Supply & Demand Planning Senior Lead

A leading company in the tires industry is seeking a dynamic Supply & Demand Planning Senior Lead to join their team and play a pivotal role in our supply chain strategy. This position demands a strategic thinker who can effectively analyze data, forecast demands, and develop planning processes that align with our business goals. As a Senior Lead, you will oversee a team of planners and collaborate with various departments to enhance service levels while optimizing inventory levels and costs.

**Responsibilities**:

- Develop and Execute Integrated Supply & Demand Plans: Create and implement comprehensive, integrated supply and demand plans aligned with business objectives, financial capabilities, and market trends. This includes developing advanced forecasting models, analyzing historical data, and considering external factors (seasonality, economic conditions, regional variations). A key deliverable is translating demand forecasts into specific procurement requirements.
- Advanced Forecasting Techniques: Utilize advanced statistical modeling and forecasting techniques to generate highly accurate demand predictions, adapting models to account for cultural and regional differences.
- Inventory Optimization: Develop and manage inventory strategies to ensure optimal stock levels, minimizing stockouts and excess inventory. Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to inventory management, adapting strategies for various regions.
- Supply Chain Orchestration: Work closely with Procurement, Purchasing Operations, Finance, and Sales teams to integrate demand forecasts into procurement planning. Proactively identify and resolve potential supply chain bottlenecks. Lead communication and collaboration to ensure alignment between demand forecasts and procurement actions.
- Data Analysis and Reporting: Utilize data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau, Power BI) to extract actionable insights from large datasets. Develop reports to track performance against targets and identify areas for improvement.
- Continuous Improvement: Proactively seek ways to improve demand planning processes and methodologies, incorporating new technologies and best practices.
- Orchestrating Cross-Functional Collaboration: Lead cross-functional collaboration with Procurement, Purchasing Operations, Finance, and Sales, ensuring alignment between demand forecasts and procurement actions. Effectively communicate insights to key stakeholders, influencing decision-making across the organization.
- Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential supply chain risks (demand variability, supplier disruptions, geopolitical events). Develop contingency plans considering regional political and economic factors.
- International Travel & Collaboration: This role requires domestic and international travel to collaborate with international teams.

**Requirements**:

- Supply & Demand Planning Expertise: 5+ years of progressive experience in supply and demand planning, forecasting, and inventory optimization, preferably within the tire & battery industry or related trade business. Proven success in implementing advanced strategies and achieving significant improvements in forecast accuracy and inventory efficiency in diverse international markets.
- Advanced Analytical Skills: Expert-level proficiency in statistical modeling and forecasting techniques. Demonstrated expertise in data analytics and visualization using tools such as Excel, Tableau, Power BI, or similar software.
- Building Cross-Cultural Consensus & Driving Stakeholder Alignment: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build consensus across diverse teams and effectively align stakeholders with strategic objectives in international contexts. Proven ability to navigate cultural differences and influence decision-making.
- Strategic Procurement Integration: Proven ability to translate demand forecasts into detailed procurement specifications and collaborate effectively with procurement teams to ensure timely and cost-effective sourcing.
- Strategic Thinking & Planning: Demonstrated ability to develop and execute long-term supply and demand planning strategies aligned with business objectives. Experience conducting market research and analyzing industry trends.
- Project Management: Experience leading and managing complex projects within tight deadlines. Proficiency in project management methodologies.
- Supply Chain Optimization: Experience identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance supply chain efficiency and reduce costs. Proven ability to optimize inventory levels and minimize stockouts.
- Proactive Technological Innovation: Actively seeks out and champions technological innovations to improve supply chain efficiency and accuracy. Demonstrates a willingness to challenge existing processes and drive continuous improvement.
- Business Acumen: Understanding of key financial metrics and their impact on supply chain decisions. Ability to transl