How to apply for Sr. Manager, Global Demand Planning

About Nextracker Solar

Nextracker Solar is a leader in solar tracking technology, known for its resilient and high-performance systems that optimize energy generation. Working here means contributing to the global transition to affordable, renewable power in a fast-growing, innovative environment.

About the role

This role is pivotal in shaping Nextracker's global demand planning function, translating commercial opportunities into actionable demand intelligence to guide S&OP and strategic decisions. As the functional owner, you'll drive cross-functional alignment and improve planning capabilities through standardization and automation.

A typical day

A typical day might start with a morning call with the APAC or EMEA team to review demand signals, followed by a mid-day S&OP meeting with US commercial and supply chain leaders. Afternoons are spent analyzing forecast accuracy, refining statistical models, and preparing executive presentations on demand risks and opportunities.

Who Nextracker Solar is looking for

• Experienced in building or leading global demand planning processes from scratch in a manufacturing or renewable energy company.
• Strong analytical background with expertise in demand forecasting, S&OP, and supply chain strategy, ideally using advanced tools like SAP IBP or Kinaxis.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with executive leadership and influence cross-functional teams across multiple time zones.
• Track record of implementing standardization and automation improvements in planning, with a focus on continuous improvement.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific examples where you built or revamped a demand planning function, including metrics like forecast accuracy improvement.
• Tailor your resume to emphasize global experience and cross-functional collaboration, especially with commercial and supply chain teams.
• In your cover letter, mention your familiarity with solar or renewable energy industry dynamics, such as seasonality or policy impacts.
• Quantify your achievements, e.g., 'Reduced forecast error by 20% through implementing a new statistical forecasting model.'
• Showcase leadership in driving S&OP maturity, including how you aligned stakeholders around a single demand plan.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your experience in establishing demand planning processes and governance frameworks in a global context.', 'Ability to translate commercial opportunities into demand signals and influence strategic decisions.', 'Success in driving cross-functional S&OP alignment and managing trade-offs between sales, supply chain, and finance.', "Passion for renewable energy and your understanding of Nextracker's role in the solar ecosystem."]

Research before applying

• Understand Nextracker's product portfolio: trackers, software (NX Navigator), and services, and how demand varies by region.
• Review recent news on solar tariffs, IRA incentives, and supply chain challenges affecting the solar industry.
• Learn about Nextracker's competitors (e.g., Array Technologies, Soltec) and their market positioning.
• Explore the company's culture and values, especially around sustainability and innovation, on their website and Glassdoor.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Walk me through how you would build a global demand planning function from scratch at Nextracker.
• Describe a time you had to reconcile conflicting demand signals from different regions or business units.
• How do you approach forecasting for a highly seasonal or policy-driven industry like solar?
• What metrics do you use to measure demand planning effectiveness, and how do you drive improvement?
• How would you partner with the Sr. Director of Supply Chain to influence executive decisions?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Failing to demonstrate experience with global, multi-time-zone coordination; this role is remote and global.
• Being too generic about S&OP; instead, provide specific examples of process design and governance.
• Neglecting to show how you've used data and technology (e.g., APO, JDA, or custom tools) to improve planning.