Description

The Demand Planning Analyst position is responsible for delivering a reliable statistical forecast with realistic consensus-driven inputs from the Commercial & Operations teams to improve business forecast accuracy. The Demand Planning Analyst will facilitate the process both internally & externally identifying assumptions, risks, & opportunities as well as performing gap analysis. Their primary focus will be to drive forecast improvements by focusing on the statistical forecast process and working with the commercial team and collaborating with the customer, sales, and product management to identify forecast improvements. They will coordinate the company S&OP process and ensure a common set of sales & financial plans throughout the Company, aligning them with supply chain capabilities. 

Responsibilities: 

• Manages the reviews of historical sales trends, research demand drivers, prepare forecast data, develop statistical forecast models, and evaluate forecast results 

• Collaborate and problem-solve cross-functionally with internal and external business partners 

• Manages and responsible for the monthly/weekly, statistical and adjusted demand plans 

• Develop metrics and maintain forecast accuracy and performance at required levels 

• Manage root cause process and responsible for plans to drive continuous improvement in forecast accuracy 

• Participate in special projects, providing leadership as needed on cross-functional teams 

• Ensures best & standardized practices are followed across all shared planning resources 

• Ensure best practices related to monthly S&OP are being followed throughout the planning process and drives continuous improvements 

• Facilitates the S&OP reviews, developing solutions and risk/benefits to the gaps for presentation and decision-making with executive leadership 

Competencies: 

• Possess an inner compass that gives them confidence that their decisions are right.

• Has the ability to look at an issue with an objective analysis and evaluation in order to form a judgment and develop new strategies

• Able to express ideas or information to individuals or groups considering the audience and the nature of the information 

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to scrutinize and break down facts and thoughts into their strengths and weaknesses 

• Demonstrates effective use of information and gathering techniques, analyzing situations, and identifying implications in order to make correct decisions 

• Has ability to visualize links between seemly disparate attributes or events a 

• Ability to visualize the total process and aid in locating problem 

Qualifications

Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree (MBA Preferred) plus 5-10 years of related professional experience and minimum 3 years of which directly in forecasting or predictive analytics 

• Certified Professional Forecaster (CPF) and/or APICS-Certified (CPIM, CSCP) designation desired 

• Knowledge - data analysis and statistical modeling as well as time series and regression analysis 

• Skills Proficient at using Excel spreadsheets and database applications for data analysis and experience with forecast modeling tools preferred (e.g. Arkieva, SAS, JDA, Logility, SAP, Epicor P21, etc.) 

• Comfort with ambiguity and must demonstrate outstanding critical thinking, presentation, and decision-making skills 

• Builds consensus through give and take; gains cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals 

Preferred: 

• Experience using data visualization tools to convey quantitative results clearly (e.g. Power BI, Tableau, SAP, Qlikview, Microstrategy) 

• Experience in a Global Supply Chain with a focus on sourcing finished goods.