Demand Planning Analyst

Nature's Way•Green Bay, WI

About The Position

The Demand Planning Analyst is a key member of the Supply Chain team, responsible for demand planning a large portfolio of products and delivering the operational forecast while continually working to improve forecast accuracy. The role develops demand forecasts for a rolling 0–24-month horizon, creates and reviews statistical forecast models, analyzes sales and market trends, and gathers and validates data and insights to produce monthly forecasts. The analyst works collaboratively with Sales, Sales Planning, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, and IT to support the S&OP process and organizational goals. The role prepares and presents content for the Demand Review step of S&OP, helping cross-functional stakeholders reach a consensus forecast. It also maintains demand planning software and related reporting and documentation, investigates forecast error and forecast-value add, identifies improvement opportunities, and performs ad hoc analysis as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, or Supply Chain.
Ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a diverse team.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly advanced Excel functions, and Power BI or other reporting software.
Strong ability to influence with integrity and without authority.
Business analysis skills, including the ability to recognize implications and provide consultative solutions or recommendations.
High-level understanding of statistical models and demand planning techniques.
General understanding of retailer/practitioner go-to-market principles and Marketing volume drivers.
Ability to interpret data and communicate conclusions and recommendations to different levels of management.
Flexibility to adapt to a complex and changing organization, structure, and work priorities.
Ability to work efficiently, identify material issues, make independent decisions, and work with minimal supervision.
Strong problem-solving, prioritization, communication, and relationship-building abilities.
Positive attitude, professionalism, and integrity.

Nice To Haves

Two to four years of experience in Demand Planning or Sales Planning.
Previous knowledge of SAP IBP or demand planning industry software.
Certification with IBF or ASCM.
Basic skills in Business Objects and Microsoft Access.

Responsibilities

Develop demand forecasts for an assigned product portfolio over a rolling 0–24-month horizon.
Gather, analyze, and validate data; develop, review, and modify statistical forecast models.
Analyze forecast error and forecast-value add, and apply techniques and strategies to improve forecast accuracy.
Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, and other cross-functional teams to integrate relevant data, insights, and assumptions into the demand forecast.
Assess consumption, market trends, new product launches, and customer activity, and adjust forecasts appropriately.
Document and review forecast input assumptions and analyze inputs post-mortem to identify improvement opportunities.
Prepare and present materials for the Demand Review step of the S&OP process, clearly communicating demand drivers, recommendations, assumptions, risks, opportunities, and gaps to budget.
Influence stakeholders and drive resolution toward an aligned operational forecast.
Attend and participate in relevant S&OP and planning meetings.
Maintain the demand planning system and software, including creating, modifying, and testing alternative statistical forecast algorithms.
Partner with IT to understand technical job requirements, responsibilities, and processes.
Document standard processes and procedures and maintain relevant demand planning data and reporting.
Perform ad hoc analysis to support leaders and organizational requests.
Identify, recommend, or implement processes and tools to improve forecast accuracy.

Benefits

Medical plan options, including a PPO or one of two high-deductible plans with a company contribution to a personal health savings account.
Dental coverage through Delta Dental PPO, with an option to select an enhanced dental plan.
Routine preventive vision coverage under the medical plan and optional additional voluntary vision coverage.
Eleven holidays off per year and paid time off starting at a minimum of two weeks per year.
401(k) company match of up to 4% when employees contribute a minimum of 6%, plus a potential profit-sharing contribution if the company meets annual targets.
Company-provided short-term and long-term disability coverage.
Life and AD&D insurance.
Flexible spending accounts.
Voluntary critical illness and accident coverage.
New parent phase-in program and paternity leave.
Educational assistance reimbursement.
Product discounts.
Wellness program.