Demand Planner

Summary: 

A Demand Planner is a supply chain professional who uses analytical and statistical methods to accurately predict future customer demand for a company's products or services, playing a crucial role in inventory management by forecasting sales and ensuring optimal stock levels to meet market needs while minimizing excess inventory; they achieve this by analyzing sales data, market trends, and collaborating with sales and marketing teams to generate accurate demand forecasts. 

Duties / Responsibilities: 

•  Utilize statistical models and data analysis to create accurate forecasts of future product demand, considering factors like seasonal fluctuations, promotional activities, and market trends. 
•  Plan inventory levels based on demand forecasts, aiming to optimize stock levels and avoid stockouts or overstocking situations. 
•  Work closely with sales, marketing, and operations teams to gather data, understand customer needs, and align demand plans with overall business strategies. 
•  Analyze historical sales data, market research, and competitor information to identify patterns and trends impacting demand. 
•  Assess the impact of promotional activities on demand and adjust forecasts accordingly. 
•  Identify potential risks to demand forecasts, such as economic fluctuations or supply chain disruptions, and develop mitigation strategies. 
•  Monitor forecast accuracy and identify areas for improvement in the demand planning process. 
•  Prepare regular reports on demand forecasts, inventory levels, and key performance indicators to inform decision-making across the organization. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Statistics, Economics, Finance, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, supply chain analytics, or a related field.
• Experience with demand planning software (such as SAP APO, Oracle Demantra, Kinaxis, or Anaplan).
• Strong background in statistical modeling, data analysis, and forecasting techniques.
• Experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams (Sales, Marketing, Operations).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree (MBA or Master’s in Supply Chain/Operations Research) for higher-level roles.
• Certification such as Certified Professional in Demand Forecasting (CPDF) or APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM).
• Experience in a manufacturing or industrial products company (if relevant to your industry).

Normal Working Hours and Conditions: Core business hours are generally 8:00 am – 5 pm.  However, this position may require work to be performed outside of normal business hours based on Company operations.  

Physical Requirements: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting including verbally communicating, seeing and hearing to exchange information and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard.   Daily physical functions include standing, sitting and walking for prolonged periods of time and occasionally stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting.  The employee may engage in lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling light to moderate amounts of weight up to 25 pounds.   The position also requires the operation of office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement.