About UsFreeman is a global leader in events, on a mission to redefine live for a new era. With a data-driven approach and the industry’ largest network of experts, Freeman’s insights shape exhibitions, exhibits, and events that drive audiences to action. The integrated full-service solutions leverage a 97-year legacy in event management as well as new technologies to deliver moments that matter.SummaryWe are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Sr Director of Demand Planning to join our team. This critical role is responsible for overseeing our demand planning and inventory management strategies for our rental assets, ensuring optimal inventory levels, minimizing costs, and supporting our growth objectives. The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record in advanced demand planning, exceptional knowledge of inventory management, and extensive experience with SAP's inventory planning and management functionalities.This position will support our Global Supply Chain team. It is eligible to work a hybrid schedule, generally requiring work in-office and/or show-site 2-3 days per week. This position is based out of North Dallas office in Dallas, TX.Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Develop and implement comprehensive demand planning strategies using advanced forecasting techniques, such as predictive analytics, machine learning models, and statistical analysis, to accurately anticipate future inventory needs. This includes considering seasonal fluctuations, industry trends, and historical data to refine forecasting accuracy.
Manage and optimize inventory levels across multiple locations through sophisticated inventory optimization models, ensuring the availability of rental items while minimizing carrying costs and avoiding stockouts or overstock situations.
Establish and oversee robust materials planning and supply requirements strategies, utilizing advanced forecasting methods to ensure the timely availability of all necessary materials and products in alignment with forecasted demand for trade shows and events.
Leverage SAP's inventory planning and management functionalities to implement these advanced forecasting techniques, enhancing process efficiency, data accuracy, and strategic decision-making.
Drive continuous improvement in demand planning, materials management processes, and forecasting accuracy through the adoption of cutting-edge analytics, technology integration, and industry best practices.
Engage in cross-functional collaboration with sales, marketing, product management, and operations teams to ensure that demand planning strategies and advanced forecasting methods align with business goals, promotional activities, and event schedules.
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of demand planning and inventory management professionals, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to utilize advanced forecasting techniques and tools.
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers and partners to ensure a resilient supply chain, leveraging forecasting insights to negotiate favorable terms and manage supply risks effectively.
Prepare and present detailed reports and forecasts to the leaders, leveraging advanced forecasting insights to highlight inventory health, supply chain performance, and strategic opportunities and challenges.
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.
Minimum of 15 years' experience in demand planning and inventory management, with at least 10 years in a leadership role.
Executive presence and credibility as a supply chain/demand planning expert with capability to influence a wide range of groups and individuals to actively support a point of view or position. Demonstrates ability to secure “buy-in” of others who may hold a contrary view.
Extensive experience with SAP's inventory planning and management functionalities is critical.
Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to use data and metrics to back up assumptions and develop business cases.
Excellent leadership and team management skills, with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
Exceptional communication and collaboration abilities, capable of working effectively across all levels of the organization and with external partners.
Proven ability to operate strategically and tactically in a high-paced, dynamic environment.
Excellent interpersonal, influencing, analytical and presentation skills matching an ability to act with enthusiasm and flexibility in a fast-paced, constantly evolving and collaborative environment.
A sense of urgency and focus on building and pursuing a best in class demand planning/inventory management strategy.
Demonstrated success in building and developing a strong team that delivers bottom-line financial results.
Must have experience working with cross-functional teams and multiple clients with competing demands.
Must be an innovative problem solver.
Advanced experience with MS Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) is required.
Experience in the trade show, events, or rental industry is a plus. Related or similar industries also a plus.
What We OfferFreeman provides benefits that aim to empower our people and their families to thrive mentally, physically, and financially. These are a handful of the types of programs and benefits our full-time people may be eligible for. There may be some variances in specific benefits across regions.
Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Paid Parental Leave
Life, Accident and Disability
Retirement with Company Match
Paid Time Off
Diversity CommitmentAt Freeman, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is helping us to create not only a great place to work, but also an environment where our employees, our customers and our communities around the world can reach their goals and connect with each other. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status and other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.#LI-hybrid
