Description

This newly created role will assist in development and design of a formal demand planning process, as well as the execution of the newly developed process. This will include cross-functional coordination (Sales, Marketing, R&D, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, etc.) on a monthly cadence. This role will lead all demand planning duties including maintaining relevant master data and product lifecycle updates, determining demand seasonality and trends for 2,000 FG SKUs, analyzing inventory flow, developing forecast models (time series, regression, etc), and monthly presentations to a sophisticated audience of business leaders.

To succeed in this role, you should be professional, highly analytical, detail-oriented, and possess excellent communication skills. The successful candidate should also have an in-depth knowledge of supply chain planning and forecasting principles and best practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: other duties may be assigned as needed.

• Develop effective forecast models based on industry trends and demand patterns. This includes maintaining data tables, spreadsheets and reports.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders and functions to develop a comprehensive demand picture to be translated into a forecast (Sales, Marketing, R&D, etc.).
• Develop content for monthly Demand Review and lead/facilitate discussion of trends, assumptions, risks and opportunities.
• Conduct scenario planning to support Sales, Operations and Finance.
• Support management with risk identification, assessments, and mitigation activities.
• Successfully communicate forecast and inventory estimations to management and relevant stakeholder groups (procurement, production, etc.) using data-driven support.
• Develop, manage and improve forecast accuracy metrics to support company goals related to fill rate, working capital and other KPIs. 
• Monitor and report on important changes in sales forecasts, budgets, and business strategies.
• Assist with strategic planning, annual planning and projects as needed. 
• Continuous Improvement mindset to evaluate and refine forecasting models.
• Address demand-related issues in a timely and effective manner.
• Documentation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

BEHAVIORAL CAPABILITIES:

INTEGRITY: Does not ethically cut corners. Remains consistent in terms of what one says and does and in terms of behavior towards others. Earns the trust of coworkers. 

CUSTOMER FOCUS: Regularly monitors customer satisfaction. Meets internal and external customer needs in ways that provide satisfaction and excellent results for the customer.

ENERGY:  Exhibits energy, strong desire to achieve, high dedication level. 

Requirements

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain or other relevant fields.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a demand planning/forecasting role.
• Understanding of ERP/MRP systems (MS Dynamics preferred).
• Understanding of manufacturing and distribution processes. 
• Expertise in Excel spreadsheets.
• 3 years of experience with Forecast Pro or similar forecasting software.
• Solid understanding of inventory management practices and procedures.
• Strong analytical skills and statistical analysis capabilities.
• Capability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• CPIM or CSCP certification is a plus.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Proficient in Microsoft Office. 
• Ability to interpret various forms of demand inputs, including understanding of sales forecasting and ability to read sales contracts/agreements.
• Competence/Proficiency in Tableau, PowerBI or other data consolidation and visualization tools. 
• Strong problem solving skills; ability to work with large data sets, ambiguity and competing priorities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Computer work for extended periods of time