Director of Sales & Operations Planning

TITLE: Director of Sales & Operations Planning

TYPE: Direct Hire

LOCATION: Asbury Park, NJ

ONSITE/REMOTE/HYBRID: Onsite

START DATE: March/April 2026

We are seeking a Director of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) to lead the company's integrated planning process and ensure alignment across demand, supply, inventory, and financial objectives. This leadership role serves as the critical connection between commercial teams and operational functions, translating market insights and customer demand into actionable production and procurement plans.

As part of the leadership team, this individual will provide forward-looking analysis on revenue projections, capacity planning, supply constraints, and inventory exposure. The Director will oversee the design, execution, and ongoing improvement of the S&OP process while working closely with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Operations, and Supply Chain teams.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Present forward-looking operational and financial insights during leadership and corporate planning meetings.
• Manage the monthly S&OP process, including demand review, supply planning, and executive alignment sessions.
• Provide leadership with visibility into potential risks and opportunities related to service levels, inventory, capacity utilization, revenue, and margins.
• Lead the overall S&OP strategy to ensure alignment between demand forecasts, supply capabilities, inventory targets, and financial goals.
• Convert unit demand forecasts into revenue and profit projections in collaboration with Finance to support budgeting and rolling forecasts.
• Develop and maintain reporting dashboards that track key planning metrics such as forecast accuracy, service performance, demand variability, and inventory turnover.
• Oversee forecasting activities across multiple sales channels including retail, e-commerce, and distribution partners.
• Lead cross-functional discussions to produce and maintain an 18-month rolling consensus demand plan.
• Manage statistical forecasting tools and baseline forecast generation.
• Integrate insights from Sales, Marketing, customer feedback, and market trends into a consolidated demand forecast.
• Identify variances between demand forecasts and financial targets and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Continuously enhance forecasting methodologies to improve accuracy and reliability.
• Support demand planning for new product launches and promotional initiatives.
• Ensure alignment between demand forecasts and production schedules, procurement plans, and material availability.
• Conduct scenario planning and develop contingency strategies to mitigate potential supply or demand disruptions.
• Ensure production and purchasing activities are effectively aligned with the demand plan.
• Establish and oversee inventory strategies that balance high service levels with efficient working capital management.
• Work collaboratively with operations and supply chain teams to identify and resolve supply constraints during the S&OP cycle.
• Ensure adherence to standard operating procedures, financial controls, and audit requirements.
• Maintain strong inventory control processes, including transaction accuracy, cycle counting, and physical inventory management.
• Address risks related to excess or obsolete inventory in partnership with Sales and Marketing teams.
• Optimize inventory positioning to support growth while maintaining financial discipline.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• 8–12+ years of progressive experience in S&OP, demand planning, supply planning, or inventory leadership within a consumer packaged goods (Client) manufacturing environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with business intelligence platforms such as Power BI preferred.
• At least three years of experience in a senior leadership capacity.
• Proven ability to improve forecast accuracy, service levels, and inventory performance metrics.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional S&OP processes and achieving executive-level alignment.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems, MRP processes, and supply chain planning tools.
• Ability to balance long-term strategic initiatives with daily operational priorities.
• Ability to influence and communicate effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical skills and financial understanding.
• Strategic mindset combined with strong operational expertise.
• Skilled facilitator capable of driving alignment across departments.
• Process-oriented leader with a continuous improvement approach.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, growth-focused consumer goods environment.

EOE STATEMENT

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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