Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

This role functions as the subject matter expert on demand planning.  Individual is responsible for the creation of accurate demand plans by applying forecasting techniques, evaluating market intelligence, and using collaborative input from various partners.  The Demand Planner will manage and maintain the statistical base forecast, forecast assumptions as well as troubleshoot exceptions as needed.  The Demand Planner will also participate in S&OP meetings and work closely, including leading calls with Sales, Marketing and Supply Chain groups to create a consensus forecast.  The Planner will utilize both quantitative and qualitative information in establishing a forecast and will support the business with trend analysis.

Responsibilities

Utilizes the SAP IBP Demand Planning system along with other software to perform SKU-level statistical modeling, utilizing historical data to create a 24+ month forecast with commercial intelligence gathered from Marketing & Sales business partners.

Communicates and leads calls with sales, marketing and supply chain groups to calculate detailed weekly and monthly volume forecasts. Makes recommendations on actions needed to meet actual and forecasted demand.

Responsible for reviewing wholesaler forecasts, identifying potential future issues, responding to changing sales trends, and coordinating appropriate corrective actions between Field Sales, Marketing, Finance and Supply Chain Depts.

Work with various cross-functional teams on projects such as new product launches, line extensions, product discontinuations, promotions and events.

Relates, measures, and drives action from established KPI’s (Accuracy, Bias, etc.) for demand planning and sales forecasts.

Must be able to develop various “what if” scenarios thru the utilization of key drivers and drive cross functional consensus alignment, as well as identify risks and opportunities.

Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Must have a Bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in an integrated forecast planning system environment (SAP IBP or AOP preferred)

Previous Experience with Supply Chain planning systems (SAP, JDA, etc.)

Must have excellent quantitative and qualitative skills to consolidate and analyze large volumes of data, with the ability to translate information for all areas of the business.

Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP’s, Pivot Tables, etc.) is required.

Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to communicate well across all levels of the organization. Excellent customer service skills with the ability to work with both internal and external customers.

Make decisions independently and recommend viable solutions to problems and issues.  Mediate issues that arise and drive planning and data gathering meetings to successful resolutions. 

Must have a strong attention to detail

Must be willing and able to travel up to 10%.

Preferred Qualifications

CPG Experience, specific to the beverage alcohol industry

APICS and/or IBF Certification

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

Must be able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time and work on a computer for extended periods. Lifting may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Must be willing and able to travel up to 10%.