Demand Planning & Program Manager

12-month contract (possibility of extension) in Seattle, WA or San Francisco, CA. Pay rate range: $70–$75/hr (DOE).

About the role

We are seeking a highly analytical and results-driven Demand Planning & Program Manager with 5–7 years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, and cross-functional program management. This role is responsible for owning end-to-end demand forecasting (60%) and driving forecasting programs and stakeholder alignment (40%) across multiple retail channels. The ideal candidate will combine strong analytical skills, business acumen, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Demand Planning & Forecasting (60%)
  • Own and manage end-to-end demand forecasting, including sales curves, baseline forecasts, promotional lifts, and forward-looking demand plans.
  • Develop promotional forecasts and scenario models to support strategic planning and decision-making across retail channels.
  • Conduct deep-dive analyses on product performance, including year-over-year trends, forecast attainment, sales mix changes, and business performance insights.
  • Partner with retail channel owners to provide weekly and day-to-day forecasting support and sales reporting.
  • Perform net-short analysis and optimize inventory allocation during end-of-sale planning to minimize inventory overhang and maximize business outcomes.
  • Maintain and update forecasting systems to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and forecast integrity.
• Program Management (40%)
  • Develop and manage forecasting workback schedules, ensuring timely completion of milestones and holding stakeholders accountable for deliverables.
  • Collaborate with channel owners to review baseline forecasts, gather business inputs, and document forecasting assumptions for variance tracking and forecast bridging.
  • Lead recurring forecast review meetings, evaluating forecast performance, identifying risks, and driving corrective actions.
  • Standardize forecasting methodologies and assumptions across marketplaces while influencing stakeholders to adopt consistent planning processes for both established and emerging businesses.
  • Own the end-to-end forecast narrative, clearly communicating key drivers, forecast changes, assumptions, and business variances.
  • Lead Global Retail Demand Review meetings and facilitate cross-functional decision-making.

Requirements

• 5–7 years of relevant experience, with at least 5 years in demand planning and forecasting (60%) and program management (40%).
• Strong expertise in demand planning, forecasting methodologies, and promotional impact analysis.
• Experience managing complex business portfolios in B2C, finance, retail, or consumer-facing industries.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to analyze large datasets and build forecasting models.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and consistently meet aggressive deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Anaplan or similar demand planning and forecasting tools.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Experience working with global teams in a fast-paced, matrixed organization.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans).
• Supplemental coverage (accident insurance, critical illness insurance, and hospital indemnity).
• 401(k)-retirement savings.
• Life & disability insurance.
• Employee assistance program and legal support.
• Auto, home, and pet insurance.
• Employee discounts with preferred vendors.