Demand Planning and S&OP Manager
The Company
Imerys is the world’s leading supplier of mineral-based specialty solutions for the industry with €3.4 billion in revenue and 12,300 employees in 40 countries in 2025. The Group offers high value-added and functional solutions to a wide range of industries and fast-growing markets such as solutions for the energy transition and sustainable construction, as well as natural solutions for consumer goods. Imerys draws on its understanding of applications, technological knowledge, and expertise in material science to deliver solutions which contribute essential properties to customers’ products and their performance. As part of its commitment to responsible development, Imerys promotes environmentally friendly products and processes in addition to supporting its customers in their decarbonization efforts.
Imerys is listed on Euronext Paris (France) with the ticker symbol NK.PA.
The Position
Demand Planning and S&OP ManagerJob Summary
Job Purpose
The Demand Planning and S&OP Manager is responsible for the sales forecast and operational capacity across assigned manufacturing sites. He/She ensures alignment between cross-functional teams and Top Management to deliver mid- to long-term business targets, while facilitating the resolution of short-term issues in coordination with other business functions.
Job Scope/Dimensions
Demand Planning (25% Workload)
Develop, compile, and analyze forecast deviations.
Collect, analyze, and challenge forecasts within a specific scope, combining manual inputs from Sales with statistical parameters to adjust and update data.
Identify, challenge, and flag shifts in customer purchasing patterns.
Drive continuous improvement of forecasting tools and processes.
Demonstrate curiosity and a solid understanding of our customers' business models.
S&OP (75% Workload)
Execute the monthly S&OP process for assigned manufacturing sites in coordination with Factories, Sales, Demand Planning, Controlling, and Supply Chain to ensure high service quality.
Ensure data generated by functional stakeholders is fit for the S&OP process and initiate corrective actions when needed (e.g., improving demand forecast accuracy).
Align production capacity with demand, preparing all necessary data, metrics, and scenarios for discussion during S&OP meetings.
Identify, monitor, and report assumptions, risks, and opportunities related to mid- to long-term business targets, escalating issues as appropriate.
Manage and optimize site-level inventory.
Lead allocation plans when required, in coordination with Product Managers and Sales teams.
Demonstrate strong interest in and understanding of production processes and manufacturing workflows.
Responsibilities & Duties
Perform deep-dive analyses of monthly forecasts.
Cross-check forecasts against the order book (aligning with Supply Chain regarding backlogs or with Sales regarding missing orders vs. forecast).
Conduct thorough analyses of exceptions and system warnings.
Configure statistical models and algorithms for new references or parameter adjustments.
Track Forecast Accuracy and deviation analysis across multiple levels, identifying root causes and impacts.
Build strong working relationships with Sales Managers and the Master Data team.
Establish, execute, and continuously refine the S&OP process for the assigned scope.
Project future plant workloads by workshop/product family on a monthly basis by translating demand into production requirements.
Analyze supply and demand issues and propose viable solutions.
Document S&OP meeting minutes, communicate key decisions to stakeholders, and track follow-up actions.
Key Interfaces: Build strong partnerships with (i) Segment Leadership, (ii) Product Management, (iii) Supply Chain, (iv) Operations, (v) Purchasing, and (vi) Finance.
Travel Requirement: Up to 30% business travel.
Qualifications & Experience
Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
5+ years of hands-on experience in S&OP and Demand Planning Management within an industrial/manufacturing environment.
Proven track record of collaborating effectively within matrixed, cross-functional, and multicultural international organizations.
Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional S&OP cycles involving Sales, Operations, Finance, and Plant Leadership.
Direct experience with forecasting tools (system setup, algorithm configuration, data disaggregation, etc.).
Knowledge & Skills
Advanced knowledge of S&OP and Demand Planning, including statistical forecasting methodologies, S&OP implementation, and demand-supply alignment.
Strong project management and analytical skills (ability to perform daily deep-dives into statistics by product and customer).
Strategic thinking, strong interpersonal skills, and a solution-oriented mindset.
Strong commitment to data integrity and quality.
Agility and adaptability in environments where data may not always be readily accessible.
Systems & BI: Proficiency in Business Intelligence (BI) tools, Google Workspace, SAP HANA, SAC (SAP Analytics Cloud), and specialized statistical demand planning software.
Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills at all organizational levels.
Strong facilitation skills to resolve cross-functional issues, paired with a hands-on approach to managing short-term operational challenges.
Languages: Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional languages are a plus.
Position Type
Full timeand
PermanentOnly technical issues will be monitored through the below inbox:
recruiting.support@ imerys.com
PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT RESUMES OR APPLICATIONS TO THIS EMAIL, AS THEY WILL NOT BE REVIEWED.
To ensure fairness and legal compliance in our recruitment processes, only applications received through the online application process will be considered.
