Description

Company Overview: Hickory Farms has been bringing delight to every occasion since our founding in 1951. With on-trend design, expertly-curated flavors, and premium ingredients, our gifts are the perfect way to celebrate birthdays, corporate events, and special moments deliciously. Founded in Toledo, Hickory Farms relocated to Chicago in 2017 to be closer to our dedicated suppliers and distribution center. Now, our gourmet food gifts are found in a variety of pop-up stores and kiosks throughout North America during the holiday season, as well as in leading mass merchants, supermarkets, and on hickoryfarms.com year-round. In 2021, Wicked Good Cupcakes joined our family, bringing the Shark Tank sensation into even more celebrations nationwide. The original cupcake in a jar has decadent flavors and a unique presentation, making these treats perfect for weddings, events, and birthdays. We’re proud to bring people together with our gifts of great taste.

Our Values lead the way. They are: The customer is our focus. Integrity and respect. We own it. Everyone has a place at the table. We embrace change. We savor the journey together.

Requirements

The Senior Demand Planner reports to the Senior Manager, Demand Planning, and is responsible for developing the SKU level forecast for all channels of business. This position will work closely with Sales, Marketing, Product Development, and Supply Chain to ensure accurate forecasts and strategies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: - include but are not limited to the following:

• Develop item level demand forecasts for all channels of business based on industry trends and demand patterns including building incremental forecasts (event-based, promotional lifts, etc.). 
• Review historical sales trends, research demand drivers, prepare forecast data, support the development of statistical forecast models, evaluate forecast results, and propose and implement solutions to improve forecast accuracy.
• Set accuracy targets on a category level. 
• Report on sales and finance of items/customers not meeting expected sales targets. 
• Collaborate with inventory manager and sales on excess inventory reduction. 
• Responsible for building demand forecasts that ensure gross margin targets are met. Highlight issues and make pricing and/or volume recommendations to solve gross margin discrepancies. 
• Collaborate with the Finance team to ensure the forecast ties back to a financial plan and discounting strategy. 
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Product, and Operations to assess the potential impact of market trends and demand drivers including new product launches or extension forecasts to support company growth and submit accurate demand projections to the supply chain.
• Provide input in developing inventory & product life cycle strategies on existing items, new products, and product phase-outs.
• Communicate with purchasing and production scheduling to provide information on changes to demand. 
• Coordinate cross-functional activities to reconcile variances and refine the forecast model to reflect updated sales and marketing assumptions. 
• Mentor Junior Demand Planner.
• Additional responsibilities as identified.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field. A master's degree is a plus.
• 4 to 6 years of experience in demand planning, sales forecasting, or a related role.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to gather, analyze, and interpret complex data to drive informed decisions.
• Proficiency in demand planning software and advanced Excel functions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and present findings to stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a dynamic environment with changing priorities.
• Familiarity with sales and operations planning (S&OP) processes and methodologies.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics or similar systems preferred.
• Attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with internal customers and external customers along with great phone and email etiquette.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform essential job functions consistently, safely, and successfully with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards. 
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards. 
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.

Hickory Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture, that does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.