Manager, Demand Planning

 

About KARL STORZ

From the operating room to surgery centers—and everywhere in between—KARL STORZ North America is a global leader in medical technology and advanced visualization solutions. We design specialty innovations, smart instruments and devices, integrated ecosystems, and intelligent imaging—to build a more connected, software-enabled operating room.

 

As an independent, family-owned MedTech company, we ambitiously think in generations instead of quarters to improve patients’ lives around the world.

 

About the Role

As the Manager, Demand Planning, you'll play a critical role in ensuring the right products are available at the right time to support our customers and business objectives. You'll lead the development of short- and long-term demand forecasts while partnering cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Purchasing, Supply Planning, Manufacturing, and Quality/Regulatory Affairs to drive forecast accuracy and optimize inventory performance.

 

In this highly collaborative role, you'll lead the monthly demand planning process, support Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), and provide strategic insights that influence inventory investment, customer service levels, and supply chain performance. You'll also oversee the Demand Planning & New Products Planning Analyst while driving continuous improvements across forecasting methodologies, reporting, and planning processes.

 

This role has a hybrid work schedule – 2 days from home and 3 days in our Auburn, MA office.

 

What You'll Do

• Develop and maintain accurate monthly demand forecasts for products sold and distributed across North America.
• Lead the monthly demand review process and support the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process through analysis, reporting, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Partner with Marketing, Sales, Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Quality/Regulatory Affairs to develop consensus demand plans and improve forecast accuracy.
• Support new product launches, promotions, commercialization activities, product transitions, and product discontinuations through effective demand planning.
• Monitor demand trends, identify inventory risks, and provide recommendations to optimize inventory levels, safety stock, and customer service.
• Develop and publish key performance metrics including forecast accuracy, launch performance, inventory risk analysis, and product lifecycle reporting.
• Utilize forecasting tools and statistical models to generate baseline forecasts and recommend forecast adjustments.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance forecasting methodologies, reporting capabilities, and planning processes.
• Lead and develop the Demand Planning & New Products Planning Analyst while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.

 

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Demand Planning, Supply Chain Planning, Inventory Planning, or a related discipline, including at least 1 year of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of demand forecasting, inventory management, and supply chain planning principles.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with ERP systems and demand planning software.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% as business needs require.

 

What Will Make You Successful

• Experience supporting Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) or Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes.
• Proficiency with SAP, Forecast Pro, Salesforce, Qlik, or similar forecasting and planning platforms.
• APICS/ASCM certification or equivalent supply chain certification.
• Strong understanding of statistical forecasting techniques, inventory optimization, and Forecast Value Add (FVA) methodologies.
• Ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable business recommendations.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities while driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Collaborative leadership style with a passion for developing people, building partnerships, and improving supply chain performance.

 

 

Why KARL