Planning compensation remains approximately 20% higher than pre-pandemic levels, suggesting the market reset that began during COVID has largely held despite a slower hiring environment the past two years, according to LifeWork Search’s 2026 Demand Planning & S&OP Compensation & Workforce Benchmark Report.
"For years, planning was viewed primarily as a forecasting function," says Jason Breault, managing director of LifeWork Search. "Today, planning leaders sit at the center of business strategy, balancing commercial objectives, supply chain realities, financial performance, and executive decision-making. We created this report to help organizations better understand how the profession is evolving and what that means for attracting, developing, and retaining top planning talent."
Key takeaways:
· The difference between demand planning manager compensation in highest- and lowest-paying industries was $25,194.
· Communication, leadership, and business influence are becoming as important as technical planning expertise for career advancement.
· The gender gap among directors of demand planning has dropped from 4.7% to 2.2% over the past 10 years.
· Artificial intelligence is expected to transform planning workflows by automating routine analysis while increasing demand for professionals who can interpret data, align stakeholders, and drive business decisions.
