Business Planning Analyst

Business Planning Analyst

The Business Planning Analyst is responsible for leading inventory planning and demand forecasting strategies that align with overall business objectives. This role serves as a key partner across Sales, Supply Chain, and Operations, driving data-informed decision-making to optimize inventory levels, improve service performance, and minimize excess and obsolete inventory. The position requires advanced analytical capabilities, strong business acumen, and the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Own and lead the demand forecasting and inventory planning process across assigned product categories or business units
• Develop and implement inventory strategies that balance service levels, working capital, and operational efficiency
• Partner closely with Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations to align forecasts with business plans and market trends
• Lead the monthly Demand Review as part of the SIOP process, ensuring alignment across Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Planning
• Analyze complex data sets to identify risks, opportunities, and actionable insights that impact inventory performance
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators such as forecast accuracy, inventory turns, fill rates, and excess/obsolete inventory
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance forecasting accuracy and inventory optimization processes
• Serve as a subject matter expert on inventory planning systems, tools, and best practices
• Lead cross-functional meetings and influence decision-making related to demand planning and inventory management
• Collaborate with external partners or vendors, as needed, to ensure alignment on planning and replenishment strategies

Education And/or Experience: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Mathematics, or a related field
• 2+ years of experience in inventory planning, demand planning, supply chain analytics, or a related field
• Proven experience owning and managing demand forecasting and inventory planning processes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets and translate insights into actionable strategies
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, advanced formulas, data modeling)
• Experience working with ERP systems (such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms)
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive business decisions
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present data and recommendations to leadership
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• 4+ years of experience in inventory planning, forecasting, or supply chain strategy
• Experience in a manufacturing, retail, or consumer goods environment
• Hands-on experience with demand planning or forecasting tools (e.g., SAP IBP, Kinaxis, Anaplan, or similar)
• Experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar platforms
• Working knowledge of SQL, Power Query, or other data extraction/manipulation tools
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives or projects with measurable business impact
• Prior experience mentoring or guiding junior team members
• Strong understanding of inventory optimization techniques, service level management, and working capital trade-offs
• Continuous improvement mindset with experience in process optimization, standardization, or automation initiatives