Demand Planner

The Demand Planning position entails all forecasting activities associated with depots and products. The Demand Planner develops and maintains forecast models for depots, incorporating business intelligence and data from sales, marketing, and finance. This role is a talent pool for the S&OP Manager position and serves as the integration point into the sales and commercial organization. Basic forecast modeling and leading monthly dialogues for depots and products with counterparts in Sales and Marketing are key responsibilities.

Basic Functions:

• Develop demand forecasts at multiple levels of aggregation for various time horizons.

• Review historical sales trends, research demand drivers, and prepare forecast data.

• Coordinate cross-functional research activities to refine forecast models.

• Interact with sales, marketing, and finance to understand demand forecast drivers.

• Utilize a collaborative approach to gather and ensure the accuracy of demand forecast information.

• Use and maintain Demand Planning software as the primary forecasting tool.

• Provide input to Supply Planning in developing inventory strategies.

• Coordinate and communicate customer action plans with supply planning.

Job Functions:

• Create statistical forecasts, analyze and validate data, review forecast models, and apply error analysis techniques to improve forecasting.

• Review sales plans, finance budget updates, and demand drivers, and recommend adjustments for operational forecasts.

• Achieve consensus for operational demand forecasts through collaborative planning with sales, marketing, and finance.

• Provide input to volume planning and maintain demand planning system and software.

• Prepare and maintain relevant reports related to demand planning process.

Key Results:

• Depot demand forecast that incorporates current and accurate market information.

• Improved relationships among planners, sales, marketing, and finance.

• Refined systems and methods to continually improve forecasts.

Required Education / Experience / Specific Job-related Skills

• Years of Experience: Two to Three years in the industry.

• Education/Training: University Degree (Mathematics, Science, or Engineering preferred).

• Licenses/Certificates: APICS or other forecasting Certification preferred.

• Other: Working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Strong analytical, organizational, decision-making, and presentation skills. Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills are essential for effective interaction across all business levels.

Skills

• Years of Experience: Two to Three years in the industry.

• Education/Training: University Degree (Mathematics, Science, or Engineering preferred).

• Licenses/Certificates: APICS or other forecasting Certification preferred.

• Other: Working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Strong analytical, organizational, decision-making, and presentation skills. Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills are essential for effective interaction across all business levels.