Demand Planner-Forecaster

PURPOSE:

The primary responsibilities of a Demand Planner Forecaster will be to manage customer and internal promotional projections and incremental forecasts for turn inventory or new products across all UNFI regions and National Procurement categories representing over 185 million cases and ~$4.5 billion annually. The incumbent will work collaboratively with Customer Care, Replenishment, Merchandising, Sales, and Retail Customers to determine the amount of inventory needed for customer promotions and other events above and beyond normal turn inventory. The incumbent will be responsible for driving total demand signal accuracy, customer fill rate, and limiting excess product related to incremental sales volume.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Job Responsibilities

Percentage

• Responsible for accuracy and timeliness of forecasting all additional demand needs to drive fill rate without generating excess through weekly forecast reviews, direct engagement with internal and external key stakeholders, and detailed historical and trend analysis – 25.0%
• Be able to influence key retailers to drive for the most accurate demand signal through data and industry knowledge – 15.0%
• Decision Maker on all forecast accuracy touchpoints for UNFI and retail driven promotions leveraging historical and customer-provided data – 10.0%
• Builds and leverages strong relationships with highly complex customers and suppliers to drive results and hosts regular meetings to drive accountability – 5.0%
• Ability to work independently to identify opportunities, determine the best way forward and implement solutions – 10.0%
• In concert with key partners develop and oversee and execute the strategy for seasonal volume builds generating an action plan and maintaining accountability throughout the planned activity – 10.0%
• Generate and successfully utilize systemic and Excel based reporting to drive daily execution of all duties including mid and post action reviews to drive understanding and action and leftover and OOS visibility to understand root cause and implement changes for future activity – 5.0%
• Review reporting with key stakeholders and maintain accountability with internal and external partners – 3.0%
• Engage with Customers, Manufacturers, and external UNFI departments as the subject matter expert on Demand Planning processes and actions taking follow up action where appropriate to support the business – 5.0%
• Responsible for ensuring overall promotional maintenance is completed including but not limited to ads/deletes, date changes, type changes, and quantity adjustments – 5.0%
• Engage key stakeholders to oversee the creation and management of non-promotional added demand including, but not limited to, new item launches, new and added stores, DC sourcing changes, new customers, and loss of customers – 3.0%
• Take a continuous improvement approach to all aspects of their assigned desk, sharing opportunities and improvements across the team to encourage broad based improvement and efficiency – 2.0%
• Educate and train internal and external partners on expectations and impacts of incremental demand accuracy to drive accountability on timeliness and completeness of ads and ensure proper processes are followed to maintain visibility and drive action at the right levels – 2.0% Total – 100%
• Performs other relevant job duties as required.
  
  

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education/Certifications/or Equivalent combination of education training and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred or equivalent experience
  
  

Experience:

• 3–4 years of relevant experience
  
  

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Have a thorough knowledge of procurement and logistics processes
• General understanding of promotional practices
• Strong analytical and math skillset
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel
• Capable of learning and utilizing multiple disparate systems
• Ability to identify and understand trends
• Ability to investigate and analyze information and to draw conclusions
• Excellent problem-solving capabilities
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
• Ability to use own judgement to make decisions and drive results
• Can work independently as well as with a larger group
• Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects
• Ability to use independent judgement and to manage and impart confidential information
  
  

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/DEMANDS:

• Some travel may be required
• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment
• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear
• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone, and other office equipment in the course of normal workday
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in completion of job duties
  
  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.

UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Compensation:

UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

Benefits:

For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington-specific paid time off details.

Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Sales Positions Only: For sales positions that are commission-based, the above range is an estimate of total potential commission-based compensation during an associate’s first year, but UNFI offers an introductory period minimum of $680 per week. After the introductory period, as a 100% commission-based role, there is no set salary. UNFI’s commission plans are uncapped and average earnings vary depending on territory and sales achieved, among other factors.

UNFI’s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.