POSITION OVERVIEW
Are you ready to lead demand planning across a global footprint? WAI Global, a premier manufacturer and distributor of rotating electrical components and automotive parts, is seeking a Senior Demand Planner to drive forecast strategy and execution across our expansive and rapidly evolving aftermarket business.
In this role, you’ll take ownership of demand planning processes for multiple regions, product lines, and channels. Your work will be foundational in balancing inventory investments with customer service goals and sales targets. You’ll lead S&OP discussions, support product lifecycle transitions, and bring analytical rigor to every decision.
This is a high-impact role designed for professionals who thrive in dynamic environments, communicate with clarity, and have a passion for turning data into action.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
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Forecast Ownership:
Lead the development of short- and long-range demand forecasts using Logility and ERP data. Translate internal and external signals into SKU-level forecasts that support revenue targets and working capital goals. -
S&OP Leadership:
Drive consensus forecasting as part of the global S&OP process. Present forecast insights, risk assessments, and scenario plans to senior leaders. Ensure alignment between sales, marketing, operations, and finance. -
Data-Driven Planning:
Analyze historical trends, promotions, market shifts, and customer insights. Leverage statistical models, elasticity assumptions, and product segmentation strategies to build accurate and actionable demand plans. -
Inventory Strategy:
Partner with Supply Planning and Inventory Management to maintain optimal inventory levels across multiple DCs and geographies. Minimize obsolescence while improving fill rate performance. -
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Act as the planning voice in cross-functional forums. Work with Product Management, Category, Commercial, and Finance teams to forecast new launches, product transitions, and discontinuations. -
Forecast Accuracy Improvement:
Monitor and improve forecast accuracy and bias across the portfolio. Identify root causes of forecast error and implement corrective actions in real-time. -
Best Practices:
Drive system and process improvements that elevate the overall planning function.
WHAT YOU BRING
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Analytics, Industrial Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- Minimum 5–7 years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or S&OP, ideally in retail or aftermarket automotive environments.
- Expertise with demand planning systems (Logility strongly preferred) and ERP software (e.g., Baan, SAP, NetSuite).
- Exceptional analytical skills, with fluency in Excel and forecasting/statistical tools.
- Proven leadership and influence in cross-functional settings.
- Excellent communication and storytelling skills—able to distill complex data into business insights for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Experience with large, complex product catalogs and global distribution is strongly preferred.
WHY WAI?
At WAI, we pride ourselves on being first-to-market with high-quality products across the globe. From our state-of-the-art distribution centers to our in-house electronics and component manufacturing, we combine innovation and scale to deliver unmatched value to customers in over 100 countries. With recent acquisitions expanding our portfolio and footprint, now is the perfect time to join our growing team.
