Demand Planning Analyst (Lake Bluff)

Homewerks Worldwide, LLC, a leading import distributor of home improvement products for major retailers is seeking a Supply Chain Analyst to join our Supply Chain Team. Homewerks Worldwide develops, sources, and markets bathroom, kitchen, and plumbing products for home and commercial use. Since its formation in 2006, Homewerks has shown consistent sales growth fueled by a proven track record of bringing innovative, efficient, and high quality product solutions to homes. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to contribute to a fast growing organization. Our office is located in Lake Bluff, IL and we have Distribution Centers in both Lake Bluff, IL and Libertyville, IL.

Position Summary

The Demand Planning Analyst owns SKU-level forecasting for assigned retail and wholesale channels, balancing service-level performance with inventory health and cost control. In addition to supporting key retail accounts, this role has distinct responsibility for wholesale demand planning, including the quote-to-order process and development of tools and forecasting methods tailored to wholesale demand. The role partners with Sales, customer demand planning and replenishment teams, Buyer-Planners, IT, and other cross-functional stakeholders to drive forecast accuracy, support service-level performance, manage customer fines, and continuously improve planning processes. The Demand Planning Analyst will report directly to the Manager, Demand Planning.

Responsibilities

Retail and Wholesale Demand Planning

· Own demand planning for assigned retail and wholesale channels, with distinct responsibility for the end-to-end wholesale quote-to-order planning process

· Lead regular quote pipeline reviews with Sales to assess open opportunities, expected timing, and likelihood of conversion, and determine which demand should be incorporated into SKU-level forecasts to support fulfillment while managing inventory risk

· Develop and continuously improve the wholesale forecasting approach by combining traditional forecasting methods with quote activity, order history, and Sales input

· Partner with IT to define requirements and support the development, testing, and implementation of tools and reporting that improve wholesale demand planning and quote pipeline visibility

Core Demand Planning Responsibilities

• Build and maintain SKU-level and aggregate forecasts (customer, product family, channel)
• Evaluate forecast accuracy and bias using SKU and topline-level accuracy metrics
• Incorporate customer and commercial inputs into forecasts, including POS, inventory positions, promotions, store distribution, seasonality, lifecycle changes, and portfolio shifts
• Lead formal Demand Reviews with Sales for assigned customers and channels

· Support service-level performance for assigned accounts through proactive monitoring, cross-functional coordination, and timely communication of risks

• Own customer fines management for assigned accounts, including proactive monitoring, SOP creation, root-cause analysis, cross-functional coordination, dispute support, and mitigation efforts to reduce repeat exposure.
• Partner with Buyer-Planners to provide service updates to stakeholders
• Support new item launches by pressure testing forecasts, monitoring early performance, and adjusting as demand signals emerge
• Manage end-of-life and running-change items, aligning forecasts to inventory depletion strategies and minimizing excess and obsolescence
• Leverage exception-based reporting to surface forecast gaps, service risks, and fine exposure
• Perform regular and ad-hoc root-cause analysis related to forecast accuracy, service levels, fines trends, and inventory risk
• Contribute to standard work and continuous process improvements with a focus on scalability, clarity, and repeatability

Responsibilities may evolve over time based on business needs, tool enhancements, and process maturity.

Education & Experience (Required)

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Analytics, Statistics, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain analytics
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into clear, actionable insights
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with ERP, planning, or reporting systems
• Solid understanding of forecasting methodologies, accuracy metrics, and supply chain planning concepts
• Demonstrated process-improvement mindset and comfort working in evolving planning environments

· Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, particularly with Sales, retail and wholesale customers, and Planning teams

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS (CPIM/CSCP) or IBF certification
• Experience working with algorithm-based forecasting, including data cleansing, model selection, and output evaluation

· Experience with wholesale demand planning, including quote-to-order processes, pipeline-based forecasting, and collaboration with Sales on opportunity timing and conversion assumptions

• Experience working with major retailers, partnering directly with merchant, customer demand planning, and replenishment teams
• Experience supporting customer fines management, including root-cause analysis and proactive mitigation
• Working knowledge of SQL and experience using data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI, or similar)
• Infor / DMP software experience

· Comfort leveraging AI-enabled tools to support forecasting, data analysis, exception management, and continuous process improvement

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 401k Safe Harbor Plan with 3% Company contribution
• Generous PTO plans
• 10 paid company holidays per a calendar year
• Annual paid volunteer day for non-profit or charity of your choice
• Company provided life insurance, short-term disability and long-term disability coverage.
• Off-site events to encourage team building
• Company performance based bonus plan

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. These include to sit for extended periods of time, regularly stand and walk and have the manual dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and mouse.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Homewerks Worldwide, LLC is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Salary Range: $85K-$105K