Smartwool: Manager, Demand Planning

VF Corporation outfits consumers around the world with its diverse portfolio of iconic lifestyle brands, including Vans®, The North Face®, Timberland®, Dickies®. Founded in 1899, VF is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies with socially and environmentally responsible operations spanning numerous geographies, product categories and distribution channels. We’re committed to delivering innovative products to consumers and creating long-term value for our customers and shareholders.

We are a purpose-led company that seeks not only to succeed in business, but also to leverage our success and resources to make the world better. Through our brands and many associates around the world, we power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. We are movement makers. It’s who we are and have always been.

Powerful brands that are fueled by insights and innovation put us at the heart of our consumers’ lives. Many of our brands lead their respective categories, and some have risen to iconic status.

While our company and brands are diverse, we work together within a One VF culture to capitalize on our greatest opportunities for long-term performance. Across our company, a collaborative, global mindset differentiates our products and the unique experiences we provide to our consumers. It all adds up to a lasting competitive advantage built on harnessing the power of our differences to achieve great things together, all while positively impacting the lives of hundreds of millions of people and the world.

Smartwool is a brand that revels in the joys of the outdoors—taking inspiration from our communities to create innovative, refined Merino wool products that bring comfort and confidence to everyday adventures and pro-level pursuits. While we pride ourselves in bringing comfort to the outdoors, we also strive to bring purpose and community to our work through our unique values of openness, inclusivity, advocacy, action, and fun-loving. We balance fulfilling work with group mountain bike rides, ski outings, happy hours, and volunteer days. We want our brand, culture, and products to inspire joyful, spontaneous, and wild moments in the outdoors for everyone, including ourselves (and all who what to join the team).

We are looking for a skilled Demand Planning Manager to join our VF Family.

Come join our Smartwool Team at VF’s new headquarters in Denver, Colorado!

Position Summary:

As Manager, Demand Planning, this role is responsible for Demand Planning and S&OP. Your responsibilities include overall ownership of all demand planning related activities with responsibility to drive consolidation in the Americas through all markets. Primary areas of focus include development of the season demand picture beginning at the proto stage to GTM, developing the wholesale monthly financial ship forecast (ship-the-month) which supports the brand’s financial requirements and meets the customer service and inventory objectives. This role will play as the point person for the supply chain back through the business to drive transparent communication and alignment. The manager will work with the appropriate leaders of cross-functional teams to develop the brand’s forecasting strategic direction and ensure agreed processes and procedures are in place to support it. In addition, the role is responsible for the health of the three-year planning process and the owner of all the volumes across the brand.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for the development of the U.S. and Americas forecast to meet sales, customer service, inventory, and profit goals.

2. Understands historical demand plus future growth strategies to build financial forecasts to exceed expectations and reach for higher goal with heavy cross functional connectivity to Finance, Supply Planning, Sales, Distribution and Customer Service.

3. Creates and leads the three-year strategic demand planning process including ownership of all volumes across the brand Americas to support supply chain’s multi-horizon planning process.

4. Develops the strategic direction of the brand Americas demand planning group that will focus on meeting objectives and driving results.

5. Develop seasonal forecasting process in partnership with product merchandising to drive pre-season decision making.

6. Leads Smartwool’s US S&OP process focused on aligning the tactical execution for all business functions to support the company’s strategic plan. Drive consensus on a “one number” operating plan and establish accountability and performance measurements. Educate the leadership and management teams on the process. Establish trust in the process as a tool to manage the business and drive continuous improvement

7. Develops and drives execution of financial ship forecasts with heavy cross functional connectivity to Finance, Supply Planning, Sales, Distribution and Customer Service

8. Partners closely with Supply Planning, Merchandising and Sales to manage risk and production capacity challenges within the buy cycle

9. Ensures procedures and processes are executed to meet top-end goals and objectives

10. Mentors and directs personnel and other groups to execute projects in a timely and effective manner

11. Partners with other departments to continuously understand processes and procedures within departments and coordinate desired results.

12. Provides leadership for all systems development relating to demand planning and forecasting

Skills for Success:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal working relationships and develop a collaborative working relationship across the spectrum of leadership levels

• Ability to manage a diverse group of individuals, lead change, and inspire work toward a common goal.

• Ability to determine best practices, implement them, and document accordingly.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks/projects, priorities, and deadlines

• Proven ability to leverage technology and systems to drive efficient and effective reporting and processes.

• Advanced Excel Skills (pivot tables, macro’s). Experience in other analytical tools a plus.

Educational/ Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred concentration in Engineering, Mathematics or Business)

• 5+ years of relevant professional experience

• Experience building, coaching, and managing high performing demand planning teams

• Working knowledge of demand planning tools. Experience with Logility a plus.

• Strong end to end knowledge of supply chains

• Experience in business process reengineering and program / project management

• APICS or IBF Certifications are a plus

Special Requirements:

• Travel estimated at 10% or less of the time

Salary Range:

Annual Incentive Eligibility :

This position is eligible to participate in VF's Annual Incentive Plan. Incentive Plan awards are contingent upon (1) achievement of your individual objectives and (2) VF achieving its' Corporate and business level financial objectives.

Long Term Incentive Eligibility :

This position is not eligible for long term incentive.

Benefits at VF :

You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com and clicking, Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during your onboarding process.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

Unless prohibited by applicable law, this position requires proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 on the first day of employment, absent need for medical or religious accommodation or other exemption as allowed by state or local law. Further information will be provided during the recruitment process.