Demand Planner

Graco•Rogers, MN

17d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Demand Planner supports demand planning for a key business category. This role analyzes trends, builds accurate demand forecasts in partnership with Sales and Marketing, and collaborates across teams to optimize inventory and support business goals. The position works closely with Operations and Supply Chain Planning, Sales, Marketing, and Finance to align demand with capacity and long-term business strategies. The Demand Planner develops, analyzes, and maintains the demand planning system for assigned product categories. The role monitors business trends, seasonality, and market factors that may affect demand; adjusts forecasts accordingly; and identifies opportunities to improve forecast accuracy, processes, and data quality. The planner also communicates challenges and risks to support business continuity and informed decisions. The role supports the S&OP process by aligning demand assumptions, promotional impacts, and inventory strategies with cross-functional partners. It partners with Product teams on forecasts for new product introductions, including cannibalization, and adjusts plans based on early sales performance. The position also presents data-driven insights and scenario modeling to inform strategic decisions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Analytics, or a related field.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional partners.
Continuous improvement mindset and a passion for driving results.
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
High proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent and unrestricted basis; temporary employment authorization is not eligible.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain analysis is preferred.
Experience with planning systems or ERP tools; Oracle is a plus.
Knowledge of Supply Chain and lean manufacturing concepts, practices, and procedures.

Responsibilities

Develop, analyze, and maintain the demand plan system for assigned product categories to ensure forecast accuracy and business alignment.
Monitor business trends, seasonality, and market factors that may impact demand, and adjust forecasts accordingly.
Identify opportunities to improve forecasting accuracy, streamline processes, and enhance data quality through continuous improvement initiatives.
Communicate challenges and risks in a timely manner to support business continuity and informed decision-making.
Partner with Marketing, Sales, Finance, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to align demand assumptions, promotional impacts, and inventory strategies.
Partner with Product teams to create demand plans for new product introductions, including launch forecasts and cannibalization estimates.
Adjust new-product plans based on early sales performance to support successful market entry.
Identify and present data-driven insights and scenario modeling to influence strategic decisions.