Demand Planning Manager

Company Overview:

Made Better isn’t just a claim; it’s our Dare promise.

Dare has been a proudly Canadian, family-owned company since 1889. Throughout our long history, we’ve created some of the most loved brands in the country including Bear Paws cookies, REALFRUIT gummies, Breton crackers, Melba Toast and many more. For over 130 years we had been located in the Kitchener area since the family’s original store opened in 1892. We are now head quartered in Cambridge Ontario and we’ve expanded our roots far beyond. With eight manufacturing plants and over 1400 employees, Dare is part of the fabric of Canada.

At Dare our dedicated team works passionately to uphold our tradition of excellence, innovation and quality in every aspect of our operations. Our state-of-the-art facilities utilize advanced technology to ensure consistency and quality while meeting the evolving needs of our consumers and customers.

Job Overview:

We are seeking a Demand Planning Manager who is an analytical and strategic thinker with exceptional communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills. This proactive problem-solver thrives in a dynamic environment, maintains a strong attention to detail, and drives process improvements through data-driven insights and effective storytelling.
The Demand Planning Manager acts as a vital connection between customers, sales, and internal supply chain teams, playing a key role in delivering accurate, customer-focused forecasts. This position owns the end-to-end demand planning process for key retail accounts—leveraging customer insights, promotional plans, and POS data to create reliable demand signals that enhance service performance and optimize inventory.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain accurate rolling forecasts by integrating historical data, customer insights, promotions, and new product launches.
• Lead monthly forecast reviews with Sales and key stakeholders to ensure alignment and improve forecast accuracy.
• Partner cross-functionally with Supply Planning, Sales, Marketing, and Finance to align demand plans with business and operational goals.
• Represent Demand Planning in S&OP/IBP cycles, driving consensus and serving as the voice of demand across the organization.
• Analyze customer and POS data to identify trends, improve planning accuracy, and enhance customer supply chain performance (fill rate, OTIF, lead time).
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize forecasting, inventory management, and planning processes.
• Lead the monthly Demand Review meeting, providing insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support new product introductions, discontinuations, and display planning to ensure smooth execution and demand alignment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in Demand Planning, Supply Chain, or related field preferably within the CPG
• 2+ years leveraging Statistical forecasting models
• Proven experience managing forecasts for large customer accounts (e.g., Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws).
• Hands-on experience with forecasting software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP IBP, Promax, Oracle, JDA).
• Advanced Excel and data analytics skills.
• Experience with Power BI or Tableau is an asset.
• Knowledge of customer systems, including Walmart Retail Link and IRi, a strong asset.

Additional Information

Total Rewards Package: Our Total Rewards package reflects the investment we make in our employees to help them and their families achieve their well-being goals. Total Rewards at Dare Foods includes a competitive base salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits and retirement programs. In addition, we offer paid time off, career development opportunities as well as reward and recognition programs.

At Dare Foods Limited, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive, accessible, equal-opportunity environment that welcomes all individuals from all backgrounds because we know it will make our company a better place to work. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (visible or invisible, temporary or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment.

We want to thank all candidates in advance for their interest; only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot confirm the receipt of individual applications or resumes.