Demand Planner

Job Title: Demand Planner

Location: Fairfield, NJ

Department: Supply Chain

Reports To: Sr. Manager of Demand Planning and Analytics

Primary Purpose:

Reporting to the Sr. Manager of Demand Planning & Analytics, the Demand Planner will help manage and facilitate the monthly demand planning process in supporting organizational alignment to the sales and operations plan at the monthly pre-consensus review meetings. This role leads in the development of accurate supply and demand plans and scenarios for assigned business units by improving the statistical baseline forecast, gathering, collaborating, and merging insights from Sales, and facilitating discussions to reach consensus on future demand. You will play a role in our journey for continuous improvement of the S&OP process, formal demand reviews, and a new integrated planning tool solution.

The ideal candidate will possess a background in demand forecasting, supply chain management, and cross-functional collaboration to work effectively with sales, marketing, supply planning, replenishment, and the business unit leaders to help us have the right products in the right locations at the right time, to maximize sales and profit.

Responsibilities:

Demand Planning

• Generate a consensus forecast by working with Sales and Marketing to obtain current and accurate information that is used for demand forecasts, while documenting assumptions.

• Review historical sales trends, research demand drivers, prepare forecast data, develop statistical forecast models, and evaluate forecast results.

• Coordinate between cross-functional teams to reconcile significant variances and refine the forecast model to reflect updated sales and marketing assumptions.

• Collaborate with Marketing on new product development (NPD) and innovation process.

• Provide support in developing seasonal demand forecasts along with customer promotional event volumes.

• Communicate customer action plans and forecast changes with supply planning, interacting regularly with them to ensure alignment.

• Develop and maintain monthly demand and supply requirements through collaboration and site commitments using John Galt Atlas planning tool and Excel.

• Provide insight and awareness for potential supply/demand imbalances and engage the organization to resolve.

• Ensure optimal use of reports as key planning tools within the area of demand forecasting, stock management, sales history and reporting.

• Assist in the preparation of monthly S&OP consensus, supply, and planning meetings (with manufacturing, as well as business and Supply Chain management) with the responsibility to reach consensus on the 12-month Supply/Demand/Inventory plan consistent with business strategy.

• Contribute to the roll out and execution of the NPD process.

• Issue reports for the S&OP cycle, including accuracy, bias, exceptions and CI opportunities.

Education, Qualities and Skills Required:

• Bachelors degree, plus a minimum of 3 years of demand planning, supply chain planning, and/or customer order fulfillment experience

• Must have excellent Excel skills

• Strong drive for results

• Strong problem-solving skills

• Strong communication skills

• Ability to collaborate cross functionally

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 years of experience supporting demand planning and forecasting

• Deep understanding of John Galt Atlas and Sage X3 tools

• Experience working with constrained plans in ERP system

• CPG experience

• APICS Certification

Supervisory Responsibility:

No direct supervision required.

Work Environment:

Typical office working environment which includes a workstation equipped with a computer and other office supplies necessary for daily tasks. Typically climate-controlled to provide a comfortable working temperature year-round. Lighting is usually a mix of natural and artificial sources to ensure sufficient lamination.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time salaried position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday. Expectations of 45 hours per week, to be worked during normal business hours. This position is hybrid with three-four days in the office and 1-2 days working remotely. The position is in Fairfield, NJ.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements for an office environment typically include:

1. Sitting: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or workstation.
2. Typing: Frequent use of hands to type on a keyboard and operate a computer mouse.
3. Visual Requirements: Extended periods of viewing a computer screen and reading printed or digital documents.
4. Mobility: Occasional walking or standing, including moving between different areas of the office.
5. Manual Dexterity: The ability to handle office equipment, such as phones, printers, and copiers, and to file documents.
6. Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills for interacting with colleagues, clients, and vendors.
7. Lifting: Occasionally lifting and carrying light objects, typically up to 20 pounds, such as files, documents, or office supplies.
8. Reaching and Bending: Reaching above shoulder height and bending to access files and office supplies.
9. Hearing: Adequate hearing ability to participate in meetings and teleconferences.

These requirements ensure that employees can perform their duties effectively and safely within an office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Compensation and Benefits:

The budgeted salary range for this position is $80,000-$110,000, with a 10% annual bonus potential.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) plan with 4.5% employer contribution

• Paid time off and holidays

• Professional development opportunities

• Employee wellness programs