Manager, Business Planning, Consumables

ategic sales forecasting, inventory management, and budgeting for Consumables products [including Ink/Toner/Labeling Consumables] within Brother's SOHO and SMB Printing categories. This dynamic role involves close collaboration with Brother Industries Limited (BIL) in Japan and cross-functional teams within Brother International Corp. (BIC) to drive key initiatives that protect Genuine Consumables for the respective product categories and sales channels.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Sales Forecasting & Inventory Planning

• Develop accurate forecasts for ink, toner, and labeling consumables using historical sales data and market trends

• Analyze lifecycle trends, seasonality, and market dynamics to forecast demand effectively, incorporating new insights from the respective product category

• Collaborate with Supply and Demand Planning to recommend optimal inventory levels based on sales forecasts, promotions, and market demand, with a special focus on strategic initiatives like special pricing programs for the commercial space

• Collaborate with Product Marketing to integrate attach rate assumptions into sales forecasts, ensuring alignment with strategic sales initiatives

Data Analysis & Insights

• Conduct in-depth analyses of customer purchase history and POS data to identify trends and anticipate future demand

• Provide actionable insights and recommendations based on data-driven forecasts to support strategic decision-making, especially in developing forecasts that improve early prediction of demand

• Collaborate with Category Management to support overall product lifecycle and performance analysis and reporting

• Provide and support on-going business insights and reporting to BIL in collaboration with Corporate Planning and ExPat teams

Strategic Initiatives & Risk Management

• Support and lead strategic initiatives related to product development, product launches, promotional campaigns, and market expansions within the ink, toner, and labeling categories

• Identify and mitigate risks related to inventory shortages, market fluctuations, and demand variability, while also supporting longer-term strategic initiatives such as connected labeling & printing initiatives and ink & toner delivery services

• Partner with the Commercial Sales team on key initiatives to protect and promote Genuine products in the commercial space

• Lead the annual budgeting process for all consumables in collaboration with Corporate Planning, Product Marketing and BIL

• Manage and communicate the consumables product discontinuation process

• Support all pricing decisions from analysis through implementation in collaboration with the Product Marketing, Pricing, Corporate Planning and BIL teams

Process Improvement & Reporting

• Partner with Demand Planning to continuously refine forecasting models and methodologies to enhance accuracy and responsiveness to market changes, particularly through the implementation and optimization of the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) and Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes

• Manage monthly forecasting / financial planning updates, communications, and reporting.

• Prepare regular reports on sales forecasts, inventory levels, performance metrics, and profitability analyses for senior management and stakeholders at both BIC and BIL

Cross-Functional Collaboration - BIC & BIL

• Serve as the Consumables Team Liaison to BIL, managing product lifecycle from creation through discontinuation, and collaborating on pricing strategies and monthly/quarterly reporting

• Collaborate with Product Marketing, Category Management, Supply Chain, and Demand Planning teams to align on forecasted demand and supply requirements

• Communicate effectively across departments to influence decision-making and drive consensus on inventory and sales strategies

• Collaborate with Supply and Demand planning to ensure accurate sales forecasts and optimal inventory levels to meet business objectives

ABOUT OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

Education

• Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent experience) in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Statistics, or a related field

Experience

• Minimum 7 years' experience in sales forecasting, inventory planning, or a similar analytical role within a consumer goods or technology company

Software/Technical Skills

• Data Analysis Tools

• Tableau

• SAP- S4 Hana

Other Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities

• Verbal/Presentation Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills to create and deliver ideas/concepts and foster cross-functional, cross-divisional collaboration across all levels within the organization

• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail

• Ability to analyze data and present objective, data-driven recommendations

• Proven ability to communicate effectively across diverse constituencies including multiple countries / cultures

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and influence decision-making

• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment successfully managing multiple priorities in a matrix organization

• Comfortable working through complex situations, maintaining composure and objectivity

• Ability and willingness to operate outside of regular business hours to support month-end, quarter-end and annual business planning activities

ADDITIONAL DETAILS FOR THIS ROLE

This role will be a hybrid role. Subject to business needs, employees may work remotely up to two days per week. Assigned office days will be determined by managers. #LI-Hybrid

• The salary (or hiring) range for this position is $120,000-136,000.00 per year.

• Starting salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, location, and alignment with market data.

• This position is eligible to participate in the relevant Brother variable pay incentive plan(s). Applicable bonus awards are discretionary and contingent upon 1) achievement of your individual objectives and 2) Brother achieving its corporate and business-level objectives.

• Benefits include, but are not limited to, healthcare and wellness coverage, life and disability insurance, 401K, tuition reimbursement, and Paid Time Off. Details are available at https://mybenefits.nfp.com/Brother/2024/guidebook/

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES

At Brother USA, we believe in investing in our employees and providing them with an environment that fosters growth, creativity, and a healthy work-life balance. Here are some of the benefits of working with us:

• Competitive Compensation: We offer a competitive salary and bonus program to reward your hard work and dedication

• Comprehensive Benefits: Our benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 401(k) plan with company match

• Professional Development: We're committed to helping you grow in your career with opportunities for training and development

• Work-Life Balance: We support your well-being with flexible work arrangements and a focus on work-life balance

• Employee Engagement: Join a team that values your contributions and celebrates success together

Learn more about our benefits: https://careers.brother-usa.com/benefits

Learn more about life at Brother: https://careers.brother-usa.com/lifeatbrother

Brother International Corporation has earned its reputation as a premier provider of home office and business products, home appliances for the sewing and crafting enthusiast as well as industrial solutions that revolutionize the way we live and work. Brother International Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brother Industries Ltd. With worldwide sales exceeding $6 billion, this global manufacturer was started more than 100 years ago. Bridgewater, New Jersey is the corporate headquarters for Brother in the Americas. It has fully integrated sales, marketing services, manufacturing, research and development capabilities located in the U.S. In addition to its headquarters, Brother has facilities in California, Illinois and Tennessee, as well as subsidiaries in Canada, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Peru and Mexico. For more information, visit [2]https://www.brother.com.

Brother International Corporation ("Brother") is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or make employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal laws. If you require any physical or other assistance in completing this application or any other aspect of the application or interview process, a reasonable accommodation will be made upon request.