Demand Planning Analyst

Blain's Farm & Fleet•Janesville, WI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Demand Planning Analyst is responsible for short- and long-term demand planning and forecasting. This role ensures promotional quantities are sufficient to support advertised demand and that inventory flows efficiently to stores to maximize service levels and corporate performance goals. The analyst will utilize the replenishment system to order products from vendors and warehouses, generate POs for inventory fulfillment, and communicate with stores regarding stock issues and customer requests. Additionally, the role involves reviewing vendor performance, collaborating with management to adjust demand plans, creating demand forecasts, setting up new items, analyzing data for out-of-stock issues, and supporting key SKUs. The position also requires attending product knowledge seminars and Grand Opening events as needed.

Requirements

Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office software.
3-5 years of experience in retail, supply chain, or related experience
Knowledge of inventory metrics
Understanding of ladder planning principles and the application of it to support accurate forecasting
Strong math skills with ability to analyze statistics
Effective verbal and written communications skills
Strong problem solving and follow up skills
Excellent time management and organizational skills
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for establishing and maintaining strong relationships with vendors, store teams and management

Responsibilities

Responsible for short- and long-term demand planning and forecasting.
Ensure promotional quantities are sufficient to support advertised demand.
Ensure efficient inventory flow to stores to maximize service levels and corporate performance goals.
Utilize replenishment system to order products from vendors and warehouse.
Generate POs for inventory fulfillment that support the in-stock strategy for key merchandise categories, items, and vendors.
Communicate with stores regarding stock issues and customer requests including rain checks and special orders.
Review vendor performance to identify opportunities to improve lead times, fill rates, and prevent stock-outs.
Collaborate with Manager to monitor and adjust the demand plan using exception reporting.
Create demand forecasts based on sales history, market trends, sell-through, and seasonal shifts.
Set up new items for the replenishment system by collaborating with the merchant team.
Analyze data to identify root causes for out of stocks and offer solutions.
Support “never out” SKUs and top ranked corporate SKUs to inventory availability goals.
Attend product knowledge seminars as assigned.
Attend Grand Opening events and assist as appropriate.
Perform other duties as assigned.