Supply and Demand Planner

About Us

At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all.

Overview

Responsible for navigating complex data and turning it into actionable information to help implement Sales and Operations Planning. This role will be responsible in providing accurate information to management that would drive business decisions in the Ajinomoto Supply Chain team.

This position is expected to continue the current supply and demand planning processes while looking for ways to optimize and create new value across the supply chain. This position will primarily liaison between both food and feed plants and with the customer service team on making sure we have the right product at the right time. This position is expected to be creative in being able to solve our demand and supply challenges.

Qualifications

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or Data Analytics •  1 - 2 years’ experience in a Supply Chain, Procurement, or Analytics role

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:• Advanced computer and Microsoft Office skills required • Basic knowledge of demand planning, supply planning and replenishment planning required• Understanding of End-to-End Supply Chain process knowledge required• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required• Excellent mathematical and statistical knowledge required• ERP system (Especially SAP) knowledge preferred

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

WORKING CONDITIONS:Fast-paced corporate office environment working primarily inside. This position is local to our corporate headquarters in Itasca, IL, and would be eligible for our Hybrid work policy at the manager's discretion. This position may also travel to partner companies for site visits and quality audits of operating systems and processes. All Ajinomoto Travel policies will apply and must be followed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:• This position will be performed primarily by sitting or standing at a desk, and 90% of the time, computer use will be required.

Responsibilities

• Create monthly sales forecast plans by SKU based on the information from the sales representative and statistical calculations• Create weekly or monthly supply plans by SKU based on the sales forecast and standard inventory levels • Monitor the daily production plans and actual performance, and coordinate with the production department as needed to adjust the daily production schedule to maintain optimal inventory levels• Monitor the gap between sales plans and actual results, and coordinate with the production department as needed to adjust the production schedule• Monitor and report on important changes in sales forecasts, production budgets, and business strategies.• Address supply and demand balance-related issues, such as stockouts and excess inventory, in a timely and effective manner• Provide analysis as it pertains to the planning information gathered for Supply Chain decision-making making• Analyze demand performance and progress against contracts by SKU and by major customer• Conduct periodic meetings and communicate upcoming challenges and wins with production department members• Share supply and demand status by SKU with logistics and customer service team members• Participate in activities aimed at improving IT systems and advancing business processes• Develops business reporting to make tactical decisions while identifying opportunities and threats• Potential travel up to approximately 10%, including visits to production sites.• Other duties as assigned

Salary Range

EEO Statement

Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by state, federal, or local law.  All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.