Sr Demand Planner

Ulta Beauty, Inc.•Bolingbrook, IL

About The Position

The Senior Demand Planner is responsible for developing and executing demand forecasts and inventory planning strategies across a portfolio of strategic brands. This role serves as a key partner to Merchandise Financial Planning, Inventory Planning and Supply Chain, translating business insights into accurate forecasts and actionable inventory recommendations. The Senior Demand Planner drives continuous improvement in forecasting processes, inventory performance, and cross-functional collaboration while leading initiatives that enhance planning capabilities and support Ulta Beauty's growth objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Business Analytics, Supply Chain, or a related field (MBA or Master’s preferred)
7+ years of progressive experience in demand planning, forecasting, inventory planning, or supply chain analytics within a retail or consumer products environment, including demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives.
Proven track record of driving demand planning improvements and optimizing inventory strategies, knowledge of demand forecasting models ( e.g., Time Series, Bayesian, etc.)
Advanced proficiency in demand planning systems (e.g., Manhattan DFIO, SAP APO, o9, Blue Yonder, Kinaxis, Anaplan)
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to communicate complex ideas to various audiences in both a technical and user-friendly language
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt quickly with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and intellectually curious, with a strong ability to make proactive recommendations

Responsibilities

Develop, manage, and continuously refine demand forecasts and order projections using historical sales, market trends, and promotional insights; adjust forecasting parameters to improve accuracy
Lead and facilitate demand planning projects and cross-functional initiatives, ensuring alignment, execution, and delivery of measurable business outcomes
Support short and long-term demand planning by aligning SKU-level forecasts with category and seasonal targets; identify and communicate risks and opportunities with clear root-cause insights
Partner with Merchandise Financial Planning and Inventory teams to evaluate forecasts and order projections, ensuring alignment to financial plans and efficient inventory flow
Deliver data-driven insights on forecast and order changes, enabling informed decisions with clear financial and margin implications
Utilize data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI) to translate complex data into actionable insights for leadership
Analyze and reconcile forecast variances, identify key drivers, and recommend actions to improve accuracy and business outcomes
Influence and mentor cross-functional partners through best practices in forecasting, inventory management, and analytical problem solving
Lead key engagements with the ability to craft a story and tell it through impactful visuals and produce alignment to actions and decisions.
Anticipate downstream impacts of decisions across the end-to-end planning process and proactively address risks
Evaluate trends and recommend, lead, or support new ways of working in an evolving, and at times ambiguous, environment
Champion a customer-first mindset by clearly defining business problems, success metrics, and measurement approaches across stakeholders
Provide data-driven recommendations to improve supply chain efficiency and financial performance
Identify opportunities to enhance forecasting methodologies, tools, and automation
Lead or contribute to system enhancements and integration projects.
Utilize advanced analytical techniques, including predictive modeling, machine learning, and statistical analysis, to generate actionable insights.