Director, Demand Planning

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five continents. While we work in science, there’s no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people. In exchange, we let our people own their careers. Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world. And that’s the kind of work we want to be part of.

The Director of Demand Planning will lead and develop a high-performing demand planning team responsible for developing and implementing effective demand planning and commercial forecasting strategies across the business unit to ensure that we meet customer needs and align supply chain strategies with the business’s objectives. The Director will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, finance, and supply chain, to synchronize business plans with accurate demand forecasts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define, lead, and manage the Demand planning and commercial forecasting process as part of Bioscience's overall Sales, Supply, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SI&OP) process.

• Lead and manage a process and cross-functional teams which maintain accurate short-term and long-term demand forecasts across all aspects of the Bioscience product portfolio, including both made-to-stock and made-to-order products

• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and operations teams to gather data and insights to inform demand forecasts

• Partner with finance to align demand forecasts with financial planning and budgeting processes

• Develop and implement effective demand planning strategies and processes to ensure that we meet customer needs while optimizing inventory levels and minimizing costs

• Continuously monitor and analyze market trends, sales data, and other relevant factors to adjust forecasts and plans as needed

• Work closely with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure that inventory levels are optimized, and production schedules are aligned with demand forecasts

• Manage and maintain the tools and dashboards supporting the demand planning and sales forecasting processes including key performance indicators (KPIs) to track forecast accuracy

• Prepare and present regular reports and analysis to senior management to inform business decisions

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of demand planners, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth with a data-driven approach

• Identify and implement process improvements and best practices to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the demand planning function

• Perform other duties as assigned

Key Requirements:

• Proficiency in demand planning software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP IBP, Oracle, etc.).

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills

• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive alignment across departments.

• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, with a track record of developing and managing high-performing teams required

• Knowledge of SAP BW, IBP, ERP and demand planning software and tools is a plus

• Advanced Excel skills, knowledge of data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI) is a plus

• Experience in a similar industry is a plus (biotech and pharma)

Every day, Lonza’s products and services have a positive impact on millions of people. For us, this is not only a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. How we achieve our business results is just as important as the achievements themselves. At Lonza, we respect and protect our people and our environment. Any success we achieve is no success at all if not achieved ethically. People come to Lonza for the challenge and creativity of solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences. In return, we offer the satisfaction that comes with improving lives all around the world. The satisfaction that comes with making a meaningful difference. 

The full-time base annual salary for this remote position is expected to range is between $169,200.00 and $197,400.00. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including the successful candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and job-related knowledge. Full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including performance-related bonus, medical and dental coverage, 401k plan, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off (PTO), and more.  

Lonza is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.