How To Become A Demand Planning Manager: What It Is and Career Path

What is a demand planning manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A demand planning manager forecasts demand for a company's products or services. They use market research to predict sales trends and adjust inventory levels accordingly. These managers work with sales, marketing, and production teams to ensure product availability aligns with demand. They may develop strategies to minimize waste and improve supply chain efficiency. Analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential for success in this role.

ScoreDemand Planning ManagerUS Average

Salary

7.7

Avg. Salary $104,519

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.5

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.23%

Asian 8.15%

Black or African American 3.04%

Hispanic or Latino 8.67%

Unknown 5.32%

White 74.58%

Gender

female 34.61%

male 65.39%

Age - 38

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38

Stress level

7.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.5

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a demand planning manager?

Pros

Competitive salary and benefits due to high demand for the position
Possibility for career advancement
Opportunities for continuous learning and development
Flexibility in terms of location and work schedule
Ability to work with cutting-edge technology

Cons

Frequent changes in demand forecasting and planning strategies
Risk of inventory shortages or surpluses due to inaccurate forecasting
Long work hours during peak seasons or periods of high demand
Risk of burnout due to the high-stress nature of the job
Can be a thankless job, with little recognition for success and significant blame for failures

Key steps to become a demand planning manager

Explore demand planning manager education requirements

Most common demand planning manager degrees

Bachelor's

72.8 %

Master's

18.0 %

Associate

7.3 %

Start to develop specific demand planning manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Supply Chain	13.85%
Forecast Accuracy	10.53%
KPIs	10.43%
Logistics	5.89%
Capacity Planning	4.94%

Complete relevant demand planning manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New demand planning managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a demand planning manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real demand planning manager resumes.

Research demand planning manager duties and responsibilities

Develop and manage the in-house RMA process, which include ERP deployment.
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Develop and manage dual eligible program for Medicare and Medicaid recipients.

Prepare your demand planning manager resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your demand planning manager resume.

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