Demand Planner

• FORECASTING

• Develop forecasts based on customer demand, strategic mapping, market insights, sales, statistical forecasting inputs, and historical trends with revenue, profitability and inventory goals in mind for 12-24 months horizon. .
• Develop and maintain the monthly demand forecast down to Item/Location level, using the forecasting application (i.e. Forecast Pro, etc.) (FUTURE STATE)
• Prepare item/product family forecasts in conjunction with Commercial, Finace, and Operations.
• Communicate results to S&OP Network Planners and Supply Chain Managers. Improve forecast accuracy and improve customer OTIF measurement.
• Establish one version of a consolidated forecast (volume) in alignment with commercial and finance teams for current and following year.
• Lead and/or participate in S&OP activity, including “Demand Review”, “Demand Consensus”, “Stage Gate / Commercialization Review”, and partner in Supply-Demand balancing meeting to optimize interdependencies as part of S&OP process.
• Utilize variety of forecasting techniques to analyze market and product trends to develop long range and seasonal demand plans. Analyze risks and opportunities in the Business Demand Plan across different technologies associated with CPG Market.
• Utilize Demand Planning exception reports to identify and resolve potential issues. Perform weekly root cause analysis and take proper actions.
• Execute documented process flows, rules, and standards relevant to Inventory Management Demand Planning.

• INVENTORY PLANNING

• Partner with Supply Chain S&OP Network Planners and Supply Chain Managers in highlighting surplus inventory to drive trapped revenue opportunities, promote efficient cash flow, and reduce inventory write-off. Accountable to Service and Inventory KPI’s.
• Ensure the Demand Planning process is conducted on agreed cycles. Measure forecast accuracy, forecast bias, inventory turns, slow moving and obsolete inventory to maximize revenue and improve data integrity and continuous improvement of processes.
• Provide stocking logic recommendations based on demand history and business intelligence provided.

• COMMERCIAL AND OPERATIONAL COLLABORATION

• Initiate, lead, and/or participate in root cause analysis and corrective action for demand related issues.
• Develop and qualify demand solutions applications (software, ERP, etc.).
• Provide stocking logic recommendations based on demand history and business intelligence provided.

• PROCESS IMPROVEMENT

• Recommend, design, and implement demand exception tools. Experience with AI tools and implementation is highly preferred.
• Develop and document process flows and ways of working for demand processes.
• Assist Analysts in developing reports that ensure quality and effectiveness of data and allows appropriate and timely KPI’s.
• Determine opportunities for improvement in current processes or gaps in workflow. Utilize Continuous Improvement methodology to recommend and build improved tools or processes.
• Lead monthly S&OP Supply meetings for portfolio and be point person on projects, PSI and capacity constraints.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Up to 10% travel may be required

Core Proficiencies and Skills

• Entrepreneurial with capability to search for outside-the-box solutions and strives to meet needs of business.
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
• Ability to maintain regular, predictable, and punctual attendance.
• Familiar with usage and implementation of AI forecasting tools.
• Communicates effectively: conveys facts and information clearly both verbally and orally.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including the ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers.
• Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service (internal and external).
• Ability to communicate cross-functionally and influence stakeholders to make decision. Able to influence without authority.
• Collaborates well with others: proactively contributes to group objectives; volunteers to help others.

• Basic understanding of end-to-end supply chain in a CPG / Manufacturing environment.
• Advanced level skill in Microsoft Excel (for example: functions, inserting charts, pivot tables, Solver/Data Analysis tool).
• Knowledge of Database Applications (Access or Business Objects).
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as algebra, probability, and statistical inference to practical situations.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly and simply.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• BS/BA Degree is required (Supply Chain/Operations or Business Management is preferred).
• Minimum of 1 – 5 years’ experience in any of the following in Demand Planning/Forecasting.
• Previous experience in SAP (PP, MM, APO, SNP or PPDS ) or related ERP system is beneficial.
• Previous experience with a Planning Software is a plus (SAP APO or Adexa).
• Must be highly proficient with Microsoft Office tools, such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.
• Possess knowledge of Six Sigma/LEAN beneficial.
• APICS certification is beneficial.