[Hiring] Director of Demand Planning @Olive June

Role Description

We are seeking a strategic and data-driven Director of Demand Planning to lead forecasting and demand management across a complex and high-growth product portfolio. This role will own the end-to-end demand planning function, driving forecast accuracy, inventory optimization, and cross-functional alignment across Sales, Marketing, Product, Finance, and Supply Planning. The ideal candidate has deep experience in high-SKU consumer goods (preferably beauty or fashion), thrives in fast-paced environments, and can translate data into clear, actionable insights to support business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Demand Planning Strategy & Leadership
  • Own the demand planning function across 5,000+ SKUs, including core assortment, seasonal launches, limited editions, and retail exclusives.
  • Develop and execute scalable forecasting processes that support rapid SKU expansion and product lifecycle complexity.
  • Lead the monthly S&OP process, ensuring alignment across cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Build, mentor, and scale a high-performing demand planning team.
• Forecasting & Analytics
  • Generate and continuously improve SKU-level forecasts using statistical models and business inputs.
  • Analyze historical trends, seasonality, promotional impact, and product lifecycle curves.
  • Drive improvements in forecast accuracy (MAPE, bias) and establish KPI reporting dashboards.
  • Leverage tools (e.g., ERP systems, forecasting software, Excel, BI tools, AI) to automate and enhance planning capabilities.
• Product Launch & Lifecycle Management
  • Partner with Product Development and Marketing to forecast new product launches and limited collections.
  • Manage demand planning for product transitions, discontinuations, and cannibalization scenarios.
  • Establish best practices for new SKU onboarding and forecast ramp curves.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate with Sales and Retail teams to incorporate channel-level demand signals (e.g., promotions, distribution gains, retailer forecasts).
  • Partner closely with Supply Planning and Procurement to ensure supply alignment and inventory optimization.
  • Work with Finance to align forecasts with revenue targets and financial planning.
• Inventory Optimization
  • Balance service levels with inventory efficiency across DTC, retail, and wholesale channels.
  • Identify risks and opportunities (stockouts, excess inventory) and proactively recommend mitigation strategies.
  • Support safety stock strategies and inventory segmentation.
• Systems & Process Improvement
  • Evaluate and implement demand planning tools and systems to support scale.
  • Drive process standardization and documentation across the planning function.
  • Champion data quality and governance across forecasting inputs.

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain analytics.
• 3–5+ years of leadership experience managing and developing teams.
• Experience in high-SKU consumer goods environments (beauty, apparel, CPG strongly preferred).
• Proven track record managing complex product portfolios (1,000+ SKUs; 5,000+ preferred).
• Strong analytical skills with expertise in Excel and experience with ERP/forecasting tools (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Anaplan, ToolsGroup, etc.).
• Experience leading S&OP / IBP processes.
• Exceptional cross-functional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in beauty, cosmetics, or personal care.
• Familiarity with DTC and retail omni-channel demand planning.
• Experience managing seasonal and trend-driven product portfolios.
• Background in scaling planning processes in high-growth companies.

Key Success Metrics

• Forecast accuracy (MAPE, bias) improvement.
• Inventory turns and weeks of supply optimization.
• Service levels / in-stock rates across channels.
• Successful execution of product launches and seasonal drops.
• Reduction in excess and obsolete inventory.

Benefits

• Opportunity to shape demand planning at a fast-growing, category-defining brand.
• High ownership and visibility across leadership.
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial culture focused on innovation and customer experience.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and growth opportunities.