Demand Planner

IDEX•Brenham, TX

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Demand Planner leads the demand planning process for an agreed portfolio of products at Precision Polymer Engineering (PPE), part of IDEX Corporation. Based at PPE’s manufacturing plant in Brenham, Texas, this role connects commercial teams, finance, and supply chain to develop and communicate demand plans and support supply chain, production, financial, and SIOP planning. The planner analyzes information, makes decisions affecting the demand plan, and identifies and addresses variances, risks, and opportunities across the business. The role also contributes to the development of PPE’s demand planning processes, systems, data, and organizational knowledge. The successful candidate will work with commercial, operational, and finance teams to influence strategic and operational decisions and support the continuing development of demand planning capability. Occasional international travel may be required to collaborate with colleagues at the Blackburn, UK facility and engage with customers and supply chain partners globally.

Requirements

Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Economics, or a related field.
At least 3 years of experience in a planning-related role.
Experience with demand planning software such as RapidResponse, SAP, Oracle, or similar.
Experience with ERP systems and demand planning software.
Examples of improving and driving the SIOP process.
Previous experience managing multiple SKUs or items in a complex supply chain.
Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis tools.
Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables and data modelling.
Proficiency in statistical analysis and forecasting techniques.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to develop and maintain strong cross-functional relationships.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
Knowledge of supply planning, inventory management principles, and supply chain processes.
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Understanding of market trends and their impact on demand.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Capability to adapt to changing circumstances and make informed decisions.

Responsibilities

Lead the monthly demand planning process for an agreed portfolio of products, serving as a bridge between commercial teams, finance, and supply chain.
Support implementation and development of demand planning software.
Contribute to the demand planning team’s performance using KPIs such as forecast accuracy, bias, and value add.
Partner with internal and external stakeholders to validate customer demand, forecasts, and market changes, and improve demand planning knowledge.
Support the Head of Demand Planning in developing, implementing, and governing forecasting best practices, planning processes, reporting tools, and software platforms.
Analyze sales data to generate demand forecasts and adjust forecasts based on market trends and sales performance.
Collaborate with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to gather input for demand planning.
Develop and maintain inventory targets aligned with demand forecasts.
Monitor and report demand planning KPIs, and prepare regular reports and presentations on planning metrics.
Identify and mitigate risks related to supply chain disruptions.
Develop strategies for new product introductions and phase-outs.
Maintain and improve demand planning processes and systems.
Communicate demand plans and adjustments to relevant stakeholders.
Conduct root cause analysis of discrepancies between forecasts and actual sales.
Participate in cross-functional meetings to align demand planning with business goals.
Help develop and drive the principles of the SIOP process.
Support finished-goods product availability and service, including on-time-in-full and on-time delivery.