Demand Planner

As a member of the C&S Wholesale Grocers family of companies, SpartanNash is a food solutions company that delivers the ingredients for a better life. A distributor, wholesaler and retailer with a global supply chain network, SpartanNash distributes grocery and household goods, including fresh produce and the Our Family® portfolio of products, to locations in all 50 states.

Our braggingly happy team members — ranging from bakery managers to order selectors; from IT developers to vice presidents of finance; from HR Business Partners to export specialists — create braggingly happy customers spanning national accounts, independent and chain grocers, e-commerce retailers, U.S. military commissaries and exchanges, and the Company’s own brick-and-mortar grocery stores, pharmacies and fuel centers.

Ready to contribute to the success of our food solutions company? Apply now!

Location:

850 76th Street S.W. - Byron Center, Michigan 49315

Position Summary:

This role is responsible to develop forecasting tools, analyze business trends and provide insights and recommendations to support the business strategy. Prepare regular and ad hoc reports ensuring accurate, timely and effective data to meet customers' needs. Work with cross functional departments and external customers regarding reports, forecasting, new programs, etc.

Here’s what you’ll do:

• Develop forecasting method(s) and tools and prepare analytics and reporting of statistical data and performance metrics (i.e., purchasing ability/inventory levels, customer service levels, freight utilization, etc.).
• Identify business trends, research variances and prepare summary reports, insights and recommendations and communicate findings to management to support fact-based decision-making.
• Prepare forecasting and analysis such as sales forecasting to maximize fill rate, promotional forecasting to determine accurate purchase quantities to support ads and events, predictive analysis to maximize purchasing brackets and to optimize freight utilization and closed-loop analysis to align day-to-day operations with the long-term business strategy.
• Prepare regular and ad hoc reports ensuring accurate, timely and effective data to meet customers' needs.
• Modify and/or create new databases and reports to support special projects and business needs.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Distribution and external customers/independent retailers to define test programs, scope and data needs (brands, products, SKUs) to develop baseline statistical modeling.
• Participate in the roll-out of pilot programs, implement approved changes system-wide based on the results and assist with the implementation of the related communication strategy (internal and external).
• Maintain documentation of standards and procedures (including KPI'S and metrics) for demand planning processes and systems; standardize report structures to support pilot programs while ensuring data analytics meet company and customer needs.
• Provide statistical analysis and forecasting, as well as analysis of variations from expected results, for category seasonality, trends, historical performance, item discontinuance, inventory levels, etc. to maximize purchasing ability/inventory levels, improve customer service levels and optimize freight utilization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments (procurement, distribution, merchandising, etc.) to implement changes and adjustments based on changes in demand, market changes, etc. based on forecasting and analysis and to discuss opportunities/risks.
• Develop and maintain current knowledge of industry trends and best Demand Planning/Procurement practices; make recommendations to improve current programs and processes.

Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bachelor's Degree (Required) in Business Administration, Statistics, Logistics/Supply Chain or related field or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Five years of combined experience in Demand Planning, Inventory Management, Procurement or related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; strong presentation skills.
• Strong organization, prioritization and attention to detail skills.
• Strong mathematical aptitude, financial acumen and quantitative and analytical skills.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, Access and PowerPoint) and experience with SQL based queries.
• Knowledge of database management, logistics and inventory concepts.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

May be required to lift and/or move 20 pounds. The associate is frequently required to sit/stand/walk. While performing the duties of this position, the associate is subject to a typical office environment and is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions. Temperatures may vary for those subject to any of the following areas: computer/server room, print shop, production area). The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate but may be high in distribution settings. Travel requirements vary by assignment.

As part of our People First culture, SpartanNash is proud to offer a robust and competitive Total Rewards benefits package .

SpartanNash is an Equal Opportunity Employer that invests in Associate development, recognizes and celebrates success, fosters two-way communication, and promotes a sense of belonging. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, including those with disabilities and Veterans.

We are not able to sponsor work visas for this position.