Demand Planning Manager EMEA

Job Summary

The EMEA Demand Planning Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring product availability and operational efficiency within a distribution organization that is supplied by the parent company’s manufacturing facilities. Acting as the link between central planning and local market operations, this role combines operational responsibilities—such as developing accurate demand forecasts, leading Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) cycles, and managing stock availability—with strategic contributions to management‑level discussions on the global operations model.

By balancing day‑to‑day execution with regional input into global decision‑making, the Demand Planning Manager ensures that customer demand is met reliably while optimizing inventory levels and supporting both local execution and global strategic alignment.

The position requires strong coordination with the central planning department and local sales teams to balance supply constraints with market requirements, ultimately safeguarding service levels and driving business performance.

Essential Functions

Forecasting & Demand Planning

Develop, maintain, and continuously improve demand forecasts for the EMEA region using historical data, market intelligence, in collaboration with the commercial teams.

Monitor forecast accuracy and implement corrective actions to improve reliability.

Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)

Establish, lead, and maintain the regional S&OP process, ensuring alignment between demand, supply, and financial objectives.

Facilitate cross-functional collaboration with sales, marketing, finance, and central planning to integrate product launches, and strategic initiatives into demand plans.

Inventory & Availability Management

Manage stock availability across multiple market channels, balancing service levels with inventory targets.

Identify risks of shortages or excess stock and propose mitigation strategies to safeguard customer satisfaction and working capital efficiency.

Regional–Global Alignment

Act as the key interface between EMEA operations and the parent company’s central planning department.

Provide regional insights to support strategic discussions on the global operations model, ensuring EMEA market realities are reflected in global decision-making.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

Track and report key performance indicators such as forecast accuracy, service levels, and inventory turnover.

Deliver actionable insights and scenario analyses to support both tactical decisions and long-term planning.

Continuous Improvement

Contribute to company-wide projects aimed at improving quality and efficiency in the supply chain.

Provides Leadership To / Liaisons With

Internal collaboration

Works closely with our Reporting Analyst to interpret data, validate forecasts, and enhance reporting accuracy.

Provides guidance and direction to ensure analytical outputs support demand planning and S&OP processes.

Cross-Functional Liaison

Central Planning Department – Acts as the primary interface to align regional demand forecasts with global supply and production capacity allocation.

Finance – Partners to ensure demand plans are integrated into financial projections, budgeting, and working capital management.

Sales & Marketing (Local Level) – Collaborates to incorporate market intelligence, and product launches into demand forecasts and S&OP cycles.

Leads through expertise, process ownership, and facilitationBuilds consensus across departments to drive alignment on demand planning priorities and supply chain decisions.

Work Environment - Physical Demands

Role is performed primarily in an office environment, with standard equipment such as computers, phones, and printers.

Requires extended periods of sitting, working at a desk, and using a computer keyboard and screen.

Occasional movement within the office to attend meetings or collaborate with colleagues.

No heavy lifting or strenuous activity is expected.

Work Environment – Non-Physical Demands

Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.

Solid understanding of supply chain processes, including demand planning, inventory management, and S&OP.

Excellent communication skills to facilitate collaboration across functions and regions.

High analytical capability to interpret complex data sets and translate them into actionable insights.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.

Capacity to influence and build consensus across departments without direct line management authority.

Qualifications & Competencies

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.

Experience

Minimum 5–7 years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain management, ideally within a multi-country or regional EMEA scope.

Proven track record in establishing and leading S&OP processes.

Experience with ERP systems, preferably Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations (F&O).

Technical Skills

Advanced analytical skills with forecasting tools and data visualization platforms.

Solid understanding of supply chain processes, inventory management, and financial integration.

Core Competencies

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across diverse cultures and functions.

Ability to operate effectively at both tactical and strategic levels.

Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities with attention to detail.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Capacity to influence and build consensus.

Strategic mindset with the ability to connect regional insights to global operations.

Location & Travel Requirements

This position is based on-site in Amersfoort.

Occasional travel may be required.

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