Customer Demand Analyst

About the role

As the first point of contact with all customers, the Customer Demand Analyst coordinates activities from the start of a new customer relationship through delivery of finished goods.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary contact for all customers, understanding and responding to all customer requirements and compiling demand fluctuations for broad distribution.
• Receive and review incoming customer orders/releases for accuracy in addresses, part numbers, revision levels, quantities, and dates; create new order/line items as necessary.
• Control orders from a requirements variability perspective; escalate potential supply issues to customer contacts, Master Planners, Operations, Sales, and Logistics.
• Maintain a log of customer order/release idiosyncrasies and internal order information; notify relevant personnel of any out-of-the-ordinary occurrences.
• Maintain and monitor customer-specific portals, setting and communicating order priorities and expedited delivery needs while tracking electronic shipment notifications.
• Respond to customer inquiries promptly, offering alternatives and striving for first-call resolution; proactively anticipate and resolve problems.
• Work closely with Master Schedulers to advise on production priorities.
• Monitor delivery due lists and communicate directly with the shipping team.
• Monitor dunnage stock and returns; manage customer returns.
• Serve as the department liaison for new product/part launches in cross-functional team meetings.
• Interface with Manufacturing, Engineering, MPP, Quality, and other departments on new products, part changes, material status, and production planning issues.
• Act as the point of contact for special builds with appropriate Master Planners.
• Set up new part master data and required systematic links ahead of planned production dates.
• Maintain part numbers for Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and scheduling agreements.
• Work with the Sales team to understand customer contracts.
• Support inventory management by monitoring and reporting inventory status; initiate recommendations to adjust or replenish inventory levels.
• Prepare clear, concise reports, documentation, and routine customer correspondence.
• Create and maintain main system files for receiving customer data and sending shipment notifications, invoices, etc.
• Create and maintain data for correct bar codes, packing slips, and invoices.
• Maintain and create all “bill to” and “ship to” addresses, including phone numbers, vendor codes, and assigned payment terms.
• Review and manage consumption and supply/demand alignment.
• Perform all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field.
• Intermediate analytical skills, including the ability to manage large data sets, identify trends, and translate them into actionable information.
• Independent and organized work style with the ability to manage time, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines without close supervision.
• Experience with large ERP systems (SAP preferred) and understanding of Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP).
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to share information and engage in crucial conversations with urgency.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and solve difficult issues in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and calm demeanor in a chaotic, changing, and stressful environment.
• Proven ability to build strong business relationships at all organizational levels and work well as part of a team.
• Exhibits integrity through fair and ethical behavior; maintains accountability for performance.
• Strong attention to detail with well-developed organizational and communication skills.
• Proven experience developing work processes to improve outcomes for the team and customers.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated understanding of basic materials management, production planning, and inventory control techniques (e.g., capacity planning, JIT, lean manufacturing, production level loading, make to stock/build to order).
• Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and techniques for maximizing effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Understanding of planning, organizing, and managing resources to successfully complete specific project goals and objectives.

Benefits

• State-of-the-art OE manufacturing plant with a strong focus on safety and cleanliness.
• Multiple competitive health, dental, and vision coverage options.
• 401K matching program.
• Paid time off plus 13 paid holidays.
• Paid volunteer hours.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Gym reimbursement.
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
• Internal growth opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Discounted BILSTEIN products.