Demand Planner

Job Title: Demand Planner FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Sales Operations Supervises: None

Reports to: Manager, Demand Planning

General Overview:

Manage the end-to-end demand planning process for assigned customers/channels, including developing and optimizing SKU-level forecasts. Optimize demand plans to serve consumers, drive profitable growth, and deliver revenue targets while improving forecast accuracy and Forecast Value Added (FVA). Provide decision support across the organization with data-driven insights.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Sales Leads and Product Managers to develop strategic long-range revenue plans by account and category and align these plans with Supply Chain capacity and sourcing strategies.
• Achieve consensus for demand forecasts by facilitating a collaborative planning process with Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain teams using a structured SIOP cadence.
• Monitor and analyze industry trends and market changes to inform baseline statistical models, adjust forecast drivers, and maintain accurate SKU-level forecasts.
• Prepare for and participate in cross-functional meetings to present sales analysis, forecast changes, recommended actions, and ensure key strategies are executed.
• Analyze customer data, including market-related data, POS data, sell-through targets, margin goals, competitive intelligence, and other key metrics to maximize sales and profitability while limiting RTV and MD exposure.
• Focus on exceeding key KPIs, including forecast accuracy/error (MAE, bias), Forecast Value Added (FVA), customer service levels, and more.
• Coordinate and communicate customer action plans with Supply Planning.
• Facilitate and manage demand planning customer meetings.
• Maintain demand plans and strategy in Anaplan and ensure forecasting modules, input data, hierarchies, and algorithms are kept current and accurate.
• Monitor short-term and long-term trends in forecast performance and adjust future forecasts based on statistical insights and root-cause analysis.
• Analyze and manage risk assessments and mitigation activities using scenario planning, demand shaping, and probability-based forecasting techniques.
• Propose and implement solutions to improve forecast accuracy through model enhancements, improved inputs, and continuous FVA analysis.
• Address demand-related issues in a timely and effective manner using data-driven recommendations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field.
• 3-5 years sales forecasting or inventory management experience at a CPG or retail company.
• Advanced analytical skills - ability to brainstorm, gather data, detect outliers or trends, interpret data, and make decisions using multiple data points.
• Strong forecasting skills - experience using statistical forecasting methods (exponential smoothing, regression, decomposition, ensemble) and metrics such as MAE, bias, FVA, RMSE, CVAR, etc.
• Strong knowledge of retail math and the ability to analyze sales and inventory trends to guide forecasting decisions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with high-level Excel capabilities.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems; JD Edwards preferred.
• Experience with demand planning systems; Anaplan strongly preferred.
• Positive, solution-focused attitude with a team-oriented growth mindset.
• Commitment to continuous improvement using best-practice frameworks such as SIOP and FVA analysis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including influencing abilities.
• Passion for sports and drive to succeed (preferred).

Specific Knowledge, Skills or Abilities Required:

• Understanding of the impact of demand changes on service levels, inventory, and supply chain capacity.
• Ability to identify trends and forecast levels using statistical tools and business intelligence.
• Strong understanding of demand planning systems (ideally Anaplan).
• Highly analytical with strong communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of advanced mathematical, statistical, and forecasting methods and best practices.

Competencies:

• Customer Mindset: Exceptional customer experience is a primary focus. Quality is a top priority.
• Adaptability & Innovation: Adapts proactively to changing business needs; offers creative, efficient solutions.
• Relationship Building: Builds constructive relationships with inclusion, cooperation, and mutual respect.
• Accountability: Takes personal responsibility for quality and timeliness; strives to exceed expectations.
• Decision Making and Judgment: Makes timely, informed decisions considering goals, constraints, and risks.
• Talent Development (Self and Others): Commits to ongoing learning; supports development of colleagues

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. Position may be required to perform other duties as needed.