What are the responsibilities and job description for the Demand Planner position at Desi Fresh Foods?
About Us
Desi Fresh Foods is a leading 'cultured' dairy manufacturer with 25 years of experience. We produce high-quality and consistent products, which include yogurt (Dahi or Indian, Greek and traditional), smoothies/yogurt drinks, sour cream, and dips from single serve options to food service sides. We are currently seeking a skilled Demand Planner to join our team and contribute to the ongoing success of our facility in Frederick County, Virginia!
About the Role
We're looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Demand Planner to join our growing operations team. In this role, you'll be responsible for creating and managing accurate demand forecasts that drive production, procurement, and inventory planning. By partnering with Sales, Operations, and Finance, you'll play a critical role in balancing supply and demand, improving forecast accuracy, and ensuring customers receive the right products at the right time in full. This role is onsite at our Winchester, VA location.
Responsibilities
Warehouse Inventory and Logistics Management
Develop production plans that align with demand forecasts, ensuring capacity, labor, and resources are scheduled efficiently to meet customer needs.
Plan and execute raw material requirements, coordinating with procurement and suppliers to maintain availability and prevent shortages.
Manage warehouse inventory and logistics to balance stock levels, reduce waste, and ensure smooth inbound and outbound flows.
Create and manage purchase orders from start to finish, tracking execution to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and supplier compliance.
Forecasting & Demand Planning
Develop, maintain, and improve demand forecasts using statistical models, historical sales data, and market intelligence.
Monitor demand signals and incorporate inputs from Sales and Operations into the forecast.
Adjust forecasts based on new product launches, promotions, seasonality, and market changes.
S&OP Collaboration
Support the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process by providing accurate demand data and insights.
Partner with Supply Planning, Production, and Procurement to align demand forecasts with supply capabilities.
Identify gaps between forecast and supply, and proactively recommend adjustments.
Data & Analytics
Track forecast accuracy, bias, and error; implement improvements to drive measurable gains.
Use ERP and planning tools to generate reports and dashboards that provide visibility into demand trends.
Provide regular updates on forecast performance and risks to senior leadership.
Cross-Functional Alignment
Collaborate with Sales and Operations to integrate customer insights, promotional plans, and competitive trends into the forecast.
Partner with Finance to align demand planning with revenue targets and financial forecasts.
Work with Logistics and Warehouse teams to ensure demand signals are synchronized with distribution needs.
Track and drive KPI metrics like forecast accuracy and OTIF delivery to make sure customer needs are consistently met.
Continuous Improvement
Recommend and implement process improvements to strengthen demand planning and forecasting efficiency.
Leverage technology and automation within ERP/planning systems to improve speed and accuracy.
Support projects to optimize Days Inventory Outstanding (DIO) and reduce obsolescence.
Customer Service
Address consumer and customer complaints quickly, working with cross-functional teams to identify root causes and prevent repeat issues.
Monitor purchase and sales orders, resolving order-related issues promptly to ensure accurate, on-time fulfillment.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Statistics, or a related field.
10 years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain planning (food, dairy, or CPG industry strongly preferred) of which 5 years managing people.
Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with experience using demand planning tools, ERP systems (e.g., Sage & like), and Excel/Google Sheets.
Familiarity with S&OP processes, inventory optimization, and supply chain planning best practices.
Strong communication and collaboration skills - able to explain forecasts and risks to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt quickly, and work effectively in a fast-paced, growing environment.
Experience with statistical forecasting models and advanced planning systems is a plus.
Lead, coach, and support the planning team to build forecasting strength and a collaborative, high-performing culture.
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.
This role has a pay range of $85,000 to $100,000 annually. The pay range provided is an estimated base pay range for this role. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, education, and location.
Desi Fresh Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Salary : $85,000 - $100,000
