Lifecycle Demand Planning Manager (Remote Role)

The Lifecycle Demand Planning Manager at OLAPLEX is responsible for developing accurate demand forecasts for new product launches, managing the phasing out of existing SKUs, and overseeing kits and promotional items. This role collaborates closely with various departments, including Sales, Marketing, and New Product Development, to ensure seamless product lifecycle management and consensus on key decisions.

To qualify for the Lifecycle Demand Planning Manager role at OLAPLEX, candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field, along with a minimum of 5 years of experience in demand planning or product lifecycle management. Experience with consumer products and knowledge in Integrated Business Planning (IBP) or Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes are highly preferred.

OLAPLEX fosters collaboration by bringing together cross-functional teams such as Sales, Marketing, Key Customers, and New Product Development to align on demand forecasts, market launch timing, and customer needs. This collaboration is crucial in the Integrated Business Planning meetings where insights and data are shared to inform business decisions.

Proficiency in demand planning software and MS Excel is essential for the Lifecycle Demand Planning Manager at OLAPLEX. Strong analytical skills, data-driven decision-making capabilities, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly to various stakeholders are also critical for success in this role.

OLAPLEX offers a range of benefits including competitive compensation, flexible paid time off, health insurance contributions, professional development reimbursement programs, and a supportive work culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Employees also enjoy perks like free products annually and a generous matching Roth and 401k plan.

When answering this question, be specific about your past experiences in demand planning. Highlight the tools you've used, the forecasting methodologies adopted, and how you've successfully managed product lifecycles. Providing metrics or results of your contributions will add credibility to your response.

Discuss your communication style and how you ensure all voices are heard. Mention specific strategies you’ve employed to facilitate discussions, such as regular meetings, shared documents, or collaborative tools. Highlight success stories where teamwork led to improved forecasting outcomes.

Outline the analytical techniques you utilize, such as historical sales data analysis, competitor analysis, or industry reports. Describe how you interpret this data to make informed predictions about demand and how it impacts planning strategies.

Explain your process for ensuring alignment among Sales, Marketing, and other teams. Emphasize your approach to gathering input from each party and your ability to mediate discussions to find common ground while working towards business goals.

Discuss your understanding of SKU rationalization, how you identify underperforming products, and what criteria you consider in deciding whether to sunset a product. Share examples of how you've streamlined product offerings in the past.

Share a specific example that highlights your analytical skills and decision-making processes. Discuss the factors you considered, how you weighed the pros and cons, and the outcome of the decision, including any learnings for the future.

Talk about the techniques you use for validation, such as adjusting forecasts based on market changes, using statistical models, and incorporating feedback from sales teams. Illustrate your methods with examples where applicable.

Be specific about the demand planning and inventory management software you've used, highlighting your proficiency. Mention any reporting tools that support your planning efforts, as well as your comfort level with data analysis.

Outline the metrics you focus on, such as forecast accuracy, sales performance, and inventory turnover rates. Explain how you regularly assess these metrics and make adjustments as needed to improve future planning processes.

Explain your passion for the beauty industry and how OLAPLEX's mission aligns with your values. Share what specifically draws you to the company culture and the opportunity to drive innovation in product lifecycle management.