Overview
We are seeking a highly analytical and commercially astute Demand Planner to drive strategic forecasting and shape our demand planning process and capabilities across a dynamic and growing SKU portfolio. This role operates at the intersection of Sales, Supply Chain, and Finance to align demand signals with business objectives and market realities. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in FMCG / CPG planning environments, be highly collaborative, and influence cross-functional teams, including senior leadership, through data and insights. This is a hands-on, highly visible role for an analytical self-starter who thrives on driving cross-functional alignment and business outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Master Business Dynamics: Analyze baseline volumes, promotional lift effects, seasonality patterns, and market trends to understand demand drivers. Develop and maintain rolling forecasts using statistical models, market intelligence, and input from commercial teams.
- Drive Multi-Level Forecasting: Own end-to-end demand forecasts—SKU, category, and regional—partnering with Sales Account Managers and Field Sales to align on targets and assumptions.
- Optimize Forecasting Tools: Ensure Oracle Cloud and Excel inputs are accurate and up to date; deliver clear, actionable outputs to Customer Business Teams and Supply Planning.
- Facilitate Consensus & Alignment: Lead cross-functional demand review sessions, synthesize divergent views, and secure stakeholder buy-in from Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance to a unified forecast.
- Leverage Data & Insights: Surface and interpret key trends, analyses, and KPIs to inform decisions and identify opportunities for improvement. Understand baseline volume, promotional lift, seasonality, new product introductions, and competitive dynamics. Translate sales targets, marketing plans, and external market signals into actionable demand plans.
- Steer S&OP Excellence: Own the Sales & Operations Planning process end-to-end—from data collection and roll-up to presentation of final plans and follow-up on action items.
- Elevate Performance Metrics: Monitor Forecast Accuracy and Bias, diagnose root causes of variance, and implement initiatives to exceed KPI goals.
- Champion Cross-Functional Projects: Contribute to strategic initiatives such as new product launches, system optimizations, and process enhancements. Develop KPIs and dashboards to monitor forecast performance and drive continuous improvement.
Experience & Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Business Analytics, or a closely related quantitative field.
- Advanced coursework or certification (e.g., APICS CPIM / CSCP, ISE’s Demand Planning certification) is a plus.
- 5+ years as a Demand Planner or Sales Planning Analyst in FMCG / CPG industries.
- Experience working with large retail customers, trade promotion planning, and e-commerce is a plus.
- Exposure to end-to-end S&OP / IBP cycles, including demand reviews, supply reviews, and executive business reviews.
- Familiarity with time-series methods (moving averages, regression, causal modeling) and basic programming (SQL, Python / R) to manipulate and analyze large datasets.
- Strong results orientation, well organized, and able to prioritize effectively; detail-oriented with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills; Oracle Cloud knowledge is a plus.
- Experience working effectively in a virtual team environment; excellent communication and influencing skills across commercial and operational teams.
- English is the working language; knowledge of French is preferred.
Growth Opportunities & Company Info
- Bimbo Canada is committed to personal and professional growth, offering training and advancement opportunities within the organization.
- Innovation and being at the forefront of manufacturing and service delivery in the baking industry.
- The Bimbo Way emphasizes integrity, sharp operations, and long-term perspective; recognized as one of Canada’s Most Admired Cultures by Waterstone Human Capital and named one of the Best Places to Work by Canadian HR Reporter (CHRR) in 2024.
About Us
As part of the largest baking company in the world, Bimbo Canada is a leading producer and distributor of packaged fresh bread, bakery products and snacks. We produce and distribute more than 1,000 products across 18 brands Canadians know and trust. We operate 15 bakeries and employ approximately 4,000 associates across Canada.
Legal & Equal Opportunity
Bimbo Canada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building a diverse workplace that promotes diversity, equity and belonging. We invite qualified individuals of all backgrounds to apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Offers are conditional upon successful completion of pre-hire background checks as appropriate for the role and permitted by law.