable ROI on analytics initiatives. 
• Foster cross-functional collaboration, acting as a subject matter expert on advanced forecasting methods and their application within business operations.
• Manage and develop a team of demand planning analysts, setting priorities and building analytical capabilities.

Skills that will make you successful

• Integrity – holds themself to meet expectations and do what is right over what is easy
• Respect – values all people; equips stakeholders to make informed decisions and trusts them to do so
• Focused – aligns actions to departmental and organizational goals 
• Collaborative – approaches work and others with an open and cross functional mindset
• Responsible – holds themself accountable to continuously improve our processes & drive towards completion without intervention 
• Imaginative – asks questions to make better decisions and drive process improvement
• Composed – stays collected in unexpected situations, comfortably handles risk and uncertainty
• Data Driven – uses data to inform the decision-making process

Experiences that will support your success

• 5+ years in demand planning, supply chain analytics, or a related quantitative field, with 2+ years managing analysts or data scientists
• Proficiency in statistical modeling and machine learning (Python, SQL, or similar); experience with time series forecasting methods (ARIMA, exponential smoothing)
• Understanding of supply chain fundamentals: S&OP, inventory management, lead times, and how forecast accuracy impacts operations
• Ability to explain model outputs and recommendations to non-technical stakeholders
• Familiarity with demand planning platforms (Kinaxis, o9, Blue Yonder, SAP IBP) is a plus

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we’re proud to support our employees by providing comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off (PTO).  Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $102,075 to $142,905 annually.