Senior Demand Planner
Mission:
The Senior Demand Planner is responsible for leading demand planning and forecasting processes for key accounts, incorporating business intelligence and cross-functional input. This role ensures that demand plans leverage appropriate statistical models and integrate insights from sales, marketing, finance, and other sources. The Senior Demand Planner plays a key role in supporting financial projections, inventory planning, and supply chain optimization. Additionally, this position contributes to process improvements, cross-functional alignment, and mentoring of junior team members.
Position Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
Years and Type of Experience:
• 3-5 years of experience in Demand Planning, Supply Chain, Sales, or related roles.
• Strong understanding of forecasting methodologies and supply chain impacts.
• Experience in consumer goods or retail industries is preferred.
Required Skills:
• Strong analytical skills, including data analysis and interpretation.
• Ability to build cross-functional relationships and influence without authority.
• Experience in a fast-paced environment, managing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in ambiguous situations and drive problem-solving.
• Experience leading process improvements and driving operational efficiency.
Preferred Skills:
• Experience with point-of-sale (POS) forecasting.
• Proficiency in statistical modeling and demand planning tools.
• Background in supply planning and inventory optimization.
• Experience mentoring or training team members.
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, macros, XLOOKUPs, etc.).
• Power BI or other data visualization software proficiency.
Education Level/Degree:
BS/BA Degree or equivalent work experience.
Authority:
• Reports to Director, Demand Planning / Supply Chain.
Key Result Areas and Activities
Demand Planning and Forecasting:
• Develop and maintain SKU-level demand forecasts based on trends, business insights, and statistical models.
• Utilize best-practice forecasting techniques to enhance accuracy and drive business decisions.
• Analyze historical data, POS trends, and promotional impacts to refine forecasts.
• Adjust demand plans for new product launches, transitions, and discontinuations.
• Drive consensus among Sales, Marketing, and Finance on forecast assumptions and updates.
S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning) Process:
• Lead demand alignment meetings, ensuring integration with financial planning and supply chain processes.
• Provide SKU and segment-level demand insights to cross-functional teams.
• Deliver monthly summaries outlining key volume drivers, demand trends, and business risks.
Reporting and Analytics:
• Monitor and publish demand planning KPIs, including forecast accuracy, WMAPE, bias, and inventory targets.
• Identify root causes of forecast variances and implement corrective actions.
• Develop business reports that provide long-term demand insights and market trends.
Process Improvement and Change Management:
• Identify inefficiencies and implement process enhancements to improve demand planning effectiveness.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to drive continuous improvement in forecasting methodologies.
• Mentor and develop junior team members, providing guidance on best practices and tools.