Demand Planning Manager (M/F/D)

The Opportunity:

Avantor is seeking a highly analytical and proactive Demand Planning Manager to join our Commercial team. This role is responsible for modelling demand, planning replenishment, and managing inventories across a defined product portfolio. The focus is on achieving service level goals at the lowest possible cost while supporting strategic initiatives across Commercial, Operations, and Finance.

You will build product-level forecasts across VWR product offerings, develop proactive reporting tools, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to improve service levels through the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process. Additionally, you will lead and mentor a team of procurement associates, ensuring delivery of business goals and customer service levels in line with our Irish operating plan.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply analytical and statistical techniques to develop tactical demand forecasts and replenishment plans.
• Determine optimal inventory positions and safety stock levels for each SKU and location.
• Maximize inventory investment and collaborate with Sales and Customers to support recommendations.
• Maintain and optimize supply planning models and ERP systems.
• Support S&OP process and partner with Finance, Sales, and Purchasing to manage excess and obsolete inventory.
• Prepare purchasing forecasts and financial projections; analyze variances between actual and forecasted activity.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of procurement associates, providing regular feedback and performance guidance.
• Partner with inventory management to reduce write-offs and optimize inventory strategies.
• Act as liaison between Sales, Customer Service, and Suppliers to resolve supply chain constraints.
• Monitor and report on KPIs including forecast accuracy, demand variability, inventory levels, and backorders.
• Conduct product lifecycle and trend analysis to determine appropriate inventory levels.
• Drive process standardization and ensure inventory data integrity.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
   

Qualifications

• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5+ years of procurement experience in enterprise-level planning.
• Proven team management experience.
• Strong knowledge of forecasting methods; APICS/CPIM certification preferred.
• Global supply chain experience is a plus.
• Formal problem-solving training (e.g., Six Sigma) desirable.
   

Skills & Competencies

• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Access, Word); strong aptitude for analyzing large datasets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience in a matrix environment preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Practical experience with forecasting and inventory planning tools (e.g., Logility, SAP, or equivalent).
   

Apply Now
If you're ready to take the next step in your supply chain career and thrive in a fast-paced, data-driven environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
 
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
 
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We d