Demand Planning and S&OP Planning Manager

Demand : 

• Collect, analyse and challenge the Forecasts on a specific scope : manual input and information from Sales Department, statistical parameters to update and adjust.

• Become expert and key point of support on the Demand Tool (QUINTIQ)
  Participate to the continuous improvement of Tool and Process

• Demonstrate curiosity and a good understanding of our customers’ business

S&OP : 

• Coordinate the entire S&OP process on a specific scope to ensure alignment of functions and Top Management delivery of mid to long-term business targets and customer satisfaction.
  Relationship with Factories, Sales, Demand Planning, Controlling and Supply Chain, to ensure Service Quality

(DRP, Stock projection, Production Plan with Plant Directors, anticipation and impacts...)

• Demonstrate interest and understanding of production processes and manufacturing workflows

JOB SCOPE/DIMENSIONS

Demand : (Workload : 25%)

• Develop, compile, analyse the Forecast deviations and projections

• Identify, challenge and raise the Customer pattern changes, to inform others S&OP Managers for their scope

• Prepare and lead the Monthly Demand Review on his scope (stakeholders : Plant Director, Controlling Director, Sales Director)

• Continuous improvement on Tool/Process
   

S&OP : (Workload : 75%)

• Establish and execute a monthly S&OP process in Tons 

• DRP or Supply follow up (Trades, Raw mat, WIP), by Plant / Production Line

• Focus on key products / key Customers

• Cost calculation (Inventory)

• Root cause and event analysis

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deep analysis of Monthly Forecast

• Check of Forecast vs Order Book (link with Supply Chain about Backlogs or with Sales for missing Orders vs Forecast).

• Deep dive into the exceptions and warnings

• Statistical calculation to set up for new BFU, or change algorithm

• Follow up Forecast Accuracy and deviation analysis at different levels, list causes and impact

• Create close relationship with Sales Managers and Master Data Team

• Challenge Sales Managers

• Statistical calculation to set up for new BFU, change and adjust algorithms

• Support other Team members and update/enrich the Demand Bible

• Establish and execute an S&OP process (or implement it) for assigned scope, aligned with Imerys S&OP blueprint (to develop) and RAC process

• Generate supply planning in coordination with demand planner and sites. Purpose is to show the future load of the plants by workshop/family on a monthly basis (need to transform the demand into production requirements) 

• Analyse & propose solutions for supply and demand issues. Prepares all data, metrics and scenarios to be discussed during monthly S&OP meetings.

• Ensures data generated by functional stakeholders is suitable for S&OP process. Initiates improvement actions if necessary.

• Ensures identification, monitoring and reporting of assumptions, risks and opportunities related to the medium to long-term business targets. Escalate as appropriate.

• Writes S&OP meeting minutes, communicates key conclusions to stakeholders and performs follow-up of actions

• Continuously review the S&OP process to ensure it suits business needs and is up to date with best practices

• Key interfaces: strong partnership to be built with (i) Segments leadership, (ii) product management,  (iii) Supply Chain, (iii) Operations; (iv) Purchasing; (v) Finance

• Drives transformation and implements new BA organisation and structure for his/her perimeter

• 5 to 10 % business travel is required 

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education and Experience requirements

Master Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or a related field

Experience

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in S&OP and Demand Planning Management within an industrial/manufacturing environment

• Proven track record of working and collaborating in transversal, matrixed, and multicultural international organizations.  

• Demonstrated experience in managing cross-functional S&OP cycles involving Sales, Operations, Finance, and Plant Leadership

• 1st experience on any  Forecasting Tool : set up, algorithms, data disaggregation…

Knowledge, skills,

Strong knowledge of S&OP and Demand Planning : In-depth knowledge of statistical forecasting methodologies, S&OP process implementation, and demand-supply alignment

Project management skills

Strong analytical skills (ability to deep dive daily into statistics by Product/Customer)

Others: strategic thinking, interpersonal skills (multicultural), ability to propose solutions

Advocate for data integrity

Business Intelligence & Systems: Advanced proficiency in BI tools, Google Workspace, SAP HANA, SAC (SAP Analytics Cloud), and specialized statistical demand planning software (e.g., Quintiq)

Good communication and ability to influence and challenge stakeholders at all levels

Languages: Fluent in English (written & spoken); additional languages are a plus.

Imerys Leadership Competencies

Cares for Self & Others

• Fosters a supportive environment during intense planning windows

• Promotes respectful, cross-cultural collaboration across international plant sites and regional sales teams to build long-term trust

Collaborates for Success

• Seamlessly adapts communication style when interacting with high-level stakeholders, including Plant Directors, Sales Leadership, Finance, and operational teams

• Confidently and constructively challenges sales forecasts and operational constraints, turning functional pushback into shared business solutions

• Drives cross-functional alignment by maintaining clear, timely, and single-source-of-truth S&OP data across all key interfaces

Commits to Customers

• Translates customer demand patterns and broader market shifts into concrete operational supply parameters

• Strikes the optimal balance between high customer service quality expectations and plant production capabilities, lead times, and holding costs

Drives Results

• Maintains composure, sharp analytical focus, and decisiveness under high pressure, tight monthly S&OP deadlines, or sudden supply disruptions

• Firmly commits to delivering high forecast accuracy, optimized inventory levels, and DRP targets while keeping long-term goals intact

• Proactively identifies supply-demand imbalances and drives actionable mitigation plans through to completion

Shapes the Future

• Fluidly navigates between granular statistical details (SKUs, customer ordering patterns) and the big-picture strategic business vision

• Anticipates market fluctuations and constructs clear demand-supply scenario models even when working with incomplete data