Demand Planning Specialist

Nestle Operational Services Worldwide SA•Solon, OH

4d•$73,903 - $98,165

About The Position

The Demand Planning Specialist is responsible for accurate category-level demand forecasting. The role collaborates with the statistical modeling team and cross-functional partners, analyzes market trends and business drivers, and uses data to develop and maintain forecasts for assigned product categories. The Specialist works with DP & DSP Managers to gather insights, adjust forecasts, and communicate forecast changes and findings that inform supply chain and business decisions. Success requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, independent decision-making, and effective communication. The position supports demand planning across a rolling, longer-term horizon and generates base demand forecasts at the Item/DC/Week level. It also contributes to inventory optimization, supply chain efficiency, forecast accuracy, and the development of standard planning methodologies and foundational processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree; Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field is preferred.
Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including the ability to interpret complex data, market trends, and customer insights.
Proficiency in statistical forecasting methods, demand planning software, and advanced Microsoft Excel.
Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, time-management, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work across organizational levels.
Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to influence with integrity and without authority.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic business environment.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and recognize when to act independently versus escalate or seek leadership alignment.
Creative-thinking and problem-solving skills, including developing solutions to complex problems without a clear single answer.
Minimum of 2+ years of experience in Supply Planning, Demand Planning, Supply Chain, Analytics, Operations, or a related field.
Experience with ERP systems and demand planning software.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain demand forecasts for assigned product categories using historical data, market trends, and stakeholder insights.
Analyze category trends, trade promotions, high-reaching products, seasonality, retail consumption, and distribution channels to build a demand plan across a rolling longer-term horizon.
Partner with the statistical modeling team to apply statistical models and parameters and generate base demand forecasts in the forecasting system at the Item/DC/Week level.
Work with DP & DSP Managers and stakeholders across Supply Chain, Sales, and Marketing to gather data, business drivers, and insights that improve forecast accuracy.
Communicate forecast changes, risks, opportunities, and key insights to DP & DSP Managers to support supply chain and broader business decisions.
Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer behavior; identify potential demand fluctuations and adjust forecasts accordingly.
Conduct regular forecast reviews and incorporate stakeholder inputs and business drivers into the demand forecast.
Collaborate with Supply Chain and Production teams to support optimal inventory levels, minimize stockouts and excess inventory, and improve supply chain efficiency.
Maintain awareness of factory and production capacity, distribution center constraints, and raw material supply and assess their potential effects on forward-looking demand.
Identify and communicate potential risks and opportunities based on demand forecasts.
Provide regular reporting and analysis on forecast accuracy, demand trends, and key performance indicators.
Continuously improve demand planning processes, methodologies, and systems to enhance forecast accuracy and efficiency.
Support Supply Chain by establishing standard methodologies and foundational processes.