Demand Planner

Job Purpose The Demand Planner analyzes sales forecasts, historical sales trends, consumer market opportunities and constraints, marketing campaign expectations, and the product lifecycle to prepare a recurring forecast for the demand of products for a segment of the customer base. Key Responsibilities Collects and analyzes sales expectations, historical trends, and market potential to derive a sales forecast for the customer segment. Identifies customer volume patterns and works to develop consensus on monthly forecast accuracy target. Produces forecast models that generate multiple demand scenarios, identifying and raising visibility to risks and opportunities. Improves forecast accuracy by identifying key root causes for forecast errors and implements initiatives to improve future forecast accuracy. Reconciles significant variances through cross‑functional research and refines the forecast to reflect updated assumptions. Maintains a promotional campaign calendar to align short‑term campaign expectations with forecast variances. Collaborates with the sales team to capture changes by customer and communicates volume adjustments throughout supply‑chain channels. Monitors inventory levels to ensure inventories meet short‑term forecast demand changes. Utilizes available systems (ERP, CRM) to develop reports that monitor sales and delivery activity necessary to measure the effectiveness of forecast modeling. Participates in and may lead Sales and Operations Planning meetings providing insight into customer segment ordering trends or variances. Collaborates with the Demand Planning team to incorporate new products and transition out obsolete products from the forecast cycle. Key Performance Indicators Forecast accuracy, reduction in variances. Demand vs Schedule alignment. Adherence to scheduled fulfilment to team goal of 90%. Key Challenges and Decisions The Demand Planner is a new role and will require ingenuity to incorporate necessary processes and procedures. MRP capabilities are not yet integrated within the ERP system, and CRM is not integrated within the sales order entry system. The role requires drawing accurate conclusions from large sets of data. Job Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain or other relevant fields with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a demand planning/forecasting role. 3–5 years’ experience with demand planning, forecasting models and applications. Solid understanding of inventory management practices and procedures. Knowledge of MRP processes. Experience with JD Edwards software a plus. Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills. Must be detail‑oriented, self‑motivated, and able to respond quickly to a fast‑moving and ever‑changing environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Conducts all activities with the highest of integrity. Good computer skills including word processing and spreadsheet proficiency. Organizational Context The Demand Planner reports to the Sales and Operations Planning Manager and collaborates cross‑functionally with Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Finance. Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Insurance Coverage Employer Provided Life Insurance Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability Benefits 401(k) Contribution Matching Program Employer Funded Defined Contribution Plan Paid Vacation, Holidays and Community Service Volunteer Time‑off Wellness Program Educational Assistance Reimbursement Program Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement Kinetico Incorporated is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act*), or any other legally protected status, with respect to employment opportunities. E-Verify: We verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. #J-18808-Ljbffr