Role Overview for VP, Global Supply Chain Forecasting with an E-commerce Retailer – Indianapolis, IN
JRG Partners is proud to represent a trailblazing, high-growth e-commerce retailer in their exclusive search for a visionary Vice President of Global Supply Chain Forecasting. Based in the vibrant hub of Indianapolis, IN, this is a career-defining opportunity to architect and lead the forecasting engine that will power the company’s next phase of global expansion. Our client is a dominant force in the digital marketplace, renowned for its innovative products, customer-centric approach, and a dynamic culture that thrives on data and agility. As a key member of the senior executive team, you will be entrusted with transforming the company’s demand planning capabilities from a functional necessity into a strategic competitive advantage.
This is not merely a role about managing numbers; it’s about building a predictive, intelligent, and resilient global supply chain. You will be responsible for the entire forecasting ecosystem, overseeing the people, processes, and technology required to accurately predict customer demand across a complex, multi-channel network spanning continents. Your leadership will directly influence critical business outcomes, including revenue growth, profitability, inventory optimization, and, most importantly, customer satisfaction. You will be the central figure in the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process, fostering alignment across Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations to ensure the company operates as a single, cohesive unit. If you are a strategic leader with a passion for data science, a deep understanding of e-commerce dynamics, and a proven ability to build and inspire world-class teams, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Global Supply Chain Forecasting with an E-commerce Retailer – Indianapolis, IN
Strategic Vision & Execution
Architect and champion a forward-thinking global demand forecasting and S&OP strategy that aligns with the company’s ambitious growth targets and financial objectives. Translate this strategy into a clear, actionable roadmap with defined milestones, KPIs, and resource allocation to drive execution excellence.
Leadership & Team Development
Cultivate a world-class global forecasting organization by recruiting, mentoring, and developing top talent. Foster a data-centric, collaborative, and innovative culture that encourages continuous learning and process improvement. Set clear performance expectations and provide regular coaching to empower the team to achieve excellence.
Advanced Forecasting & Demand Planning
Oversee the entire lifecycle of the demand forecasting process, from data ingestion and cleansing to model selection and performance monitoring. Drive the implementation of advanced statistical models, machine learning algorithms, and AI-powered insights to enhance demand planning accuracy across various time horizons (short-term, mid-term, and long-term).
S&OP Leadership
Lead and mature the global Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process. Facilitate executive-level meetings to drive consensus between demand forecasts, inventory plans, supply capabilities, and financial targets, ensuring a single, unified operational plan for the business.
Technology & Systems Optimization
Champion the selection, implementation, and continuous optimization of best-in-class demand planning systems and technologies (e.g., Kinaxis, Blue Yonder, o9, SAP IBP). Partner with IT to build a scalable and robust data infrastructure to support advanced analytics and forecasting.
Inventory Strategy & Optimization
Collaborate intimately with procurement and inventory management leaders to translate demand forecasts into actionable inventory strategies. Develop policies for safety stock, lead times, and replenishment that balance service level targets with working capital efficiency.
Performance Management & Analytics
Establish and rigorously monitor a suite of key performance indicators (KPIs), including but not limited to Forecast Accuracy (MAPE, WMAPE, Bias), forecast value-add, inventory turns, stock-out rates, and On-Time In-Full (OTIF). Deliver insightful performance reporting and narratives to the executive team.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with leaders in Sales, Marketing, Finance, Product Development, and Operations. Ensure that market intelligence, promotional calendars, new product introductions (NPI), and lifecycle management are seamlessly integrated into the demand plan.
Risk Mitigation & Scenario Planning
Proactively identify and assess potential risks to the supply chain stemming from demand volatility, market shifts, or supply disruptions. Develop sophisticated scenario planning models and contingency plans to enhance organizational resilience and agility.
Financial Acumen
Provide critical forecasting inputs for the company’s annual budgeting process, quarterly financial forecasts, and long-range strategic planning. Clearly articulate the financial implications of the demand plan and its impact on revenue, margin, and cash flow.
Requirements for the VP, Global Supply Chain Forecasting with an E-commerce Retailer – Indianapolis, IN
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Statistics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive supply chain experience, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership capacity (Director, Senior Director, or VP level) directly responsible for global demand planning, S&OP, and inventory strategy for a complex, multi-billion dollar organization.
Industry Expertise
Deep and demonstrable success within a fast-paced, high-volume e-commerce, direct-to-consumer (DTC), or omnichannel retail environment is essential. A thorough understanding of the unique challenges of digital commerce, including promotional lift, seasonality, and demand volatility, is critical.
Technical Proficiency
Expert-level knowledge of advanced statistical forecasting methodologies and hands-on experience with leading Advanced Planning Systems (APS) such as Kinaxis, Blue Yonder, o9 Solutions, or SAP IBP. Familiarity with data analysis tools (SQL, Python, R) and BI platforms (Tableau, Power BI) is a significant advantage.
Professional Certifications
Professional certifications such as ASCM Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) are highly desirable and demonstrate a commitment to the field.
Transformational Leadership
A proven track record of building, leading, and mentoring high-performing, geographically dispersed teams. The ability to inspire a shared vision, drive change, and hold teams accountable for results in a dynamic environment.
Communication & Influence
Exceptional executive presence with outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills. The ability to distill complex data into a compelling narrative and influence decision-making at the highest levels of the organization.
Analytical & Strategic Mindset
A deeply analytical and data-driven approach to problem-solving, balanced with strong business acumen and strategic thinking. The ability to move seamlessly between high-level strategy and tactical execution.
Global Perspective
Substantial experience managing forecasting and supply chain operations on a global scale, with a nuanced understanding of international market dynamics, logistics, and regulatory environments.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client believes that their success is a direct result of the talent and dedication of their people. They are committed to providing a world-class employee experience and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial, physical, and mental well-being. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a meaningful long-term equity incentive package.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. A robust wellness program, mental health resources, and reimbursement for fitness activities.
Retirement & Financial Planning
A 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match to help you prepare for your future.
Work-Life Balance
A flexible and generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, complemented by company-paid holidays and comprehensive parental leave programs.
Professional Growth
A substantial budget for professional development, including executive coaching, industry conferences, certifications, and continuing education courses.
Perks & Culture
A vibrant, innovative, and collaborative work culture headquartered in a state-of-the-art office in Indianapolis. Enjoy employee discounts on all company products, commuter benefits, and regular company-sponsored social and team-building events.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the executive search for this pivotal VP, Global Supply Chain Forecasting position. We are seeking a transformative leader who is ready to make a significant impact on a rapidly growing global e-commerce leader. If your experience and passion align with the challenges and opportunities outlined above, we strongly encourage you to apply.
To learn more about our dedicated expertise in this domain, please visit our Supply Chain & Logistics Executive Search Practice. Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume and a compelling cover letter detailing their relevant experience for confidential consideration through our secure application portal.
