Demand Forecasting Planner

The Demand Forecasting Planner is responsible for generating accurate demand forecasts, developing inventory strategies, and maintaining product availability across multiple import product lines. This role is pivotal in optimizing inventory flow, improving forecast accuracy, and aligning supply with customer demand to maximize sales while minimizing excess and aged inventory. The ideal candidate is a strategic, data-driven thinker with strong analytical skills, a proactive mindset, and a commitment to continuous improvement in a fast-paced, dynamic supply chain environment.

Demand Forecasting & Analysis:

• Analyze historical sales trends, market dynamics, and current performance to create accurate demand forecasts for import product lines.
• Monitor and communicate changes in sales forecasts, budgets, and business strategies to ensure cross-functional alignment.
• Anticipate demand drivers such as seasonality, promotions, assortment shifts, and external market conditions.
• Measure forecast accuracy, identify root causes of variance, and implement corrective actions to improve performance.

Import Inventory & Supply Planning:

• Prioritize inventory and shipment flow based on customer demand, business priorities, and operational capacity.
• Place and track import purchase orders to meet service level targets and inventory goals.
• Monitor inventory levels to identify opportunities to increase turns, reduce excess stock, and maximize sales potential.
• Recommend and adjust order quantities and delivery timing to maintain optimal inventory positioning.
• Forecast demand for long lead-time products to proactively manage supply risk.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with Merchandising, Sales, and Warehouse Operations to align demand forecasts with procurement and fulfillment strategies.
• Collaborate with Merchants on assortment lifecycle planning, product transitions, and end-of-life strategies to minimize obsolete inventory.
• Deliver data-driven insights and recommendations to leadership that support strategic decision-making.

Continuous Improvement & Strategic Planning:

• Lead supply planning efforts for new product introductions, transitions, and discontinuations to ensure adequate inventory coverage.
• Use data-driven methodologies to identify process gaps and implement solutions that improve forecast precision and supply chain efficiency.
• Continuously assess and improve forecasting tools, planning methodologies, and reporting capabilities.
• Maintain visibility into excess, aging, and at-risk inventory and communicate mitigation strategies to stakeholders.

Schedule Expectations

Education & Experience Requirements