Demand Planner - Network Hardware

Microsoft Microsoft · Big Tech · Redmond, WA +2 · Demand Planning

This role is for a Demand Planner focused on Network Hardware for Microsoft's Cloud business, which includes AI infrastructure. The planner will own long-range demand planning, develop forecasting models, synthesize demand signals, and partner with various teams to ensure capacity and readiness. While the role supports AI infrastructure, it is not directly involved in building or researching AI models.

What you'd actually do

  1. Own long range demand planning for a defined portfolio of cloud infrastructure, developing rolling multi-quarter and multi-year forecasts that support business growth and capacity investment decisions.
  2. Synthesize demand signals from engineering, architecture teams, finance, sales, and regional stakeholders to build robust planning assumptions and scenarios.
  3. Translate strategic business changes, technology transitions, silicon roadmaps, launch plans, and macro trends into forward-looking demand outlooks and risk assessments.
  4. Build and maintain forecasting models using historical data, assumptions, and scenario drivers
  5. Drive planning reviews and alignment forums with cross-functional partners, ensuring assumptions, gaps, risks, and tradeoffs are clearly understood.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Supply Chain, Information Technology (IT), Business, Operations, Finance, Accounting, Data Science, or related field AND 8+ years supply chain, inventory management or sales operations experience, preferably in planning (demand/supply/forecasting), cloud industry experience, infrastructure, data science, and/or channel management experience
  • Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements

Nice to have

  • 3+ years working experience in Cloud/Hyperscale Infrastructure Supply Chain
  • Demonstrated ability to translate next-generation networking concepts into supply chain planning requirements and execution strategies.
  • Experience with statistical forecasting, scenario modeling, and demand signal translation across long planning horizons.
  • Proficiency with planning systems, data tools, and spreadsheet-based modeling.
  • Ability to understand technical roadmaps/technology transitions working with engineering partners.
  • Experience building management dashboards, KPI reporting, or automated planning insights.
  • Ability to influence across organizational boundaries and lead alignment in highly matrixed environments.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills, intellectual curiosity, and a continuous improvement mindset.