Senior Manager, Demand Planning & Forecasting

We are seeking an analytical, collaborative, and strategic Senior Manager, Demand Planning & Forecasting, to lead our demand planning team and drive the development of accurate forecasts across all home networking and mobile product lines. This role is pivotal in ensuring optimal inventory levels, driving supply chain efficiency, and supporting revenue growth through data-driven forecasting. The ideal candidate brings deep industry knowledge, cross-functional leadership skills, and proficiency in advanced demand planning tools and processes. This is a hybrid role, expected to be on-site three days a week in our San Jose HQ.

Key Responsibilities:

Forecast Management

• Own and drive the monthly demand planning and forecasting process for consumer electronics SKUs across global markets.

• Closely partner with IT, develop a baseline system-generated forecast system using tools such as an embedded statistical engine within NETGEAR forecasting software, or define AI-driven forecasting future tools. Rigorously analyze, evaluate, and recommend the most appropriate techniques to use for developing a forecast.

• Ensure forecasts address the impact of critical events, are logically designed and well documented, and represent consensus decision-making among key stakeholders. Develop robust evaluation models and tools for forecast reviews and risk management.

• Actively manage close relationships with PLM and Sales team and keep informed on trends which could impact forecast drivers, e.g., industry and competitive intelligence, customer events, etc.

• Establish and implement a collaborative forecasting review process with Sales worldwide: Challenge account/channel-level sales forecast assumptions and identify key risks and opportunities. Incorporate into the final demand plan.

• Analyze historical sales trends, seasonality, promotional impact, and product lifecycle changes to refine forecasts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales, Marketing, Product Management, and Finance to align forecast assumptions with market intelligence and strategic initiatives.

• Lead the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process, presenting forecasts, gaps, and action plans to senior leadership.

• Serve as the central point of contact for forecast-related issues, providing timely resolutions and insights.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Establish and monitor KPIs such as Forecast Accuracy, Forecast Bias, Inventory Turns, and Fill Rate.

• Provide ongoing forecast analytics and reporting to support business decisions and identify improvement opportunities.

• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance forecast accuracy and process efficiency.

Team Leadership

• Manage and mentor a team of demand planners and analysts, and support career development and skills advancement.

• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within the planning organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Statistics, Engineering, or related field (MBA preferred).

• 7–10 years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain roles within the consumer electronics or related industries.

• Proven track record in leading demand planning teams and implementing forecasting best practices.

• Deep understanding of forecasting methodologies (e.g., time-series, regression, causal models).

• Strong proficiency with ERP and forecasting software (SAP IBP, Oracle, Anaplan, etc.) and Microsoft Excel.

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

• Ability to influence stakeholders across functions and lead cross-functional initiatives.

• Experience working in a fast-paced, global environment with multiple product lines and channels (retail, DTC, B2B).

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS/IBF certification (e.g., CPIM, CSCP, CPF).

• Experience with retail and e-commerce data analytics and digital demand sensing.

• Familiarity with machine learning or AI-driven forecasting tools is a plus.

Company Statement/Values:  

At NETGEAR, we are on a mission to unleash the full potential of connectivity with intelligent solutions that delight and protect. We turn ideas into innovative networking products that connect people, power businesses, and advance the way we live.  

We're a performance-driven, talented and connected team that's committed to delivering world-class products for our customers. As a company, we value our employees as the most essential building blocks of our success. And as teammates, we commit to taking our work to the Next Gear by living our values: we Dare to Transform the future, Connect and Delight our customers, Communicate Courageously with each other and collaborate to Win It Together. You’ll find our values woven through our processes, present in our decisions, and celebrated throughout our culture. 

We strive to attract top talent and create a great workplace where people feel engaged, inspired, challenged, proud and respected. If you are creative, forward-thinking, passionate about technology and are looking for a rewarding career to make an impact, then you've got what it takes to succeed at NETGEAR. Join our network and help us shape the future of connectivity. 

NETGEAR hires based on merit. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.