Demand Planning Supply Chain Sr. Specialist

MicroPort Orthopedics•Lakeland, TN

About The Position

Responsible for demand, production and inventory planning of stable, established product lines, typically produced at a single location, to support business plan and meet established customer service levels involving limited supply sources. Participates in Integrated Business Planning (IBP) meetings. Must be able to analyze data, recognize trends and develop appropriate strategies to meet supply requirements and develop solutions. High level decision making position that requires advanced ability in problem solving, analysis, reasoning and creativity. Outcome of decisions could impact company’s financial performance and customer service.

Requirements

Thorough working knowledge of: ERP systems and use of associated planning and inventory management modules
Principles of Manufacturing capacity planning, including contract manufacturing at multiple locations
Material management principles and techniques
Understanding of LEAN manufacturing principles
Microsoft Office suite software
Analytical skills with experience in the use of Microsoft Excel functionality
Global distribution and customer demand management
Working in a team environment
Data Driven Decision making
Verbal and written communication skills
Bachelor’s Degree
Minimum five years related work experience in inventory, production or demand planning functions, including two in a manufacturing environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in technical field or a business related degree

Responsibilities

Monitor the sales forecast and prepare analysis reports: Analyze discrepancies between actual sales trends and the statistical forecast, identifying key drivers.
Manage and maintain statistical forecasting models: Use specialized software (e.g., Forecast Pro) to import historical sales data, generate, and adjust preliminary statistical forecasts.
Prepare monthly forecast reports: Consolidate final forecast, actual sales, and budget data into Power BI reports; conduct variance analysis and review with sales and finance teams.
Ensure the completeness and accuracy of forecast data: Proactively maintain customer master data before running the forecasting process, ensuring new customers are correctly assigned to their corresponding forecast regions.
Challenge and refine forecasts submitted by the sales team: Review sales team input to ensure alignment with financial budgets, and question/follow up on overly optimistic forecasts.
Analyze non-routine demand: Specifically track and analyze the "sales of non-forecasted items" to gain a comprehensive understanding of the business and improve future forecasts.
Participate in monthly IBP/S&OP meetings: Present forecast results during Integrated Business Planning meetings and align demand plans with sales, marketing, finance, and other departments.
Handle forecasting for specific business models: Develop separate forecasting processes and methods for specific scenarios, such as those for distributors (Category D items).
Support new products and demand transitions: Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to develop forecasts and supply plans for products undergoing demand changes (e.g., new product launches or phase-outs).
Continuous learning and process optimization: Research and provide trend analysis based on historical product mix ratios to support forecasting judgment, and contribute to optimizing the forecasting process and accuracy.