Title: Demand Planner
Reports to: Customer Service and Logistics Manager
Location: Kenosha, WI
Hours: Full Time; Hours Flexible
Job Purpose:
The Demand Planner is responsible for managing forecasts resulting in a variety of product demand plans necessary to meet customer demand, inventory targets and any other defined metrics. The demand plan is loaded into ERP and drives material purchase plans, operations plan, and financial objectives while meeting customer expectations. Demand inputs include historical sales, market trends, promotions, customer forecasts, seasonality, manufacturing lead time factors, transit factors & trend analysis. Effectively utilizes processes and systems to achieve results.
Essential Functions:
Forecast
Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts (short, medium, and long term) by using historical sales data, statistical models, market trends, seasonality factors and a variety of other available data.
Analyzes internal sales data and external factors such as competitor activity to refine the forecast.
Uploads and maintains raw material or any other product category, as assigned, as forecast data in ERP system and uses MRP calculations.
Collaborates closely with cross-functional teams including Sales, Finance, Supply Planning, and Operations to gather inputs, align on consensus forecasts which meet Corporate Plan and customer demand.
Monitors forecast accuracy. Identifies variances between actuals and forecasts and adjusts models proactively.
Supports new product introductions by forecasting initial demand and tracking early performance.
Continuously improves forecasting processes, incorporating AI tools, advanced analytics, and feedback loops for better accuracy.
Inventory Management
Manage inventory targets, safety stock levels, vendor lead time factors and replenishment recommendations to balance service levels and inventory objectives.
Identify risks (e.g., potential shortages or excess inventory) and propose mitigation scenarios or contingency plans.
Creates raw material scenario plan for new and transitioning products and communicates to sales and operations.
Effectively utilizes all available system tools and reports to manage inventory plans.
Item Master / System Maintenance
Maintains Item Master and planning parameters to ensure system integrity.
Collaborates with Supply Planner to ensure inventory is available to meet operations and customer requirements.
Reports / Processes
Must be able to modify and write new business processes within scope of responsibility.
Responsible for testing and validating work processes focused within ERP system related to streamlining and improving existing workflow and / or data accuracy.
Ability to utilize reports, and create new ones as needed, to monitor and improve inventory management and forecasting accuracy throughout planning horizon.
Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:
- Strong statistical and forecasting knowledge
- Experience with ERP and data visualization tools
- Strong attention to detail
- Experience with Microsoft Office, including a proficient knowledge of Excel
- Strong knowledge of inventory and production management processes
- Robust analytical and problem solving skills
- Adaptability to handle uncertainty and changing priorities.
- Clear communication
- This position will back-up other Supply Chain functions and tasks, as needed, to support continuity of day to day departmental activities
Physical Requirements:
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- This is a sedentary position that requires long periods of sitting.
Environmental Conditions:
- Heated/ Air-Conditioned office environment
Employment Benefits:
- Competitive Wages
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Coverage
- 401K with Employer Contribution
