Demand Planner-Forecaster - Remote

Job OverviewThe primary responsibilities of a Demand Planner Forecaster include managing customer and internal promotional projections and incremental forecasts for turn inventory or new products across all UNFI regions and National Procurement categories, representing over 185 million cases and ~$4.5 billion annually. The incumbent will work collaboratively with Customer Care, Replenishment, Merchandising, Sales, and Retail Customers to determine the amount of inventory needed for customer promotions and other events above and beyond normal turn inventory. The incumbent will drive total demand signal accuracy, customer fill rate, and limit excess product related to incremental sales volume.Job ResponsibilitiesResponsible for accuracy and timeliness of forecasting all additional demand needs to drive fill rate without generating excess through weekly forecast reviews, direct engagement with internal and external key stakeholders, and detailed historical and trend analysisBe able to influence key retailers to drive for the most accurate demand signal through data and industry knowledgeDecision Maker on all forecast accuracy touchpoints for UNFI and retail driven promotions leveraging historical and customer-provided dataBuilds and leverages strong relationships with highly complex customers and suppliers to drive results and hosts regular meetings to drive accountability 5.0%Ability to work independently to identify opportunities, determine the best way forward and implement solutionsIn concert with key partners develop and oversee and execute the strategy for seasonal volume builds generating an action plan and maintaining accountability throughout the planned activityGenerate and successfully utilize systemic and Excel-based reporting to drive daily execution of all duties including mid and post-action reviews to drive understanding and action and leftover and OOS visibility to understand root cause and implement changes for future activityReview reporting with key stakeholders and maintain accountability with internal and external partnersEngage with Customers, Manufacturers, and external UNFI departments as the subject matter expert on Demand Planning processes and actions, taking follow-up action where appropriate to support the businessResponsible for ensuring overall promotional maintenance is completed, including but not limited to ads/deletes, date changes, type changes, and quantity adjustmentsEngage key stakeholders to oversee the creation and management of non-promotional added demand including, but not limited to, new item launches, new and added stores, DC sourcing changes, new customers, and loss of customersTake a continuous improvement approach to all aspects of their assigned desk, sharing opportunities and improvements across the team to encourage broad-based improvement and efficiencyEducate and train internal and external partners on expectations and impacts of incremental demand accuracy to drive accountability on timeliness and completeness of ads and ensure proper processes are followed to maintain visibility and drive action at the right levelsPerforms other duties as assigned.Job Requirements: Education/ CertificationsBachelor's degree in a related field preferred or equivalent experienceExperience3-4 years of relevant experience.Knowledge/Skills/ AbilitiesHave a thorough knowledge of procurement and logistics processesGeneral understanding of promotional practicesStrong analytical and math skill setProficient in Microsoft ExcelCapable of learning and utilizing multiple disparate systemsAbility to identify and understand trendsAbility to investigate and analyze information and to draw conclusionsExcellent problem-solving capabilitiesStrong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Ability to use own judgement to make decisions and drive resultsCan work independently as well as with a larger groupAbility to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projectsAbility to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential informationGood judgment is required for this position, as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.Work EnvironmentThis position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.Travel (minor): This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.About UNFIWe are North America's premier grocery wholesaler, delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to community grocers and retail chains alike. A pioneer in natural and organic foods, we are growing and transforming to meet the needs of an evolving workplace. Our 29,000+ employees work across America in our 50 Distribution Centers and corporate offices. Learn more: Organic, Natural and Conventional Food | Wholesale Food Distributors | UNFIUNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.CompensationUNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.BenefitsFor Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), for Washington-specific paid time off details.Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.UNFI's compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company's sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.J-18808-Ljbffr UNFI