Demand Planner II

About the role

The Demand Planner II owns the customer forecast in the planning system to achieve company fill rate and inventory goals. Partners with the S&OP team on successful implementation of new customer product launches in full and on time. Utilizes marketing and customer point of sale (POS) data for assigned customer channels and segment categories to provide effective demand forecasts aimed at optimizing purchasing plans and meeting company KPIs. Analyzes system-generated demand forecasts and aligns them with the sales forecast to minimize variance. Monitors sales trends, service metrics, and inventory position to achieve company KPIs. May act as a project lead for customer or product specific initiatives. Limited domestic travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop an accurate demand forecast in the GAINs planning system to drive supply planning and meet inventory and fill rate objectives
• Maintain alignment (minimize variance/gap) between the demand forecast and sales forecast to drive productive inventory performance and support sales initiatives and goals
• Routinely work with Supply Planners and the Supply Chain Team to maintain fill rate performance and resolve issues when fill rate declines
• Proactively communicate with Leadership on areas of impact to Customer performance (Fill Rates, On Time Performance)
• Routinely monitor market and customer POS trends to enhance demand to sales force management
• Responsible for financial analysis of demand forecast and entry of approved forecast and financial tracking documents for Annual Operating Plan
• Perform ad hoc analysis and participate on teams as needed
• Support S&OP team on Project / New Initiative status updates and communicating project status to the organization
• Support S&OP team to research out of stock / recovery information and communication to the organization
• Support S&OP team on the communication of Demand and Supply issues to the Sales team
• Provide support to help the S&OP team prepare for monthly S&OP Demand Workshops, and collaborate to implement strategies and execute demand plan adjustments aligned during workshops
• Collaborate with S&OP team to manage designated customer market channels and segment categories performance
• Provide training and support for Tier 1 team members
• Support the team where there are gaps – capacity to temporarily acquire new or additional job responsibilities
• Exhibit leadership, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work across functional lines
• Think creatively, strategically, and technically

Requirements

• BS/BA in related field preferred, or 3–5 years of experience
• Demonstrated understanding of financial systems and the key drivers within the manufacturing and sourcing environment
• Supply Chain experience within retail distribution sector preferred
• Experience with complex logistics planning, transportation, and forecasting
• APICS certification preferred

Skills

• Teamwork and collaboration
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving
• Professionalism
• Prioritization in a fast-moving environment
• Deadline management
• Ability to work independently
• Organized work environment
• Reasoning and decision-making
• Strong analytical skills to analyze and articulate solutions
• Understanding of internal operations and customer fulfillment requirements
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Project management ability; able to focus on multiple priorities
• Understanding of customer support methods and a sense of ownership for resolving details
• Strong technology skills including demonstrated experience with WMS software, MS Office, JDE World (preferred)

Work Environment

Office setting. Seldom exposed to fumes or airborne particles. Loud working environment of the shop area. Functional vision and hearing required.