Demand Planner

AFL•Duncan, SC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Demand Planner supports the demand planning process within the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) framework and coordinates and executes the monthly Demand Review meeting to reach agreement on the latest 24-month rolling forecast. If consensus cannot be reached, the Demand Planner recommends the final decision. The role oversees statistical forecasting models across product lines, supports accurate Salesforce demand-funnel data, and communicates forecast information, commercial drivers, and risks to global planning and other stakeholders. It also monitors forecast accuracy and bias, drives continuous process improvement, and mentors Demand Analyst(s). The role has forecast approval authority before forecasts are presented to senior management or incorporated into S&OP, and may implement changes to the demand planning process within the team. It recommends demand-planning technologies and tools for approval by the VP Supply Chain and determines how to manage key stakeholder relationships. The working environment includes a normal office and manufacturing facility environment; some, infrequent travel may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Statistics, Engineering, or a related field.
Minimum 5–7 years of experience in demand planning or related roles within manufacturing organizations, including at least 5 years in a manufacturing or supply chain role.
Demonstrated experience building and leading a high-performance demand team and developing team members.
Strong track record of improving forecast accuracy and inventory performance.
Experience with leading demand-planning software, such as SAP APO, Oracle Demantra, or JDA.
Proficiency in Salesforce CRM and its integration with demand-planning processes.
Advanced proficiency in statistical forecasting techniques and software, such as SAS, R, or Python.
Strong understanding of supply chain management principles and S&OP processes.
Expertise in inventory management and optimization techniques.
Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools, such as Tableau or Power BI.
Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, macros, and VBA.
Knowledge of ERP systems and their integration with demand-planning tools.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication and presentation abilities.
Leadership and team-management skills, including the ability to mentor and develop direct reports.
Strong influencing skills to drive cross-functional collaboration.
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Detail-oriented approach with a focus on accuracy.
Adaptability and willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.
Strategic thinking and ability to see the big picture.

Nice To Haves

MBA.
Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or another relevant professional certification, such as APICS.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the demand planning process within the S&OP framework, including coordinating and executing the monthly Demand Review meeting to gain agreement on the latest 24-month rolling forecast; recommend a final decision if consensus cannot be reached.
Oversee the development and maintenance of statistical forecasting models for all product lines, in dollars and units, to support Latest Estimates, Operating Plans, and financial projections.
Collaborate with the Customer Operations Analyst to maintain the demand funnel and ensure data accuracy in Salesforce.
Work with Global Planning to communicate forecasts, commercial drivers, and risks, and resolve questions about demand forecast data.
Collaborate with sales and marketing to incorporate promotional activities and market intelligence into demand forecasts.
Analyze market trends, seasonality, and historical data to identify patterns and improve forecast accuracy.
Facilitate consensus demand-planning meetings and resolve conflicts between functional areas.
Monitor forecast accuracy and bias and implement corrective actions as needed.
Provide regular reporting on key demand-planning metrics to senior management.
Identify and manage risks related to demand volatility.
Drive continuous improvement in demand-planning processes and systems.
Mentor and develop Demand Analyst(s), supporting their growth and performance.
Approve demand forecasts before they are presented to senior management or incorporated into the S&OP process.
Implement demand-planning process changes within the team.
Recommend demand-planning technologies or tools for approval by the VP Supply Chain.
Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including decisions about meeting participation and how demand-planning insights are presented.