Demand Planner - Ice Cream and Powder Blending

Idaho Milk Products

30d

About The Position

The Demand Planner - Ice Cream and Powder Blending is responsible for developing and executing accurate production forecasts and schedules for the Ice Cream and Powder Blending Plant. This role ensures alignment between customer demand, inventory levels, and manufacturing capacity. The planner collaborates cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, R&D, and Procurement to optimize production efficiency, reduce waste, and meet service level targets.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Food Science, or related field.
3+ years of experience in production planning or demand forecasting, preferably in food manufacturing.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in Excel, ERP systems, and planning tools.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Familiarity with GMP, HACCP, and food safety standards.

Nice To Haves

Experience with dairy, ice cream, or powder blending operations is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Develop rolling forecasts for ice cream and powder blending SKUs based on historical data, market trends, and customer input.
Collaborate with Sales and Business Development to incorporate promotional activity, seasonal demand, and new product launches.
Maintain forecast accuracy metrics and continuously improve planning models.
Translate demand forecasts into executable production schedules for both ice cream and powder blending lines.
Balance labor, equipment, and material constraints to optimize throughput and minimize changeovers.
Coordinate with Operations to adjust schedules in response to unplanned downtime or supply disruptions.
Monitor raw material and finished goods inventory levels to ensure availability while minimizing excess.
Work with Procurement to align material deliveries with production needs.
Support inventory reconciliation and reporting for cream, powder, and inclusions.
Partner with R&D and QA to ensure production plans accommodate trials, reformulations, and quality holds.
Liaise with Maintenance and Engineering to plan around equipment availability and preventive maintenance.
Participate in S&OP meetings and provide data-driven insights to support strategic decisions.
Utilize ERP and planning software (e.g., Power BI, SAP, Oracle) to manage forecasts, schedules, and inventory.
Generate weekly and monthly reports on forecast accuracy, production attainment, and inventory health.
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to planning and scheduling.