Analyst - Demand Planning

Overview JOB TITLE: Demand Planning Analyst REPORTS TO: Manager, Demand Planning The Adventure At SalonCentric, the professional products distribution partner of L’Oréal USA, we believe that beauty is a powerful force that moves the world. As a Demand Planning Analyst, you are at the heart of our operational excellence. You are not just managing inventory; you are ensuring that our salon partners and stylists have the tools they need to succeed. You will be the bridge between our brands and our distribution centers, navigating a fast-paced environment where data meets physical reality. Role Purpose The Demand Planning Analyst is responsible for ensuring that product supply meets customer demand through rigorous data analysis, statistical modeling, and collaborative forecasting. This role acts as a central point of communication between Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain to ensure we have the right sales forecast. You will transform complex data sets into actionable demand plans that drive the company’s operational efficiency. Key Responsibilities Statistical Forecasting & Data Analysis Develop and maintain high-quality demand forecasts at multiple levels of aggregation for multiple horizons (short, medium, and long-term). Utilize statistical forecasting tools and software to analyze historical sales trends, seasonality, and market shifts. Clean and validate historical data to account for outliers, such as promotions or supply disruptions. Monitor and report on forecast accuracy, forecast bias and lead root-cause analysis to drive continuous improvement. Collaborative Planning (S&OP) Facilitate monthly consensus meetings with Sales and Category Management to incorporate market intelligence (promotions, new product launches, competitor activity) into the forecast. Collaborate with Finance to ensure the demand plan aligns with budgetary expectations and revenue targets. Work closely with the Supply Planning team to communicate changes in demand that may impact production or procurement schedules. Lifecycle Management Manage the demand planning phase of New Product Introductions (NPI) by analyzing similar product launches and market potential in conjunction with business partners. Monitor "End of Life" forecast to minimize excess and obsolete inventory. Reporting & Process Optimization Create and maintain dashboards that visualize key performance indicators (KPIs) for senior leadership. Identify opportunities to automate manual data processes and improve the efficiency of the planning cycle. Participate in global or regional supply chain projects aimed at digital transformation and tool implementation. Required Qualifications & Skills Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related field. Experience: 1-2 years of experience in demand planning, supply chain, or data analytics (preferably in FMCG, Beauty, or Retail). Technical Proficiency: Advanced Excel skills (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, Power Query). Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) and Demand Planning software (Anaplan a plus) is a plus. Familiarity with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau) is a strong plus. Analytical Mindset: Strong ability to interpret complex data and translate it into a narrative for non-analytical stakeholders. Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build consensus across different departments. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, medical condition or disability, or any other legally protected status. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application for a recognized disability under applicable law, please email. Please note this email will only respond to specific requests for assistance completing the application as a request for accommodation for a disability. All others will not be considered. #J-18808-Ljbffr