Forecast and Replenishment Analyst

Merchants Distributors, LLC•Hickory, NC

About The Position

Performs forecasting support, reporting, and data integrity activities related to procurement and replenishment processes. The role focuses on analyzing forecast performance, identifying data or system issues, and supporting accurate demand planning within the Symphony DFAI system. Provides analytical insights and operational support to buyers, category managers, and leadership to improve forecast reliability and inventory execution. Entry Level Analytics

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business Analytics, Operations, Economics, or a related field, or equivalent experience
3–6 years of experience in forecasting, demand planning, replenishment, or supply chain analytics
Advanced Excel skills and experience with forecasting or replenishment systems
Strong analytical skills with proven ability to identify root causes and provide data-driven recommendations
Effective communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams

Nice To Haves

Experience with AI-enabled demand planning platforms and data visualization tools (Preferred)
Working knowledge of automation, exception-based workflows, or process improvement (Preferred)
Preferred Supply chain certifications such as CPIM or CSCP

Responsibilities

Analyze weekly forecast error percentages to identify root causes (e.g., promotions, seasonality, external factors) and recommend solutions to enhance accuracy in Symphony DFAI.
Collaborate with the DFAI team, Category Managers, and buyers to refine models, incorporate new data signals, and improve performance across 25,000+ SKUs, with emphasis on high-velocity and perishable items.
Monitor and drive improvements in forecast reference links, substitution links, and master data accuracy, shifting from manual corrections to exception-based reviews and automated validation rules.
Support proper submission and handling of promotional product data in Symphony DFAI to accurately capture lift and minimize residual inventory.
Identify opportunities to automate data-quality processes, interface maintenance, and routine audits, reducing manual effort while maintaining system integrity.
Monitor and support automated replenishment processes, focusing on exceptions, inter-DC transfers (e.g., between distribution centers and MDI), and inventory allocation based on promotions, seasonality, and available stock.
Conduct scenario planning for supply disruptions, new items, and demand shifts to inform replenishment and inventory planning decisions.
Act as a key analytical and system resource for Category Managers, buyers, IT, and leadership to review new support forecasting accuracy and data integrity.
Support promotional forecasting, post-promotion evaluation, and new item demand projections.
Partner with IT to prioritize and resolve interface errors, implement system updates, and integrate emerging technologies for greater automation and efficiency.
Research and manage Symphony system KPIs (including vendor and receiving data) and prepare actionable weekly/monthly reports and dashboards for buyers, Category Managers, leadership, and finance.
Track and communicate key performance metrics and provide data-driven recommendations to support supply chain performance improvement.