Senior Demand Planning Specialist

Rexroth•Fountain Inn, SC

About The Position

The Senior Demand Planner and Analyst balances cross-functional consensus-building with statistical forecast accuracy through rigorous data cleansing and advanced modeling. The role creates and manages demand plans and rolling statistical forecasts to support high product availability across market cycles while optimizing global inventory levels. As a key contributor to Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and Integrated Business Planning (IBP), the position works across Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain to balance supply and demand and support strategic goals.

Requirements

At least 7 years of experience in demand planning, supply chain analysis, or a similar role.
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Statistics, or a related field.
Advanced experience with statistical forecasting software, S/4HANA, and S&OP planning platforms.
High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced modeling, formulas, and data manipulation.
Strong capabilities with business intelligence and data tools such as SQL, Power BI, and Tableau for dashboards and report automation.
Solid understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes, including BOM explosions, capacity planning, and financial planning alignment.
Exceptional analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including the ability to lead cross-functional workshops, influence stakeholders, and build business consensus.
Structured, analytical, systematic, and goal-oriented approach to planning.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex data and present it clearly and concisely.
Must be authorized to work in the United States indefinitely; future work-authorization sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced certification, such as IBF or APICS.
Experience with S&OP planning platforms such as Kinaxis Rapid Response, SAP IBP, or Anaplan.

Responsibilities

Design, build, and maintain statistical forecast models on a rolling 24-to-33-month horizon to support mid- and long-term Capacity Planning (CAPL).
Manage the Statistical Forecast scenario as a direct input to the Demand working scenario, ensuring only actively validated plans flow into S&OP cycles.
Analyze historical sales data and market intelligence to identify demand patterns and disaggregate data from site level to material-site, product hierarchy, core business field, or customer level.
Perform forecast error analysis, including MAPE, to improve forecast quality and reduce bias.
Track, analyze, and report KPIs, especially forecast accuracy and bias, explain variances, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Lead monthly root cause analysis and define actionable measures for part numbers that miss forecast accuracy targets.
Set up automated alerts to identify significant deviations between actual sales orders and demand or consensus plans, and provide actionable insights for internal use and customer review.
Facilitate monthly S&OP and Demand Validation meetings to align stakeholders on a consensus forecast.
Manage product lifecycles by maintaining planning master data, including LifeCyclePhase, and executing new product launches and phase-outs.
Establish and evaluate safety stock policies, inventory planning strategies, and replenishment plans to balance customer service levels and inventory costs.
Provide ad hoc analytical support and scenario planning to senior management on volume mix changes and other business inquiries.