Manager Demand & Starts Planning

Job Description

The Manager Demand & Starts Planning is responsible for leading the Front-End Planning team with a focus on Demand Planning, Wafer Starts Planning, and Integrated Die Planning. This role ensures that customer demand is translated into a robust production and wafer start plan and serves as a key interface between Business Units, Supply Planning, Operations, Manufacturing, and Executive Management. The position plays a critical role in supporting the successful implementation of the ONE Renesas transformation and the future scalability of the Planning organization. 

Reporting Line 

• Reports to Director Production Planning 

• Location: Dresden, Germany 

• Leads a global team located in Germany and the United States 

Key Responsibilities 

Demand Planning 

• Own and manage the end-to-end Demand Planning process across multiple Business Divisions. 

• Consolidate customer demand, forecasts, and business requirements. 

• Ensure high-quality demand signals across the supply chain. 

• Lead demand review meetings with Business Units and Sales organizations. 

• Identify demand-related risks and escalate capacity constraints proactively. 

Wafer Starts Planning 

• Own Wafer Starts Planning across internal and external foundries. 

• Translate demand and supply signals into executable wafer start plans. 

• Ensure the optimal balance between service level, inventory, and capacity utilization. 

• Own and maintain the Integrated Die Plan. 

• Conduct scenario analyses to address demand, capacity, and supply changes. 

Team Leadership 

• Build, develop, and lead a global Demand & Starts Planning team. 

• Coach and support employee development and career growth. 

• Define roles, responsibilities, and planning standards. 

• Foster a high-performance and collaborative team culture. 

Cross-Functional Leadership 

• Collaborate closely with: Business Units, Operations Planning, OSAT Planning, Supply Planning, Manufacturing, Finance, Sales & Marketing 

• Lead regular demand and supply review processes. 

• Manage critical escalations and drive resolution plans. 

Processes & Systems 

• Drive continuous improvement of planning processes within the ONE Renesas framework. 

• Leverage and optimize Kinaxis RapidResponse and other planning tools. 

• Promote process standardization, automation, and digitalization. 

• Define and maintain relevant KPIs and management dashboards. 

Qualifications

Education 

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in: Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering or a related discipline 

Professional Experience 

• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in Supply Chain, Production Planning, or Operations Planning. 

• Minimum 3-5 years of international people management experience. 

• Experience within the semiconductor industry, including Foundry, Wafer Fab, Assembly/Test, or Operations Planning environments. 

• Proven experience in Demand Planning and Supply Planning. 

• Experience managing global and virtual teams. 

Functional Competencies 

• Integrated Business Planning (IBP) and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) 

• Demand Planning 

• Master Production Scheduling 

• Wafer Starts Planning 

• Capacity Planning 

• Inventory Management 

• Semiconductor Supply Chain Management 

• Forecasting & Analytics 

• Risk Management 

• Scenario Planning 

Systems Knowledge 

• Kinaxis RapidResponse 

• SAP ERP / SAP IBP 

• Advanced Microsoft Excel 

• Power BI 

Personal Competencies 

Leadership 

• Strong leadership and people management skills 

• Ability to lead teams through organizational and transformational change 

• Talent development and coaching capabilities 

Communication 

• Excellent communication skills in English 

• Ability to effectively communicate with senior leadership and executive stakeholders 

• Strong intercultural collaboration skills 

Working Style 

• Analytical and data-driven mindset 

• Strong initiative and ownership 

• Structured and results-oriented approach 

• High level of accountability 

Personal Attributes 

• Strong decision-making capability 

• Ability to influence and drive alignment across organizations 

• Resilient and able to perform in a fast-paced environment 

• Trusted business partner to leadership teams and business stakeholders 

Additional Information

Renesas is an embedded semiconductor solution provider driven by its Purpose, To Make Our Lives Easier. With a global team of over 21,000 engineers and problem solvers in more than 30 countries, we offer the opportunity to work on world‑leading technology for Automotive, Industrial, Infrastructure, and IoT, shaping a safer, healthier, greener, and smarter future.

At Renesas, TAGIE is our culture, grounded in being Transparent, Agile, Global, Innovative, and Entrepreneurial. It shapes how we work, grow and deliver on our purpose together. This collaborative spirit and mindset drive our semiconductor technology to transform industries and impact millions of lives.

We believe in rewarding our employees with a competitive benefits package alongside their salary. More information will be provided during the hiring process.

Are you ready to join our team and shape the future with us?

Renesas Electronics is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to supporting diversity and fostering a work environment free of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. For more information, please read our Diversity & Inclusion Statement.